broadened its work on economic lines, and has accomplished results of
real value in upbuilding domestic and foreign trade. It has gone into
new fields until it is now in touch with all sections of our country
and with two of the island groups that have lately come under our
jurisdiction, whose people must look to agriculture as a livelihood.
It is searching the world for grains, grasses, fruits, and vegetables
specially fitted for introduction into localities in the several States
and Territories where they may add materially to our resources. By
scientific attention to soil survey and possible new crops, to breeding
of new varieties of plants, to experimental shipments, to animal
industry and applied chemistry, very practical aid has been given our
farming and stock-growing interests. The products of the farm have taken
an unprecedented place in our export trade during the year that has just
closed.

Public opinion throughout the United States has moved steadily toward a
just appreciation of the value of forests, whether planted or of natural
growth. The great part played by them in the creation and maintenance of
the national wealth is now more fully realized than ever before.

Wise forest protection does not mean the withdrawal of forest resources,
whether of wood, water, or grass, from contributing their full share to
the welfare of the people, but, on the contrary, gives the assurance of
larger and more certain supplies. The fundamental idea of forestry is
the perpetuation of forests by use. Forest protection is not an end
of itself; it is a means to increase and sustain the resources of our
country and the industries which depend upon them. The preservation of
our forests is an imperative business necessity. We have come to see
clearly that whatever destroys the forest, except to make way for
agriculture, threatens our well being.