• Marquis, Ralph W.
  Forest Service, USDA: Northeastern Section
  

Foresters have overlooked too long the importance of soil as a factor in successful timber production. Greatest production in amount and quality of wood at the smallest cost can be attained by growing the trees species that are best suited to the climate and the soil of locality in question.

Some violations of the principle of fitting the tree to the soil are due to deliberate attempts to gain an economic advantage. But many are due merely to lack of sound silvicultural guides. What the forester needs is a simple yet dependable guide that will enable him to direct his silvicultural toward the production of those species that are best suited to the site.