The Dupuyer acantha. [volume] (Dupuyer, Mont.) 1894-1904, 1899-12-07

tain changes IN the areas OF three OF the
existing reserves; making, at the date of
the report, SO forest reservations, en-
bracing an estimated area OF 46,O21, S99
acres.
PATROL OF Il RESERVES.
The result of the first years effort at
~patrolling the reserves is shown to have
clearly demonstrated the efficiency OF the
forest force in protecting the reserves
from destruction by fire. In addition to
to the numerous camp and other small
fires which were found left burning and
were put out by the rangers, there were
specifically reported, by reserves. nearly
n thousand fires which were discover
ed and eytinguished with comparatively
small less.
It IS shown that of the 232 reported
fitcs which had gained considerable
headway when discovered Several of them
being 50 large as to require extraordin-
airy effort to extinguish). bus nine be
came important fires; and that, practic-
ally, but three Of these, by reason of high
winds, got beyond the temporary control
.of the forest force; and that they were
cZtinguished before the vast destruction
occurred which must have inevitably re-
suited had it not been for the forest
service.
EXPANSION OF THE PROVISION OF THE
FOREST FIRE LAW.
The report devotes considerable space
to the imperative need for the enactment
of a fire law of more comprehensive pro
visions to properly protect the timber on
the public domain.
IN doing 50 it points out thai the
average yearly reported loss from forest
fires is stated to have been estimated at
not less than 820,O0O.000 for the United
States; which is but a 1.-THE Of the actual
loss.
SHEEP GRAZING.
Careful study is said to have been
made Of the subject OF sheep grazing
within forest reservations, as presented
from every side, through exhaustive
official examinations, and reports, and
petitions and reports from wool growers
associations, fruit groWere, water associ-
tons, public men and other citizens;
which resulted in sheep being allowed
in portions Of certain OF the reserves
when it was found that the protection
and improvement Of the forests, and the
water supply of the citizens, would not
be adversely affected by the presence of
the sheep; while, whenever it was salts
factorily shown that sheep would work
an injury to the reserves, the Forest
superintendent were advised that thew
must not be allowed therein.
LIEU SELECTIONS FOE PRIVATE
IN FOREST RESERVATIONS.
1t is pointed out that legislation is
nee led to remedy the evil arising from
the fact that railroad and lumber com
panies, owing large tracts Of land with
in the limits of forest reservations, are
making selections, under the act for the
administration Of such reserves (act Of
June 20, 1897; 30 Stat, $780, Of valuable
un5urvcyed timber lands elsewhere,
using, as a basis therefor, lands which
have been denudod of their timber, and
thus become practically stump wastes,
OF little or no value for any purpose.
TIMBER ON UNREGISTERED LANDS.
Attention is called to the fact that
large portions of the forests clothing the
public lands are still without needed
protection, only fragments having been ,
gathered under the protection Of forestry
legislation by setting them apart as res
ervations. leaving extensive forested
areas still subject to unchecked ravages /
by fire and to increasing inroads upon
their by numbering operations.
Liberal appropriations are urged not