No section of the United States offers more favorable opportunities for forest culture than the South. Its 270 million acres of forest represents two-fifths of the commercial forest land of the entire nation. Proper development of this great natural resource will help to assure ample future wood supplies for the whole country, as well as furnishing continuous employment and an improved standard of living for many people in the region. Fortunately, the South offers many advantages for the maintenance of forest industries on a large scale. The soil and climate favor rapid tree growth; there are numerous valuable hardwood and softwood tree species native to the region; 1ogging operations are relatively simple; all parts of the region are easily accessible to good rail and water transportation facilities; markets for forest products are generally good; ample labor is at hand; and industrial development is well under way.