File:Areas of desolation in Pennsylvania (microform) (1915) (20340078461).jpg

Title: Areas of desolation in Pennsylvania (microform): Some unutilized water power
Identifier: areasofdesolatio01roth (find matches)
Year: 1915 (1910s)
Authors: Rothrock, Joseph T. , 1839-1922
Subjects: Forests and forestry; Reforestation; Waste lands
Publisher: Philadelphia : Herbert Welsh
Contributing Library: Penn State University
Digitizing Sponsor: Lyrasis Members and Sloan Foundation

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11 work which can as well be done by a restorable power IS almost a crime. Pennsylvania possesses a vast undeveloped water power; just how much it is im- possible yet to say. In this connection, however it is important to insist upon the fact that the maintenance aiid increase of this power are closely associated with the restoration of our forests on such lands as have no agricultural value, and especially upon the higher and rougher lands of the State. Recent reports inform us that 450 miles of the Chi- cago, Minneapolis & St. Paul Railroad are soon to be electrified, l)ecause (first) abundant power exists in the great falls of the Missouri; (second) because one-horse power steam costs annually SJ50, while the same energy derived from electricity costs $40; steam is wasteful- fire must be maintained while engines stand blowing off steam on a siding; for electrical service you simply cut off the power; (third) a freiglit locomotive runs 150 miles and then goes to the round house; an electri- cal engme runs 1200 miles b(-fore being returned to round house for rei)airs. I have made these statements on what seems to lie competent authority. It must be rcn)embered, th(> question of water i)ower IS not one merely of the volume of rain or snow fall; for much of that power might run out of the country unutilized when business is slack. The most important factor IS the volume of persistent power: that which may be depended upon when needed. It is in this aspect that the forest covering becomes so important, because it is the water which soaks into the ground and not that whicli flows off of the surface upon which a sustained water supj)ly depends. The fact is clearly established by our Government investi- ift. 'ji-ff fX^ w,

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