114 SURA^EYS OF FOREST RESERVES. 



The Douglas fir (red fir) derives its sylvicnltural value largely from 

 the readiness with which it reproduces itself in the open. Two large 

 burns were observed on this slope, both of which had been followed by 

 a vigorous young growth of this tree. Its average dimensions are as 

 follows: Height, 200 feet; diameter, 5 feet; length of clear trunk, 100 

 feet. It is perhaps the most valuable timber tree of the Western United 

 States. It is very largely manufactured on Puget Sound and in Oregon, 

 and a large foreign trade has been established. 



FIRB, WESTERN SLOPE. 



Fire is less dangerous west than east of the summit. That part of the 

 western slope visited by me has suffered comparatively little, but, with 

 the increase of settlement and development, danger from this source 

 threatens rapidly to increase. Fires are peculiarly difBcult to handle 

 here on account of the heavy layer of vegetable debris which covers the 

 ground, and in which fires may smoulder for weeks at a time. It is 

 probable that instances are frequent in which such fires survive even 

 comparatively heavy rains. The chief obstacle to fighting fires on both 

 slopes is the absence of proper trails, and the first measure to be taken 

 for their extinction consists in establishing a network of such trails 

 throughout the whole reserve. 



WATER, WESTERN SLOPE. 



Water for irrigation is but little needed on this side of the range. 

 On the other hand, floods are exceedingly dangerous. The agricultural 

 settlements on the Skagit have suffered seriously from this cause, and 

 it is certain that with the progressive denudation of the head waters 

 of streams flowing west the damage from this source will increase. The 

 protection of these mountain slopes is imperative. 



MINIMG, WESTERN SLOPE. 



Mining locations have been made in great numbers almost through- 

 out the western slope, but hitherto the development of valuable mines 

 has been almost wholly wanting. The most prominent instance of such 

 development is the Monte Oristo mine; and it is by no means impossi- 

 ble that others of similar value may be discovered and worked here- 

 after. No portion of the reserve need be excluded because of mines, 

 since the rights of miners in any event are fully protected. Provision 

 should be made to supply them with mining timber under suitable 

 restrictions. 



AGRICULTURE, WESTERN SLOPE. 



There is practically no agricultural land here, nor need this phase of 

 the reserve question receive attention at present. 



GRAZING, WESTERN SLOPE. 



Grazing has little or no importance on the western slope. 



FODKST FORCE. 



It has already been recommended in Part II, page 46, that a forest 

 ranger be stationed at Hamilton, with guards under his direction at 

 Marblemount, Monte Oristo, Index, and Stehekin, and that 25 fire 

 watchers be distributed at various points. This force, while altogether 



