Arizona republican., 1900-07-25

absence of springs in the canyons on the north, along the Little Colorado river for the corresponding distance is proof of the correction of this deduc- tion.
 did not visit the extreme eastern part of the reserve, but followed the divide between East Clear Creek, which flows into the Little Colorado, and West Clear Creek which empties into the Verde.
 East Clear Creek and it's tributaries have long been used as the range of MT. Campbell and Mir. Noble. Owing to the scarcity of water and doubtless superior intelligence in handling their herds. this range is in a good state of preservation, while the reforestration on the southern part is the best I ever saw.
 To the east of MT. Campbell's range, commencing near the Mahoney road, iy the White Mountain Indian reserva- tion, the country has been greatly over grazed, most of the young pines de- stroyed. or at least greatly damaged.
 We followed the road down into the valley below, and found the destruc- ton of all vegetation complete
 Here, the long, naked ridges, precipi- tous canyons filled with debris, only waiting a flood to carry it down to the water course below, no young growth of any kind, told too plainly a story that should warn us of danger to our water supply. I believe We should ask for an extension of the forest reserve, southward, to cover all the fine timber under the Rim.
 As one travelled east, it surprised me greatly to find so many springs and watering places completely dry
 Among the noted places I would men ton Bear Springs, StOtts Ranch, Stin- con's old stock ranch and Phoenix Park, while the little towns of Helper. Milford and Linden were hauling water for domestic purposes.
 While a general drouth may account fl a measure for this, I have no hesi- tancy in saying that with even a nor nal rain fall these springs are things of the past.
 l gave particular attention to the conditions pertaining to the run off, of water in these localities and found in every instance that the bare country was devoid of moisture, while in every locality where the ground was covered with pine needles, burrs, etc, forming q mulch, there was abundant moisture
 The Indian Reservation presented a great contrast in grass to the sur rounding country.
 A forest fire was burning here as if to emphasize the argument of the sheepmen, that eating off the grass by he 1Iy- caf fac orJ .i, Der.
 : am sure there will be no fires where they feed for any length of time In the higher and colder region of the White mountains, where stock can run but a few months each year, grass is abundant except around the water.
 All the marshes have become dry as a result Of drainage. I did not see a single mountain valley but what had a well-defned channel through it. with margin as clear as any lateral in the Salt River valley.
 In the extreme eastern end of the re- serve, where the water drains to the Gila river, found similar conditions to those under the Rim. This country is devoid of grass, while the young pines are few and have an unhealthy appearance.
 The Blue river is filling with sand. One place particularly attracted my attention. Where two washes emptied their Gccumulations of sand and gravel the stream was completely buried for a CisEaEce of about one mile.
 Owing to protection afforded by cli- E-a ,ic conditions, I find the greatest damage yet done to our water supply is outside the forest reserve, but when ! consider the stockmen's argument that they must have the reserve for their herds, as they no longer have any range outside, l cannot convince my self that they will make an exception and take care of the little that is left after completely destroying every par ticle of range up to the very line uf the reservation. Most respectfully. E. C. BUNCH.