26 SURVEYS OF FOREST RESERVES. 



cade Mountains on which topographic work could be based; therefore 

 the triangulatiou party was directed to extend as quickly as possible the 

 triangulation resting on the Blleusburg base, so as to reach the area 

 proposed for topographic survey. Operations in the vicinity of Monte 

 Oristo were prosecuted under the greatest difficulties on account of the 

 alteruation of smoke and stormy weather, and it was found neces- 

 sary to discontinue work entirely about the 1st of November, as the 

 snow in the mountains made work practically impossible. During 

 the season topographic surveys were extended over an area of about 

 600 square miles, and level lines were run over the existing roads and 

 practicable trails. In addition, various other elevations were deter- 

 mined by vertical angles and permanently marked, so as to meet the 

 requirements of the law providing that at least one bench mark shall 

 be established in each township. luformation was also secured relative 

 to the segregation of mineral lands. 



The triangulation party succeeded in extending a reconnoissance 

 survey from the Ellensburg base northward, so as to cover the territory 

 surveyed by the two parties above mentioned. These observations 

 were not finally completed, as the party was forced to discontinue work 

 early in November on account of the unusually heavy snows, which 

 absolutely prohibited the party from making the ascent of the moun- 

 tain summits used as triangulation stations. 



An average force of about 30 men was emjjloyed at various times in 

 this reserve, and the sum of $13,465 was expended, including the pur- 

 chase of about 20 animals and various articles of camp equipment. 



Examination of forests. — This being much the largest of all the areas 

 to be examined, and by far the most important from an economic 

 standpoint, much fuller provision was made for its examination than in 

 the case of the other reserves. For the examination of the portion of 

 this reserve lying east of the divide of the Cascade Eange two men, 

 Messrs. W. G. Steel and M. W. Gorman, were employed. They com- 

 menced work about the middle of August and completed it in the latter 

 part of November. For the western portion Mr. H. B. Ayres was 

 employed, and to its examination he devoted four and a half months — 

 from the middle of July to the end of November. 



Topography. — This reserve is composed almost entirely of high 

 mountain ranges, intersected by deep valleys. It is traversed by the 

 crest of the Cascade Eange, which, entering the reserve from British 

 Columbia, near longitude 120° 45', trends in a generally, southwesterly 

 direction across the reserve, although making several great turns to 

 the south and west in its course. This crest and the mountains in its 

 neighborhood are extremely rugged, rising to altitudes exceeding 

 10,000 feet, and contain many glaciers. Eastward and westward from 

 the crest the mountains diminish in altitude. 



West of the divide the reserve is drained westward to Puget Sound, 

 mainly by Skagit and Stilaguamish rivers and their branches. East 

 of the divide the Methow and Stehekin rivers drain it to Columbia 

 Eiver. 



The rainfall is heavy upon the western slope of the range. Upon 

 the eastern side it is decidedly less, so that irrigation is commonly 

 required for the production of crops. The streams are numerous and 

 bold. The rainfall is, however, less than it has been in past time, as is 

 evidenced by the fact that eveiy canyon and gorge leading out of the 

 mountains has been, until recently, the bed of a glacier, whose remains 

 still exist, occupying the mountain valleys. 



Forests. — Almost the entire area of the reserve is naturally a forested 

 region, with the exception of a few small tracts, which are above tim- 



