SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS. 19 



constant increase in returns without depleting the 

 forest. To this end careful investigation is essential. 

 This includes special study of the habits and require- 

 ments of trees as a basis for the regulation of cut- 

 ting of every kind. Special attention will be given 

 to finding new uses for species at present valueless or 

 little used, as well as for the trees already classed as 

 commercial. Studies will be made of damage by fire 

 and the best means of preventing it, and, in cooperation 

 with the Bureau of Entomology, of the prevention and 

 control of insect ravages. In these and in many other 

 ways the basis of knowledge necessary for the best 

 forest work will be laid. 



To sum up, the forest reserves will be studied with 

 reference to their best use for every purpose. These 

 studies will not be limited to the present applications 

 for the use of the reserves. They will be aimed at de- 

 veloping wider uses, not merely at meeting the present 

 demand in the most satisfactory way. Whether the 

 work is done under the supervision of inspectors or 

 other officers sent out from Washington or under the 

 technical assistants stationed permanently on the re- 

 serves, the local officers will in every case assist and 

 cooperate in the work so far as possible with justice to 

 their regular duties. 



All available Government publications of interest 

 will be sent to any member of the Forest Service free 

 of charge on application to the Forester. 



PROTECTION OF CITY WATER SUPPLIES. 



The Forest Service intends to improve and protect 

 the forest cover of watersheds within forest reserves 

 on which adjacent cities and towns are dependent for 



