The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1918-03-10
FOREST SERVICE
STUDIES ADD TO
WEALTH OF U. S,
Uncle Sans I'm m e n S e
Farm" Requires Infinite
Care; Investigations Dis
close New Methods.

Farmer Brown doesn't grow wheat by
chance. even though the effects Of q
mistake will disappear In year. No.
sir, he studies wheat and at the same
time keeps a sharp eye out for new
methods which are likely to increase
the efficiency OF his industrial plant,
the farm.
It is small wonder. then. that Farm
or Uncle Sam takes infinite precau-
tons with his little. old farm, other
wise known as District No. of the
U. S. Forest Service.
The national forests in Montana,
northern Idaho and eastern Washing
ton. which are within the district one
administrative unit with headquarters
at Missoula, embrace about % million
arras of land. with approximately 81
billion feet OF timber. Much Of this
area tthe more sparseiy timbered
rarts) is also suitable for grazing: it
new supports nearly one million head
Of sheep and over 100000 head of cat
tie and horses for a portion or all of
each year These are natural resources
which under efficient management may
to made to yield large permanent fl
nancial returns to the people and help
to stabilize the states industries. IN
like the natural resources of gas. oil,
coal, iron and other minerals which
can not be replaced when exhausted,
forests and range under proper man
agement will never be exhausted. The
forester must ever be In the guard
against fires cutting without provision
fol a new crop. overgrazing, rampant
diseases and insect attacks.
Resources May Be Increased.
These resources may, under wise adj
ministration, be made to yield even
greater returns than at present. for
1t is possible to improve the range and
the forest by introduction of a new
and more valuable species. planting
trees where burns have laid the hills
hare and let the soil improve by keep
ing out fires.
1t is estimated that there are APP
proximately one half a million acres of
timber land within District One suita-
ole for tree growth where there is no
timber at present.
Careful Study Necessary.
In the work of reforestation. timber
sales, fire protection. grazing. insect
and disease control. 1t is necessary to
study and experiment in order to learn
on a small scale with little expense
what will be the result OF n similar
procedure when carried out on large
scale. This practice has been found
profitable in agriculture where "A new
crop is harvested only every 100 years.
1917 Report Made. "A
The annual report of the district in
designations. summarizing the progress
made In 1917 In foresta,ion, silvicultu-
raj. products, grazing, insect and dis
ease studies. has just been submitted
10 the L. s. Forester at Washington.
Some of the things the investigator
try to learn are what species OF younf
trees to plant on given areas, what ag'
the stock should be, when II should
be planted. how II should be grown II
the nursery--under what depth of col
or. degree of shade and watering. How
to extract seed from the cones will
the least injury and lowest cost 4
another question for the investigator
These are important lines Of work Il
reforestation which are carried on d
Savenac nursery
Nursery located at Hsugan.
This nursery is located on the coas
to coast highway at Hangar, 100 mile
west of Missoua. This nursery pro
ducess 5000 900 seedlings annually an
employs from GO to 80 men during tn
active season. Here are two rcforest
alton experts carry on their investi
cations.
Studies on the growth OF trees. SO
and climatic requirements. reprodut
ton studies. studies In relation betwee
fire danger, climate and forest cond
tions as well as intensive studies n
curing laboratory work. are conducts
at the forest experiment station nei
Priest Lake in northern Idaho tn
station has a greenhouse. iaborator
experimental planting sites. and ',e
acres of timber land set aside FOR e,
perimentai use.
For economic utilization ii Is In
uertsnt to learn how much and VIII
grades of lumber are obtained fro
both. sound and defective logs of di
ferent dirnmensions, costs of loggi
and milling in order to determine I
stumpage prices. Experiments arc al
conducted on treatmen; OF posts. pol
ties and telephone poles to prevent d
cay.
Assistance in Grazing.
In connection with grazing it is ~
sible to increase the yield by syste
Of handling the stock, by eliminate
poisonous plants. introducing new 81
Do