328 



ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



forest frontier to the physical and social health of the American 

 people. It is a wholesome reaction from the multiplication of im- 

 proved roads and automobiles. 



The national forests contain many areas of rugged mountains, 

 which do and always will perform this distinctive service to the 

 American out of doors. The deliberate withholding from commercial 

 use, road building, or other forms of local development which would 

 naturally take place can not be decided offhand without considera- 

 tion of all the interests that may be involved and the sacrifices that 

 may be entailed. Secretary James Wilson's instructions that the 

 national forests be administered " for the greatest good of the great- 

 est number in the long run " are as sound in 1923 as in 1905. But 

 the greatest good of the greatest number of American people in the 

 long run undoubtedly does call for abundant opportunities for a 

 rugged and unspoiled taking to the woods. This question can only 

 be answered by a broadgauge weighing of all the forms of service, 

 social as well as economic, which a national forest can render, and 

 then planning its development and administration in harmony with 

 its greatest possible service to the public. , 



WATER POWER. 



The following tabulation contains data concerning water-power 

 permits or easements granted by the Department of Agriculture 

 under former legislation and in effect on June 30, 1923 : 



