Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 104, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 May 1918 — How Germans Destroyed the Forests and Orchards in Belgium and France [ARTICLE]

How Germans Destroyed the Forests and Orchards in Belgium and France

Apart from their cruelty to human beings, one of the worst offenses perpetrated by the Germans in Belgium and that part of France which they have overrun Is the destruction of trees, notes the Indianapolis Star. Wantonly to destroy orchards and forest trees as they have done for the purpose of making a desert of the land that had been like a garden is a crime against civilization. In Belgium they cut the forests, not as they cut their own, where only a certain number of trees are allowed to be felled each year, but sweepingly, leaving the land denuded. A hundred years will be needed to restore these forests, and trees are needed for the welfare of every land. - In this country we have been too careless with our forests; they have not been protected as they should be since the pioneers first cleared enough of them away to make the farms. Now we are beginning to realize their value not only as a direct source of revenue, but as an aid in conserving moisture for cultivated - lands and ,also as a source of beauty. And if one wishes to look at the matter commercially, beauty of landscape is in these days recognized as a distinct and valuable ateset. There is needed more trees and a wider and better understanding among the people as to what may and should be done in the way of planting trees and improving forests. It is among, young people that this Interest in trees must be cultivated; they must learn the Importance of orchards and forests and if a love for trees can be inculcated it will prove itself in years to come by many a tree that is a glory to the land.