REPORT OF THE FORESTER. 1G7 



the best technique for propeller construction; strength tests on 

 veneers and built-up construction; advice and assistance on specifica- 

 tions; and the training of inspectors of wood for airphmes. 



On wooden ships an attempt is being made to cover the wdiole field 

 of the proper technical use of wood, including specifications, the best 

 methods of conditioning, preservative treatment against decay and 

 marine borers, the selection of substitutes, steaming and bending, etc. 



Efforts on vehicles have been centered mainly on the development 

 of methods of drying the hardwoods which are used, and assistance 

 to manufacturers in putting the best methods into commercial prac- 

 tice. Wherever possible assistance has been, given to hardwood dis- 

 tillation plants in order to increase the production of acetone and 

 other products so greatly in demand for munitions making. A 

 commercial demonstration has shown that the cost of producing 

 ethyl alcohol from wood waste can be materially reduced. Profitable 

 production is important from the standpoint of munition making, 

 and also food conservation. Methods have been developed in com- 

 mercial demonstrations under which walnut and birch can be kiln 

 dried for gun stocks in a much reduced time with comparatively 

 little loss. 



In general, much assistance has been given on a great variety of 

 war problems relating to forest resources and the manufacture, pur- 

 chase, and most efficient use of wood and other forest products. 



Data urgently needed as a basis for airplane design and construc- 

 tion, regarding such matters as the selection of the best species 

 and the best substitutes, the development of safe methods of artificial 

 drying, and the best technique in construction, can not be supplied 

 as rapidly as they are needed with the present force and equipment. 

 An increase in funds for this important work is urgently called for. 



AREA AND ORGANIZATION CHANGES. 



A total gross area of 644,050 acres was added to the National 

 Forests, as follows: By presidential proclamation, 34,560 acres to 

 the Crook, in Arizona ; by acts of Congress, 1,292 acres to the Pike, in 

 Colorado, 13,642 acres to the Teton in Wyoming, and 4,480 acres to 

 the Missoula in Montana; and by presidential proclamation, under 

 authority of special acts of Congress, 50,182 acres to the Whitman, 

 in Oregon, and 539,901 acres to the Colorado Forest, in Colorado. 

 Oregon and Colorado are among the seven States in which additions 

 require special legislation. 



Eliminations were made by presidential proclamations and Ex- 

 ecutive orders from 12 Forests, to a total gross area of 316,230 acres. 

 There was also eliminated, through final approval by the Interior 

 Department of certain State selections in two Forests in Idaho and 

 South Dakota, a total of 37,581 acres, under the terms of previous 

 proclamations which made the land available for exchange wath these 

 States but under which the elimination did not become effective until 

 the State selections were approved. By acts of Congress there were 

 eliminated 83,453 acres from the Lassen and Colorado Forests, for 

 inclusion in the Lassen and Rocky Mountain National Parks. 



There were within the National Forest boundaries June 30, 1917, 

 176,252,160 acres, including 21,085.541 acres of alienated land. The 

 net National Forest area, or, in other words, the area actually owned 

 by the public, was at the close of the year 155,166,619 acres. 



