90 PRACTICAL ARBORICULTURE 



FORESTRY IN NEW MEXICO. THE MAXWELL LAND GRANT. 



The above tract is under control of the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company. 

 In January, 1902, the author was employed by this company to examine the 

 grant, and we append his report upon the same after one month's horseback riding 

 over the mountains. 

 Mr. J. A. Kebler, 



President Colorado Fuel & Iron Co. 



Dear Sir: In response to your letter of Dec. 5, 1901, requesting me to 

 make an examination of the lands of the company within the Spanish Grant, and 

 to advise with regard to their re-afforestation, and especially to determine their 

 adaptability for growing the Catalpa tree: 



I would respectfully report that I have performed that duty, having visited 

 all that portion of the grant lying in Colorado, and a sufficient part of New 

 Mexico lands to determine their general character. 



The elevation of the company's lands in Colorado is too great for the suc- 

 cessful growth of the Catalpa, and the valleys are too narrow and are limited in 

 extent. 



I do not think that any artificial system of tree planting which can be 

 devised, upon the mountainous tracts of this grant, comprising 240 square miles 

 of cut overlands, and 500 square miles of leased territory, would be considered 

 by your company, owing to the great cost and lengthy period required for 

 maturity. 



A more rational system of cutting the timber than has been before prac- 

 ticed would make these forests a perpetual source of income, permitting nature 

 to seed the ground under protection of your company's agents. 



There are, however, portion? of your lands which it would be desirable to 

 improve by replanting coniferous trees. 



Two methods are practicable in mountain afforestation. 



First, by scattering seeds of desirable trees, carefully, and raking them in, 

 leaving to nature their future care. Only a small portion of such seeds will ger- 

 minate and produce tree growths. 



Douglas Spruce (Red Spruce) is probably the most rapid in growth, most 

 durable wood, and desirable tree, for this locality. Since there are 30.000 seeds 

 to the pound of Douglas Spruce seed, and the cost is about $1.50 per pound, it 

 will not be a serious expense to scatter a ton of this seed. It catches rather readily, 

 and, protected by what natural growth remains on the summit and north side of 

 the mountains, would produce a forest sooner than most other trees. 



