Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

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Report of the Secretary of Agriculture in relation to the forests, rivers, and mountains of the southern Appalachian region

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  • SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN REGION. 161 There is but one such forest in America, and neglect of the opportunity now presented of saving it may work irretrievable loss. The forest once destroyed can not be restored. Reforestation is a slow process; it is for subsequent generations. The experience of the old countries in this matter stands as a warning. The increasing scarcity of timber is causing the large areas of forest in this part of our country to be rapidly acquired by those whose one thought will be immediate returns from a system of lumbering utterly reckless and ruinous from any other point of view, and in a few years this forest will be a thing of the past. The National Government, and it alone, can prevent this destruction, and, by the application of the methods of scientific forestry, preserve the forest as a heritage and blessing to unborn generations. NECESSITY OF PRESERVING THE HEADWATERS OF MANY RIVERS RISING IN THESE MOUNTAINS. At this late date the calamities of flood and drought resulting from the wanton destruction of forests are well known. The forest acts as a storehouse of moisture for the dry season, and tends to prevent floods. Many rivers rise in these mountains, and the same causes which will destroy the forests will work irreparable injury to the sources of the water supply. It is the duty of the National Government, as the guardian of the national interests, not the least among which are the rivers, to protect their sources and the water supply of the country. HEALTHFULNESS OF THE REGION. It is a well-recognized fact that the plateau lying between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge is one of the most deservedly popular health resorts of the world. The geographical location and the geological formation are peculiarly adapted to the production of those conditions which make for health in general. Malaria is unknown. It rivals Arizona as a sanitarium for those suffering from pulmonary troubles. No better place could be found for the establishment of a sanitarium for the soldiers and sailors of our country. CLIMATE IS FINE THE WHOLE YEAR. By reason of its considerable altitude its summer climate is more agreeable than that of regions farther north. Those living in the South, but in regions of less altitude, and in increasing numbers others from the North and West, are learning to appreciate the advantages *S. Doc. 81 11
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Object’s are ‘parent’ level descriptions to ‘children’ items, (e.g. a book with pages).