THE EMERGENCE OF THE BIOLOGY OF FOREST AND RANGE.
Whereas, in most lines of agriculture over-production is so outstanding a phenomenon that curtailment is widely recommended by economists, precisely the opposite is the case in silviculture and forage production. America's wild crop of timber and of feed for livestock falls far short of the demand. Careful attention must be given to all the conditions surrounding the growth of these crops. Among the factors of major importance are the native animals of forest and range lands. Some are pests; others are beneficial. Most play mixed rôles. Efficient production of trees and forage necessitates thorough-going study of the life histories and ecology of all the predominants, both plants and animals. Many animals, especially fishes, birds and mammals, are themselves of extraordinary value for recreation, study, and as a source of income. In some instances the value of the animals on a given area may exceed that of forage or trees. The production of wild life should be more than an incident or by-product of forest and range management. The objective should be maximum continuing values from each area. Attainment of this objective necessitates additional information and increasingly enlightened administration. Research is the foundation of our present prosperity. It must be the corner-stone of future advance. "The application of traditional methods will no longer suffice." Biology must participate fully in the solution of the many problems involved.
Taylor
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WP