American Forest Congress 229 



interested in sane and reasonable forest protection than 

 the stockmen. If given an opportunity, no class of 

 men could furnish more absolute and reliable protec- 

 tion for these reserves. But would they do it? Yes, 

 if properly approached in the matter. 



The western stockman is of a peculiar disposition, 

 due probably to his environment. Restless and impa- 

 tient under any attempt to bind him to iron-clad rules 

 and regulations, yet, when approached with a request 

 for help and assistance, even though he may derive no 

 benefit, he is quick to respond. It has been the failure 

 of governmental departments to understand this phase 

 of his character that has resulted in much opposition 

 to forest reserves. As the pioneer, who braved the 

 dangers and hardships of the frontier to open the way 

 to civilization, he has felt that he had acquired some 

 moral rights which even the Government should re- 

 spect, and to have a stranger ride up to him while on 

 the range and dictate to him things that he may or may 

 not do, even though spoken in the name of the Govern- 

 ment, is galling to his pride and that feeling of absolute 

 freedom which has been bred into his nature. Ap- 

 proached by the proper officials with an explanation 

 of the necessity of the forest reserves; the good that 

 will eventually result to him from their establishment, 

 and a request for assistance in maintaining them and 

 carrying out the plans of the Government, would meet 

 with immediate and hearty response. 



All over the West there are organizations of stock- 

 men who have associated themselves together for the 

 protection of their interests and for the improvement 

 of conditions in their industry. These organizations 

 are composed of the leading and progressive stockmen 

 in the various districts. These are men who are build- 

 ing homes in the desert and they are profoundly inter- 



