104 
and east. Its average elevation is about 3,500 feet above sea-level. 
One-third of the area is mountainous, and covered with a scanty 
growth of timber. The remaining portion consists of long, narrow 
plateaus, with deep valleys and ravines at the sides. The bottom-lands, 
bordering the streams, are of small extent, and in some parts are too 
stony for cultivation. To a great extent the soil is gravelly. This, 
in connection with the broken configuration, and prevailing arid conai- 
tions, will greatly limit agricultural operations. 
The timber lands are situated in the central and western portions of 
the county. The greater part are thinly wooded, the forest growth ap- 
pearing on rocky ridges, buttes, and the sheltered sides of plateaus. 
The predominant species are Yellow and White Pine and Fir. Only 
the first two grow large enough for lumber. The White Pine is small, 
and is much used for fencing poles. A scattering growth of Cottonwood 
and Box-elder along the streams furnishes more or less fuel. 
About one twenty-fifth of the timber area is fully stocked, and one- 
fiftieth is brush. 
Forest fires have been very destructive. A correspondent, under date 
of August, 1886, describes one then prevailing on the Fort Maginnis 
military reservation. He recounts the unavailing efforts of citizens to 
subdue it, and the utter indifference with which the matter was viewed 
by the commandant of the post, who refused to extend any aid in the 
premises. 
Tree-planting, either with or without the aid of irrigation, is deemed 
impracticable. The atmosphere contains so little moisture that trees 
sunburn in summer and freeze dry in winter. 
GALLATIN COUNTY. 
(Total area, 7,100 square miles; estimated forest area, 1,600 square miles.) 
Situated upon the southern border of the Territory at a moderate 
elevation, and abundantly watered by streams flowing from Yellowstone 
Park, this county ranks among the first in Montana for fertility and 
productiveness. Its surface is greatly varied, and includes mountains, 
foot-hills, and valleys. 
Most of the mountain slopes are covered with timber; the trees, how- 
ever, do not grow large. Yellow and White Pine and Fir are the pre- 
dominant species. Lodge-pole Pine is the most common variety, and 
occupies large areas. Cottonwood grows along the streams. About 
40 per cent. of the timber land has been burned over. 
JEFFERSON COUNTY. 
(Total area, 2,200 square miles; estimated forest area, 350 square miles.) 
This county lies upon the eastern slope of the main range and is cen. 
trally situated in the western or timbered portion of the Territory. The 

