16 THE USE BOOK. 



the introduction of scientific methods and a technically 

 trained force, which could not be provided under the 

 existing system. The advice and services of the Bu- 

 reau of Forestry were found necessary, but, under the 

 law, could be but imperfectly utilized. The necessity 

 of consolidating the various branches of Government 

 forest work became apparent and was urged upon Con- 

 gress by the President and all the executive officers 

 concerned. Finally, the act of February 1, 1905, trans- 

 ferred to the Secretary of Agriculture entire jurisdic- 

 tion over the forest reserves, except in matters of 

 surveying and passage of title. (Appendix, p. 161.) 



The regulations and instructions for the use of the 

 National forest reserves here published are in accord- 

 ance with the act last mentioned and the various sup- 

 plementary and amendatory laws passed since June 4, 

 1897. They are based upon the following general 

 policy laid down for the Forest Service by the Secre- 

 tary of Agriculture in his letter to the Forester dated 

 February 1, 1905: 



"In the administration of the forest reserves it must 

 be clearly borne in mind that all land is to be devoted 

 to its most productive use for the permanent good of 

 the whole people, and not for the temporal*} 7 benefit of 

 individuals or companies. All the resources of forest 

 reserves are for use, and this use must be brought about 

 in a thoroughly prompt and businesslike manner, under 

 such restrictions only as will insure the permanence of 

 these resources. The vital importance of forest reserves 

 to the great industries of the Western States will be 

 largely increased in the near future by the continued 

 steady advance in settlement and development. The 



