I loved outdoor life and hunting. Some way a grizzly bear would come in
when I tried to explain forestry to my brother.
“Hunting grizzlies!” he cried. “Why, Ken, father says you've been
reading dime novels.”
“Just wait, Hal, till he comes out here. I'll show him that forestry
isn't just bear-hunting.”
My brother Hal and I were camping a few days on the Susquehanna River,
and we had divided the time between fishing and tramping. Our camp was
on the edge of a forest some eight miles from Harrisburg. The property
belonged to our father, and he had promised to drive out to see us. But
he did not come that day, and I had to content myself with winning Hal
over to my side.
“Ken, if the governor lets you go to Arizona can't you ring me in?”
“Not this summer. I'd be afraid to ask him. But in another year I'll do
it.”
“Won't it be great? But what a long time to wait! It makes me sick to
think of you out there riding mustangs and hunting bears and lions.”
“You'll have to stand it. You're pretty much of a kid, Hal--not yet
fourteen. Besides, I've graduated.”
“Kid!” exclaimed Hal, hotly. “You're not such a Methuselah yourself! I'm
nearly as big as you. I can ride as well and play ball as well, and I
can beat you all--”
“Hold on, Hal! I want you to help me to persuade father, and if you get
your temper up you'll like as not go against me. If he lets me go I'll
bring you in as soon as I dare. That's a promise. I guess I know how
much I'd like to have you.”
“All right,” replied Hal, resignedly. “I'll have to hold in, I suppose.
But I'm crazy to go. And, Ken, the cowboys and lions are not all that
interest me. I like what you tell me about forestry. But who ever heard
of forestry as a profession?”
“It's just this way, Hal. The natural resources have got to be
conserved, and the Government is trying to enlist intelligent young
men in the work--particularly in the department of forestry. I'm not
exaggerating when I say the prosperity of this country depends upon
forestry.”