Reforestation Facts Stir California

By Jack Dionne

Not since the Forty Niners looked for the first time upon the great forests of California, has there ever been manifested within this state one half the interest that is now stirring on the subject of the forests-particularly with regard to their replacement.

It is the big subject of the hour. Which shows how quickly interest in such things develop, and to what poini enthusiasm may be aroused. For the lumber manufacturers and timber holders of California have found the subject a most directly fascinating one.

Not long ago the famous forest scientist, Dr. Schenk, came to California. He sat down with a bunch of cali_ fornia lumber manufacturers and timber owners, and spoke a mouthful. And when he had finished had given them food for thought that rapidly grew into a tide of discussion.

So the other day there was a big called meeting of the lumber manufacturers of the state, and there was a big discussion of Dr. Schenk's statements. Some of it was behind closed doors. Some was in the open.

And when it was over the tide of interest in the subjcct had increased and multiplied- It witt be said, when the history of the lumber business in California is written, that the reforesting of the state forests began really from thc day Da Schenk spoke his piece to the lumber men.

And what Dr. Schenk did was simply to turn upsidc down and topsy-turvy the previously prevalent ideas concerning the re-growth of California timber on PINE LANDS. Please understand that this particularly applies to this species, for the reforesting work of the Redwood people seems built on a solid foundation. With S0-yearold Redwood second growth timber measuring more than 100,000 feet to the acre, it may well be said that Redwood re-growth is a success.

Dr. Schenk told the pine men that in the first place pine was difficult to grow, was comparatively slow of growth, and that they were foolish to try and make pine grow when the original stand is cut. He said to gtow White Fir. It is a fact that White Fir springs up everywhere on the land where White Pine has been cut away. It is the volunteer growth. It grows much more rapidly than pine, is much easier to grow and care for than pine, and is a very valuable wood. The market on it today isn't much, but twenty years from today it will be wonderful. White Fir will make lumber and timbers, and what is much more, it will make WOOD PULP. So quit trying to grow pine on your pine lands, and grow White Fir, said the famous forester.

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