Our forests are exposed to destruction by many enemies, the worst of which is fire. From 8,000,000 to 12,000,000 acres of forest lands annually are burned over by destructive fires. These fires are started in many different ways. They may be caused by sparks or hot ashes from a locomotive. Lightning strikes in many forests every summer, particularly those of the Western States, and ignites many trees. In the South people sometimes set fires in order to improve the grazing. Settlers and farmers who are clearing land often start big brush fires that get out of their control.

The School Book of Forestry by Charles Lathrop Pack.

Excerpt from The School Book of Forestry Our forests, with their billions of trees, are the backbone of agriculture, the skeleton of lum bering, and the heart of industry. Even now, in spite of their depletion, they are the cream of our natural resources. They furnish wood for the nation, pasture for thousands of cattle and sheep, and water supply for countless cities and farms. They are the dominions of wildlife. Millions of birds, game animals, and fish live in the forests and the forest streams. The time is coming when our forests will be the greatest playgrounds of America. It is necessary that we preserve, protect, and expandour timber lands. By so doing we shall provide for the needs of future generations. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

The trees of the forest grow by forming new layers of wood directly under the bark. Trees are held upright in the soil by means of roots which reach to a depth of many feet where the soil is loose and porous. These roots are the supports of the tree. They hold it rigidly in position. They also supply the tree with food. Through delicate hairs on the roots, they absorb soil moisture and plant food from the earth and pass them along to the tree. The body of the tree acts as a passage way through which the food and drink are conveyed to the top or crown. The crown is the place where the food is digested and the regeneration of trees effected.

"The School Book of Forestry" by Charles Lathrop Pack is a comprehensive guide that educates readers on the principles and practices of forestry. With a focus on sustainability and conservation, Pack's work serves as an invaluable resource for students and enthusiasts interested in understanding the intricate balance between human activities and forest ecosystems. The book covers essential topics such as tree identification, forest management techniques, and the importance of preserving natural habitats. Pack's insightful exploration aims to instill a sense of responsibility and stewardship toward forests, emphasizing the role of forestry in maintaining ecological equilibrium. Packed with practical knowledge and environmental consciousness, "The School Book of Forestry" stands as a timeless reference for those seeking a deeper understanding of sustainable practices and the vital role forests play in our world.