[CIHCULAR. J 



department of Stat^t 



Washington, November jo, 1886. 



To the Consular Officers of the United States — 



Gentlemen : You are instructed to prepare a report covering the following 

 questions on Forest Culture and Forest Preservation. I would ask you to 

 devote especial attention to the practical phases of the question, that your replies 

 may seme as a basis for framing forestry legislation in this country, where the 

 subject is of great and increasing importance : 



1. Areas under forests, distinguishing, wliere possible, between state Stnd private areas. 



2. Common forests, if any, and privileges of the population in them. If pasture is per- 

 mitted, how are the trees, &c., protected ? 



3. Organization and functions of government forest bureaus. 



4. Revenues from government forests, cost of maintaining or managing forests ; profits of 

 forest cultivation. 



5. Forest planting and culture; methods; bounties, if any; schools, their organization 



and courses of study. 



6. Destruction of forests, causes and results. 



7. Reclamation of sand dunes or waste places by tree planting. 



8. Sources of lumber supply; trade in lumber; bounties on importation, if any, and 

 customs duties. 



9. Give the names of three reliable sellers of seeds and shoots in your district. 



10. Transmit to the Department copies and translations of the Forest l,aws of the dis- 

 trict in which you reside. [The general laws should be forwarded by the Consul- 

 General; the local laws, by the Consul.] 



lam, Gentlemen, 



Your obedient servant, 



JAMES D. PORTER, 



Assistant Secretary,. 



