New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-11-04
PRESERVING FORESTS.
COMMISSIONER HERMANN REPORTS ON
THE WORK OF THE GENERAL
LAND OFFICE

Washington. Nov. 3.-The annual report Of Binger
Hermann. Commissioner OF the General Land
Office shows that the public land disposed Of by
the government in the year aggregated 1S.4sS. 535
acres. increase Of 3.925.739 acres the pre-
vious year OF this amount 1757.593 acres were
sold for cash I7sl4792 acres were embraced in mis-
cellaneoUs entries. and the remainder was Indian
lands.
Commissioner Hermann recommends large ap-
preparation for surveys in Alaska; legislation
gardlng railroad rights Of way granted under
listing laws, that people who have expended
large Of money for power plants. etc. shall
be protected against subsequent settlers. and a
larger appropriation TO provide for an increased
number Of special agents 10 prevent timber depre-
dations and TO protect public lands from unlawful
entry. The report also renews previous recon-
mendations for compulsory attendance OF witnesses
in hearings before district land Offices for repeal
OF existing laws regarding timber on the unre-
served public lands and substitution therefor Of a
general law providing ample protection for the
forests and furnishing means by which settlers,
OF timber their legitimate needs; legislation TO
Of the 6oundaries Of Yeliowstone National Park
and legislation giving the President general author
ity TO set apart national parks tracts OF public
land having scientific historic interest or
containing medicinal springs II Is also urged that
the law 10 the exchange Of lands embraced IN
LANDS not IN reservation be changed so as 70 Sc
cure approximation in value Of the lands re-
lnquished with those selected IN lieu thereof. on
bracing 6ol75765 acres, an increase az almost IL
year So forest fires discovered, which burned
over s. 799 acres. The constantly decreasing area
burned over is said 70 demonstrate the efficiency
Of the government forestry force. The Commits
sioner saws that the withdrawal and proper po-
Icing Of the forested lands OF the government has
shown the following results:
First-The work has proved self-supporting.
Second-It has. in addition, brought in a revenue
the government.
Third-Needed timber supplies have been placed
within lawful reach Of the public.
Fourth-Timber depredatOns within the reserve
limits have practically ceased.
Concerning reforestation the report says
Assuming that the reforestation Of the denuded
the forest reserves. where sufficient moist
ire prevails 10 make the termination Of seeds Of
the native possible, might be expected 10 re-
slilt IN good time If the occurrence OF devastating
fires could be reduced 10 a minimum and the graz
ing of stock restrained within proper limits and
reduced 10 a safe basis. the forest force has been
required TO make extra eXertion 70 prevent damage
nv fire and TO keep the Office fully informed rela-
tive 10 the effects Of stock grazing and TO keep
stock not licensed enter the reserves, and all
the evidence points TO almost unvarying success.
The forest trees are coming back, not only where
there is a plentiful rainfall and not little hope is
found in the fact that the native trees repro
ducing themselves in the dryer portions Of the
country where the fires kept out. and where
grazing is restrained within reasonable limits. and
many a waste place Is becoming a wilderness Of
veTdure.