The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1897-02-23

eighth degree of latitude. 1t contains an
estimated area of 3,540,2f acres. The
region embraced extends over both slopes
Of the Cascade mountains, and is exceed
ingly broken and entirely covered with
forests. The reserve is one Of the most
rugged, difficult, least known and least
settled parts of the United States.
No. 9.-The Olympic forest reserve; oc-
cupies the high and broken Olympic
mountain region n northern Washing
ton and contains an estimated area OF
2,1s8,S00 acres. This proposed reserve no
doubt contains for its area the larges:
and most valuable body Of timoer belong
ing to the nation.
No. I0-The Mount Rainier forest re-
serve; was originally established by exec
utive order of February 20, 1893. as the
''Pacific forest reserve" The proclama-
ton extends the reserve southwark along
the two slopes OF the Cascade mountains
nearly to the Columbia river, and changes
the name from the Pacific to the Mount
Rainier forest reserve. The proposed ex-
tension makes the total area Of the Mount
Rainier reserve 2,234,SSO acres.
No 1.-THE San Jacnto forest reserve;
embraces the San Jacinto mountains il
south California and is separated from
the existing San Bernardino forest re-
serve by the San Georgeonio pass; esti-
mated at 1920 acres.
No I3.-The Uintah forest reserve; en-
braces both slopes Of the eastern part Of
the Ulntah mountain range in northern
Utah, and the northern s.ope only of the
- 2J,fr Urn
slope being part Of the Uintah Indian res
ervation.
MUST BE MODIFIED.
The report of the commission concludes
with the statement that it fully recog-
nized the fact that the forest reserves,
established and proposed cannot be main
tanned unless plan can be adopted under
which their boundaries can be modified
50 as TO take from them all lands better
suited for agricultural purposes than for
the production of forests and under
which their timber can be made available
for domestic and commercial purposes
and valuable minerals can be freely
sought for and mined within their boun-
Gaiies. The commission is now engaged
in peTtectiag a scheme of forest manage
ment which it believes will make the ad-
min.stration of the forests possible.
REASONS FOR THE PLAN.
Secretary Francis says: THE deep and
growing interest in the preservation of
our forests viii make the act Of Pres-
dent Cleveland very popular with all ex-
cept those who have selfish designs upon
the forests. The timber growth in most,
or many. OF The older states has been
ruthlessly laid waste. In some sections
the settlers are realizing its scarcity, its
cost for domestic purposes growing grea-
er from year to year.
Furthermore, these forests are the
great reservoirs Of the country; they pre-
serve the SHOWS which, when protected,
furnish a good and opportune supply OF
water to the streams, but if exposed to
the sun. form destructive floods and in
fict irreparable damage, to be followed
by Unbroken drouths.
This forestry commission, which has
Gene such good work will now formulate
secretary Of the interior, forestry policy
for submission 10 congress, through the
10 provide for the protection of these won
derfuI reservations from the depredations
of sacreligiouS man as well as from the
ravages of fire.