The Forests of Canada (abstract)

 

By Edward Stewart

 

[Published by the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec in Transactions, New Series, No. 24 (1902)]

 

Interesting paper read by Mr. Edward Stewart, Dominion Superintendent of Forestry in presence of Literary and Historical Society.

 

Mr. Edward Stewart, Dominion Superintendent of Forestry, delivered an interesting lecture, 19th March, 1903, in Morrin College Hall, Sir James LeMoine, President of the Literary and Historical Society, occupied the chair, and introduced the lecturer. Mr. Stewart, in his opening remarks, stated that he was not a lecturer, but Superintendent of Forestry. If, however, what he said during the evening could increase the interest of his hearers in forestry, that would be sufficient. The lecturer then gave a description of the growth of trees from their beginning, and the effect of forests on rivers and streams, and how the denuding of the land of its forests at first caused floods and afterwards the destruction of rivers. He referred to the work of the State of New York to protect its rivers by buying back portions of its lands which had been sold to settlers, so as to preserve its trees. Ontario was also engaged in a similar work. Reference was made to the tide of immigration which had set in towards Canada, and the lecturer hoped that the new-comers would be settled on land fit for agricultural purposes, and not for lumbering operations. There could be no more objections to cutting down timber in certain localities, than there could be in removing wheat from others. He then quoted authorities to show that the day of cheap timber in Great Britain was passed, and argued that if Canada pursued a right policy in the future, she would be the leading source of supply in the world. Mr. Stewart next gave a brief resume of what the Dominion Government is doing for the preservation of our forests, but said a good deal yet remains to be done in the way of tree planting, etc. and concluded his lecture amid warm applause.

 

Mr. E. Joly de Lotbinière thanked the lecturer for his kindness in coming all the way from Ottawa to deliver his interesting lecture. He then gave an account of the Canadian Forestry Association, and the good work it had undertaken to advance the cause of preservation of our forests, and concluded with an appeal to all present to become members of the Association.

 

The chairman then proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Stewart, which was carried unanimously.