12 
cial planting of large tracts in taat section is doubtful. If men will 
cease their destructive operations and extend a protecting hand over 
the forest regions, nature will repair in a measure the injuries of the 
past. In truth, most kindly healing,processes are already begun. The 
ubiquitous Aspen, with its light summer foliage and brilliant autumn 
hues, gives grateful shade and moisture to wide areas which otherwise 
would be barren and desolate. Some abler pen than mine should 
apostrophize the Aspen! It is nature’s restorative—the balm poured 
upon grievous wounds! No soil, apparently, is too poor and inhos- 
pitable to provide for it. . It has, however, its limitations. It is a den- 
izen of the mountains, and succumbs to excessive degrees of heat and 
aridity. The Dwarf Maple, Creeping Juniper, Wild Rose, and other 
hardy shrubs are also helpful in the restoration of denuded surfaces, 
In the midst of these minor growths the seeds of the Pine, Spruce, and 
other timber trees gain lodgment and find necessary protection. 
In all situations where the existing conditions of soil and climate are 
favorable the planting of forest trees should be encouraged to the 
utmost extent. In valleys, among the foot-hills, wpon the mesas and 
plains where water is available, and along the streams, irrigating canals 
and ditches, this important work should be earried on. 
There is no longer doubt that with the aid of irrigation, trees can be 
made to grow at any point upon the western plains. Nay, with a 
proper selection of species and judicious treatment, it is probable that 
plantations and forests can be established even without the aid of irri- 
gation. 
FOREST FLORA. 
The forests of the Rocky Mountain region are mainly coniferous, 
with scattering groves of As pen in the mountains, Serub-o2k and Cedar 
upon the foot-hills and mesas, and Cottonwood, Box-elder, Dwarf Maple: 
Birch, Willow, and other minor deciduous species along the canyons 
and streams. 
A full account of the woody plants prepared by Mr. George B. Sud- 
worth will be found on page 153 of this report. The more important 
forest trees ovcurring in each Territory are also enumerated in the 
special part of this report. 
LOCAL DEMANDS ON FOREST SUPPLIES. 
By numerous letters of inquiry sent to lumbermen and others, in va- 
rious Icealities, efforts have been made to obtain statistics relative to the 
consumption of timber in this region. The results, however, have not 
been commensurate with the efforts, and the information so obtained 
has been quite meager, and shows mostly how little thought or intellli- 
gent estimation has been so far given to this important branch of eco- 
nomics; how little its importance is as yet appreciated. 

