BITTER ROOT FOREST RESERVE 



399 



Sl'liAU'INE Kilt THICKET AND MEADOW ON MUSSEL SI1KI.I, (.'KEEK 



their peculiar sponge-like character, which makes possible the 

 retention of the water deposit. Thus it seems clear that the 

 reservation, if it were administered in such a manner as to pre- 

 vent or at least check forest fires and keep out herds of cattle 

 and sheep, would have a beneficial effect on the regimen of the 

 streams. 



Second. An important purpose to be subserved would be the 

 prevention of the injudicious cutting of trees over large areas. 

 It is not proposed to prohibit cutting to a sufficient extent to 

 meet necessary demands,' but to have it done under proper 

 supervision, so that the young and immature growth may be pro- 

 tected and the production utilized in an economical manner. 

 In other words, it is desired to provide for the handling of the 

 tree crop with the same prudence and foresight as any other 

 crop would be looked after. 



Third. Large areas have been burned over, and it is a debt 

 due to posterity that the damage be repaired. This end can be 

 accomplished only by a systematic effort under proper direc- 

 tion. The Yellowstone National Park and theYosemite Park 

 have for several years past been patrolled by troops of cavalry 

 of the U. S. Army, who have not only been able to keep watch 

 on the class of people to whom these fires are usually tracea- 

 ble, but, by going promptly to localities where smoke is visible, 

 have been able to extinguish with little exertion fires which, if 



