390 Proceedings of the 



structed since the forest reserves came under the con- 

 trol of this office, while there were 11,924 miles of 

 roads and trails there at that time, many of which are 

 of sufficient width to form a fire break. 



All these matters are under the supervision of the 

 General Land Office, subject to the approval of the 

 Secretary of the Interior. This system is somewhat 

 experimental in its nature and is subject to improve- 

 ment as the necessity arises. The appropriations have 

 not been sufficient to carry on an effective administra- 

 tion, but the results so far achieved give promise that 

 it is only a question of time when the service can be 

 made self-supporting, to say nothing of the incalcula- 

 ble benefit that will result to those who live near the 

 whose streams are fed by the waters therefrom. 



