438 RURAL MICHIGAN 



nially discussed and remains obviously unsolved. At 

 the outset, it must be understood that the character 

 of these lands, except where experimentally ascer- 

 tained, is not determined, and in few cases is a mat- 

 ter of public record. Obviously then, the first atten- 

 tion must be given to their classification after investi- 

 gation by competent authorities, who have in view 

 all the elements that enter into the determination 

 of their economic importance. The cut-over areas 

 contain some excellent arable land, capable of pro- 

 ducing field and forage crops equal to the best sec- 

 tions of the State; other tracts may provide range 

 for live-stock through nati\e and cultivated grasses; 

 while another portion will produce forest products 

 more advantageously than field crops or pasture. It 

 has been proposed that the State should resort to 

 condemnation proceedings on the initiative of town- 

 ships, counties or municipalities, to disengage the 

 idle lands of the north country from the dead hand 

 of their present possessors who are failing to make 

 any economic use of them, while, fire-swept season 

 after season, they constitute a general fire hazard 

 and are steadily being impoverished by the same 

 destructive agency. Thereon, the State should carry 

 out a policy of reforestation for that portion of the 

 area which offers itself as best adapted to this use, 

 while other areas can be set aside for grazing pur- 

 poses to all who may wish this accommodation. Co- 

 incidentally, provision would be made by State or 

 local administration for fire control through an ade- 



