FORESTRY OF THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY. | 
This, we think, would stop speculators from taking timber-culture claims, and would 
have the effect of eventually establishing ten acres of good timber upon every even 
numbered section of United States lands, the same being prairie land. 
3d. The amendment of the act, whereby the same commissions and fees are to be 
paid by the applicant as would be required under the homestead laws for the same 
tract. 
Under the homestead laws the applicant for 160 acres of double minimum land in 
Montana, and ten other States or Territories, is required to pay at date of entry $10 
‘fee to the United States and commissions to the local officers of $12, and the same com- 
missions for the local ofticers at the time of proving up under the homestead law, viz., 
$12. Under the timber-culture laws the fee to the government is the same, but the 
commissions to the local officers are only $4 to be paid when entry is made, and $4 to 
be paid when proof is made; making a loss to the local officers of $18 for each 160 
acres taken under the timber-culture laws. 
Thus the law as it now exists virtually offers a premium, and makes it a great ob-. 
ject to local officers where the maximum is not attained (and those are in the major- 
ity) to discourage timber-culture entries. We do not think the timber-culture law 
strong enough to carry so heavy a weight; they are too heavily handicapped. 
We may be too strong in our suggestions to suit you, but the above are our honest 
opinions. 
Loren Listoe, register of the United States land office at Fergus Mills, 
Minn., says: 
The timber-culture act by no means has proved to be of so great a benefit to the 
public as had been expected, still I would consider it a great calamity and a serious 
mistake if said act should be repealed. It is true that-a great number of acres have 
been entered by speculators under said act, who, for instance, hold it two or three 
years aud then sell their rights to other parties. But on the bleak prairies of this. 
State and Dakota I know of a great many claims which have been entered by parties, 
actual settlers, who honéstly try to carry out the provisions of the act. 
Hon. J. V. Bogert, receiver of the United States land office at Boze- 
man, Mont., speaking of relinquishments under the timber-culture act,. 
Says: ) 
It is my opinion that speculation, expense and labor mainly caused the relinquish- 
ments. I do not conclude that the relinquishments, to any extent at least, are caused. 
by the failure of trees to grow, if properly cared for. 
It is my opinion that the time given in which to perfect an entry is too long; it 
encourages speculation in public lands, enabling parties to hold them eight years, in 
very many cases without planting a tree. Contests are not so often brought; parties 
do not like to antagonize neighbors; while the fact that inclosed or cultivated land 
has been taken under the timber-culture law may be, can be, and no doubt often is 
concealed. 
I see no reason why parties should not be obliged to plant a certain area in trees, 
and during the first continuous summer succeeding their filing, if made during a sun- 
mer, and during the summer succeeding filing if made prior toa summer. I do not 
notice any necessity for the first year’s plowing and the second year’s cultivation, if I 
am to judge from local success with trees without said work and use of time. Of 
course, I know that trees require care and ground preparation, but, were said two 
years not given, more compliance with the law would follow and less speculation in 
entries result. Again, at stated times during pendency of each case, parties should 
be obliged to appear at the local land office and prove compliance with the law. This 
would force compliance or relinquishment, and do away with cight years’ withdrawal 
of much land. 
