832 



THE REC'LAMATION OF THE Wp:ST. 



Yellowstone National Park and in the Kocky Mountain reo-ion in <^'en- 

 eral are other important forests. In considering- any question con- 

 cerning' the forests we must bear in mind that the word forest com- 

 prises a great variety of tree growth. In the East it usually means a 

 dense growth. Out in Colorado or Wyoming you can sometimes see 

 a half mile throug-h what is called a forest. Thus, when we discuss 

 forests on the public lands there must be some explanation of what 

 kind of a forest we are talkiiig al)()ut. if we are to be correctly under- 



Ht0C<\ 



Forest reservations 



Fig. 4. — Map showing location of vacant pnblic lands. 



A little scrubby growth of cedar or pinon may have great yalue to 

 the pioneer, although it is not merchantal)le timber. These small 

 trees furnish the poles and the posts v.hich are so necessary to the 

 .settler. Eyen the small l)ushes and dwarfed junipers or mesquite may 

 .'-iupply the fuel which he must haye for his home. 



The present distribution of the pul:)lic lands is exhibited l>y diagram 

 4. In black are the lands whicli haye been taken ui) by indiyiduals. 



