THE USE BOOK. 37 



valid, and lias not reported adversely to the Forester, he 

 should return the notice to the local land office with the in- 

 dorsement, " The Forest Service protests against this claim 

 and requests time to make further investigation." In every 

 case the Forest officer should date and sign the indorsement 

 on the notice, using his title, and notify the Forester of his 

 action. When final proof is taken, the supervisor should be 

 present, if possible, to cross-examine the claimant and witnesses 

 and submit testimony in_ rebuttal, which will be permitted 

 without previous notice. If he can not attend the taking of 

 final proof, he should, in all cases in which lie doubts the 

 validity of the entry or the compliance with law by the entry- 

 man, submit to the officer taking proofn nest ions which he 

 desires asked the claimants and their witnesses. 



If the claim should not be passed to patent, whether he. has 

 so reported to the Forester or not, he should, instead of filing 

 protest, file a complaint against the acceptance of final proof 

 under the procedure for contesting claims. 



No contest or protest against a claim can be considered by 

 the General Land Office unless specific charges are filed within 

 two years after Hie issuance of final certificate. (Sec. 7, act of 

 March 3, 1891, 26 Stat., 1097.) Proceedings to annul patents 

 must be instituted within six years from the date of patent. 

 (Act of March 3, 1X1)1.) 



PROCEDURE ON CONTESTED CLAIMS. 



Under ordinary circumstances the supervisor's report upon 

 the claim will be transmitted to the Forester and by him to the 

 ( Vmimissioner of the General Land Office for appropriate action, 

 and the supervisor will not initiate a contest against the claim. 

 If, however, National Forest interests require immediate action, 

 the supervisor should initiate a contest before the local land 

 office in accordance with the circular of the General Land 

 Office dated June 26, 1907 (Appendix, p. 291). Claims against 

 which action may be taken by examination, and report to the 

 Forester, or by complaint, include all assertions of right or 

 title to lands in National Forests, whether by the filing of an 



