cution was greatly impeded. These obstacles have retarded the work 

 in the forest reserves very materially and have made it more costly than 

 was anticipated. The relative cost of the work done thus far is further 

 increased by the expense attending the purchase of new instruments 

 and field material, this item alone amounting to nearly one-fifth of the 

 total expenditure. 



The surveys were placed in the immediate charge of men who were 

 thoroughly familiar with the duties required of them, and I am of 

 opinion that the best possible results have been obtained that could be 

 secured under existing conditions. The parties began operations in 

 the field at various dates between the 1st of July and 1st of Novem- 

 ber, and remained at work in the northwest as long as weather con- 

 ditions permitted. 



EXAMINATION OP THE FORESTS ON THE RESERVES. 



Of the ajjpropriation of §150,000 for the survey and examination of 

 forest reserves, the sum of $16,000 was allotted for examining into the 

 condition and distribution of the forests upon the reserves and adja- 

 cent timber lands and other economic matters connected therewith. 

 Of this amount the sum of $11,256 had been expended up to March 1. 



The examination of the forests has been made by men specially 

 qualified in work of this character. They were selected solely on the 

 score of their ability in this kind of work, without the slightest regard 

 for political afflliations or local representation, it being understood that 

 the desire of Congress was solely to gain full, exact, and reliable infor- 

 mation regarding the timber resources of these reserves. 



The information which these men, known as special field assistants, 

 were instructed to obtain may be summarized as follows : The amount, 

 species, age, size, and distribution of the timber, these facts being repre- 

 sented as largely as possible upon maps; the extent of timber cutting; 

 the prevalence, extent, and amount of damage by fire; the extent and 

 character of the undergrowth; the character of the soil and the humus; 

 the amount and character of settlement within the reserve; the extent 

 and location of arable land within its limits ; the extent and value of 

 mineral lands; the demand for timber; the means and facilities for 

 logging operations, and the effect upon the forests of the pasturage of 

 sheep and cattle within them, particularly the former. 



PROGRESS AND RESULTS OP SURVEYS AND EXAMINATIONS. 



Following is a i^articularized report of the progress of the surveys 

 and examinations and the results that have been accomplished thus far 

 in the field, the reserves being taken up separately in their order from 

 east to west. 



BLACK HILLS FOREST RESERVE. 



The following are the limits, as described in the Executive order, 

 establishing the reserve : 



Beginning at tlie northwest corner of township one (1) soutli, range sevem (7) 

 east, Black Hills meridian, South Dakota; thence westerly along the Black Hills 



