the beginning of the destruction of the rain
             forests. "European settlers exploited the rain forests for timber and
             cleared them for agricultural purposes."(Parish 4) "The name scrub,
             which was originally applied to the rain forest by European settlers,
             became a term for land seen as useless until subject to ax, fire, and
             plough."(Parish 4) People did not think of the affects on the
             environment because the little knowledge that was known about the
             affects was not very widespread. Another cause in the destruction of
             the rain forest is people's values. "Many people value species
             according to their worth to human beings."(Miller & Berry 3) People
             often ignore the problems with the environment simply because they do
             not want to deal with it. "Natural checks against over exploitation
             have been ignored because those who are now consuming the products of
             the rain forest are not those who experience the immediate effects of
             its degredation."(Hammond 2) Many people believe that they will not
             live long enough to face the consequences of the destruction but they
             do not realize how fast the rain forests are depleting. Recently in
             Borneo's Sarawak rain forest, 24 cavers and scientists are braving the
             rain forests elements and creatures to save the regions natural riches.
             The cavers and scientists are trying to find plant and animal life
             diverse enough to protect it from mining and to declare it a national
             park. "Whether the government sets aside the area this year, in five
             years or never depends on what's discovered out there."(Webster 5) This
             is a case that often occurs in rain forests. Many governments see no
             reason to protect the rainforest unless there is an important plant or
             creature that lives in it. "With chain saws, bulldozers, and other
             powerful equipment, we can bring the giant trees of the rain forest,
             the very symbol of strength and majesty, crashing to the...