10 Forest Club Annual 



a squirrel hoard existed. In regions where the pine squirrels are 

 numerous, the seed collectors generally secure all the seed from 

 these " caches," and it is not an uncommon sight, at present, 

 on most any of the National Forests to see a big 200 pound 

 ranger skulking on the trail of an emaciated pine squirrel. The 

 hoards are found in unique hiding places, as well as along decay- 

 ing logs and in clumps of brush. In western Idaho, in the fall 

 of 1908, numerous caches of yellow pine cones were located in 

 ponds and creeks, from one to three feet below the surface of the 

 water. One of these hoards, besides furnishing a plunge bath 

 for the collectors, produced nine bushels of cones. Hoards 

 are sometimes found in deserted cabins where the ingenious 

 squirrels have made use of buckets, pots, pans and kettles in 

 storing away their supply of food. 



The criticism brought upon the Forest Service for its " in- 

 humanity" in taking the squirrels' supply of cones, is generally 

 traceable to some effervescent lawmaker, or to members of 

 some "Woman's Society for the Protection of Dumb Beasts." 

 The former should concentrate their efforts on "Tariff Re- 

 vision," and the latter should be at home caring for their chil- 

 dren, instead of providing "ways and means" for the emanci- 

 pation of the red pine squirrel. 



In regions where large lumbering operations are in prog- 

 ress, it is sometimes possible to collect a limited amount of 

 seed at a very reasonable cost, from felled trees. It is not 

 frequently the case, however, that the cutting is being done at 

 the time the seed is ripening, or that the cutting area coincides 

 with the areas where the seed crop is best. 



A large part of the cost of seed is incurred in the extracting 

 process. As long as the weather remains clear, most cones can 

 be opened in from three to eight days, on canvass sheets, in 

 sunshine; however, it is generally the case that after the cones 

 have been collected in the fall, bad weather prevents the ex- 

 traction of the seed out of doors, and a drying room must be 

 equipped with shelves, and stoves for the completion of the 

 work. In good collecting regions, where a supply of cones will 

 be available every year, seed-extracting stations will be estab- 

 lished. The equipment of these stations will be such that the 

 seed extracting can be done quickly and cheaply, and at the 

 same time in a manner which will insure the seed against injury. 



Although afforestation is still in the experimental stage 

 in those parts of the country where soil and climatic conditions 

 are adverse to tree growth, still there are large areas on im- 

 portant watersheds and in good timber producing regions, that 

 at present are producing nothing more than brush and grass, 



