I GOVERNMENT FOREST WORK. 



scientifically, as other branches of agriculture are de- 

 veloped. In all countries where forestry is an im- 

 portant governmental activity it is grouped with agri- 

 culture. Right handling of the Forest ranges is 1 

 problem of animal husbandry and forage-plant pro- 

 duction. Grazing on the National Forests is already 

 largely supplemental to ranching, through its pro- 

 vision of summer feeding grounds for local farm live 

 stock; and under the administration of the Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture it will grow more so as settlers 

 increase in number. The present grazing policy and 

 the agricultural-lands policy of the Forest Service 

 promote settlement. Water conservation has in view 

 the interests of irrigation farmers. Forestry and agri- 

 culture are interwoven and akin. 



The keynote of National Forest administration is 

 service. The object aimed at is best use of the many 

 resources of the Forests in the interest of the public 

 ryelfare. From the standpoint of material wealth, the 

 Forests have their greatest importance as sources of 

 supply of wood, water, and range forage. They have 

 also a great and growing value to the country as 

 places of recreation. Not only are they open to all 

 persons for all lawful purposes ; the prime object 

 always held in view is to make them more useful to 

 more people. Naturally they are of greatest benefit to 

 the local residents near them and to the States in 

 which they lie ; but they are useful also to the whole 

 country in ways that are not always realized. 



Most of the National Forests are located in the 

 mountainous regions of the country, where the pres- 

 ervation of tree growth is of great importance. From 

 the hardwoods of the southern Appalachians to the 

 spruces of the White Mountains in New England, 

 from the pifion and juniper stands where tree growth 



