CHAPTER X 



THE WORK OF THE FOREST SERVICE 



It is the purpose of this book to treat of the congressional forest 

 policy, rather than the internal administration of the national forests 

 or of other timber lands ; nevertheless it seems appropriate to note 

 briefly some of the developments in the administration of the national 

 forests. 



The work of the Forest Service lias broadened greatly during the 

 past decade or more, particularly since Gifford Pinchot assumed the 

 office of chief forester in 1905 ; and at the present time the Service 

 performs a great variety of important functions. 



ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE TO PRIVATE OWNERS 



In the first place, the Forest Service offers expert advice and assist- 

 ance to private timber owners. As early as 1899, the appropriation 

 bill recognized this as a legitimate function, and it has grown in im- 

 portance. The advisory work of the Service may assume various 

 forms. In a limited number of cases, it may take the form of advice 

 and instruction regarding the practice of forestry, based upon exami- 

 nation of certain tracts. These examinations are restricted mainly 

 to states not equipped to furnish expert advice, and usually they are 

 made only when several examinations can be made on neighboring 

 tracts, and on condition that the owners bear part of the expense. 



In some cases, the advisory work of the Forest Service consists in 

 referring owners to the proper state officer, especially in cases where 

 woodlot examinations are desired, the state officer being presumably 

 in closer touch with local conditions within his state, and able to make 

 examinations at less expense than a Federal officer. Owners who 

 desire to obtain planting stock, either seeds or young trees, with 

 which to reforest waste lands, or establish farm woodlots or wind- 

 breaks, are supplied with lists of dealers in such stock. 



