BTJEEAU OF FORESTRY. 123 



of certain types of coniferous forests. The practical object of this 

 studj' is an accurate knowledge of the soil, climate, and other condi- 

 tions most favorable to the development of the species considered. 

 A preliminary report of the progress of this Avork has been submitted. 

 Further field investigations are needed, however, before a full report 

 can be made. 



California. — The study of the relation of forest cover to the flow of 

 streams, begun two years ago in southern California, was continued. 

 The facts collected during two field seasons, have been partly elabo- 

 rated, but require further study, which is being given. It is believed 

 that a complete report of this investigation will be ready for publica- 

 tion early in the present fiscal year. 



A general study was made of forest land in northern Calif oruia with 

 a view to its protection against fire, overcutting, and overgrazing. 

 The examination covered altogether more than 2,000,000 acres. 



Iowa. — Studies of the distribution, character, and value of forests 

 in Iowa have been in progress for some time. It is expected that 

 complete reports will be ready for publication at the close of the cal- 

 endar year. The information will be of particular value to land 

 owners of the Middle West. 



COOPBKATIVB INVESTiaATIONS. 



California.- — The study of forests in the Sierra Forest Reserve was 

 again taken up in cooperation with the U. S. Geological Survey, and 

 the unfinished south half of the reserve was completed. The purpose 

 of this work was to make a description and classification of the forest 

 and other lands within the reserve, to map the distribution of tree 

 species and forest types, and to ascertain the condition, quality, and 

 stand of commercial timber. The relation of these forests to various 

 industries was considered, and the effects of forest fires on the growth 

 and reproduction of the trees. An area of about 3,000,000 acres was 

 examined. A report of the work of two field seasons, covering the 

 entire Sierra Forest Reserve, is in preparation and will be completed 

 early in the present fiscal year. 



Vermont. — In cooperation with ex-Governor Smith, the Bureau 

 began a general study of the forest resources and conditions of Ver- 

 mont with a view to recommending a forest policy. A preliminary 

 report was submitted and the complete report is in preparation. 



Maryland. — The study of the forests of the best timbered counties 

 of Maryland, begun in 1899 in cooperation with the State geological 

 survey, was continued during last season under the same auspices. 

 Reports on the timber resources and forest conditions of Cecil, Gar- 

 rett, and Calvert counties have been prepared. Those on Cecil and 

 Garrett counties are being published as a part of the report of the 

 State geologist, while the Calvert County report will be published 

 later. 



Appalachian forests. — Descriptions of additional forest lands under 

 consideration for inclusion in the proposed Appalachian Forest 

 Reserve were completed during the past year. The results of this 

 and the previous season's work, conducted in cooperation with the 

 U. S. Geological Survey, were embodied in an elaborate report sub- 

 mitted to Congrfts^ and ordered published as Senate Document No. 

 84. The report is copiously illustrated by maps and photographs, 



