153 



Examination and Report on Mining- Claims 



The attention of supervisors is called to the long-continued policy of the Forest 

 Service that only mining locations which are apparently invalid and which interfere 

 with the administration of the Forest or for which application for patent has been 

 made should be examined and reported upon. Since it is difficult to determine 

 the validity of mining claims in the early stages of the development of the sites, 

 the claimant should be encouraged in his possession and given every possible oppor- 

 tunity to prove the validity of his claim by his work, unless interference with For- 

 est administration is threatened or title is sought. 



Three New National Forests Created 



On November 24 proclamations were signed creating the Ocala National Forest, 

 Florida, with an area of 207,285 acres, and the Dakota National Forest, North Da- 

 kota, with an area of 13,940 acres; and on November 27 the proclamation creating 

 the Choctawhatchee National Forest was signed. The area of this Forest is approxi- 

 rnatelv 467,606 acres. 



Reports on Forms 654 and 655 



All Forest officers submitting reports on Form 654 or "655 (revised August, 1908) 

 should be sure to indicate the numbers and subheadings shown on the forms, before 

 giving the information desired, viz: 



1. Claimant, (Answers to outline. ) 



2. Description of claim. (Answers to outline.) 



3. Topography and surface. (Answers to outline.) 



In all reports submitted, information should be given as to whether final proof has 

 already been made or advertised. 



Pay Rolls and Vouchers 



When making out pay rolls or vouchers on which the names of regularly appointed 

 men appear, supervisors should be very careful to see that the names are written in 

 the same way as they appear in the appointment. Failure to do this will cause trouble 

 and delay in the District offices. 



Certification of Vouchers 



The provisions of Circular Letters 00, of July 1 and August 19, 1908, are not being 

 complied with by many supervisors. The proper form of certification of all vouchers 

 is essential. 



When vouchers improperly certified are submitted to the District Forester it will 

 be necessary to return them for correct certification. 



Rsmittances to District Depositories 



Supervisors should see to it immediately that their rangers and all Forest u^ers 

 who are called upon for payments are properly instructed in regard to remittances to 

 the District depositories. Drafts and money orders must hereafter be made payable 

 to the order of and transmitted to the National Bank selected as the depository in 

 each District. All the old letters of transmittal (Form 861) calling for remittances 

 payable to the Treasurer of the United States should be destroyed at once. The 

 notice of sale in advertised Class B timber sales should direct the remittance of 

 deposits accompanying bids as follows: 



' ' And a deposit of , 



payable to the order of The National Bank, 



----------- , --- 



City. . State. 



must be sent to that bank, for each bid submitted . . ." 



