202 DEPAETMENTAL KEPOKTS, 



SUiVICS. 



The work of this section comprises the coordination and classifica- 

 tion of all the data gathered in the United States, either by the Forest 

 Service or through other channels, which can be made to contribute to 

 ordered and scientific knowledge of our forests. One of its important 

 functions will be to direct future investigations into the most fruitful 

 lines by making clear where the results already secured are insufficient 

 or inconclusive. The formulation of methods and digestion of the 

 mass of material already accumulated, begun during the past year, is 

 still incomplete, but enough has been done to demonstrate the great 

 value of this work along lines of permanent usefulness. 



FOREST LAW. 



During the past year the legal work of the Service developed along 

 thoroughly sound lines. Preparation was made for the demands 

 upon it which the transfer would occasion, and when the latter was 

 made it was found possible to deal with the legal work incident to 

 the management of the forest reserves without undue strain. The 

 safety and stability which flow from efficient and conservative legal 

 advice are essential in the kind of work which the Forest Service is 

 called upon to perform. 



FOBEST RESERVES. 



TRANSFER OF ADMINISTRATION. 



On February 1, 1905, the administration of the National forest 

 reserves was transferred from the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the 

 Interior to that of the Secretary of Agriculture, except for matters 

 affecting the surveying, prospecting, locating, appropriating, enter- 

 ing, relinquishing, reconveying, certifying, or patenting of lands. 

 By order of the Secretary of Agriculture the Forester assumed imme- 

 diate charge of the reserves. 



The policy of the Forest Service in the administration of the forest 

 reserves has already found expression in the fcllowing specific 

 achievements : 



(1) Improvement of the technical standards in forest reserve man- 

 agement, by securing the judgment of trained foresters in all ques- 

 tions relating to the reserves. 



(2) The reorganization of the Forest Reserve Service, with the 

 specific result that reserve questions are now settled so far as pos- 

 sible on the 'ground and not in Washington ; and the establishment 

 of a corps of trained inspectors, without administrative authority, 

 who constantly and thoroughly inspect all phases of forest reserve 

 work and report upon it to the Forester. 



(3) The publication of revised regulations and prompt business 

 methods have brought about a general understanding that the forest 

 reserves are for the use of the people, with a large consequent in- 

 crease in the business of the reserves and the revenue from them. 



