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GUNNISON COUNTY. 
(Area, 4,000 square miles; estimated forest area, 1,200 square miles. ) 
This county is irregular in outline, and covers a large area upon the 
western slope of the main range. It is bordered on the north by the 
Elk Mountains. The Gunnison Riverand its numerous tributaries con 
stitute the water system. 
The forests are situated mainly on the mountain slopes at the north 
and east. The principal trees are Pine, Spruce, Cedar, and Aspen. 
About one-fourth is brush, and as much more has been burned over. 
No portion is fully stocked. The trees are usually 3 to 18 inches in di- 
ameter. Pine and Spruce predominate. Cottonwood and Alder grow 
along the streams. 
Fire is the principal destroyer of the forests. The renewal is slow 
but steady. The second growth is usually the same as the first, except 
after fire, when Aspen follows. 
No particular change has been observed in the flow and volume of 
water in the streams. The entire county is well watered. There isa 
heavy fall of snow in the winter, an d copious rain-fall in the summer. 
HINSDALE COUNTY. 
(Area, 1,440 square miles; estimated forest area, 450 square miles. ) 
This county is situated in the southwestern part of the State. It is 
drained in the northern portion by the head-waters of the Lake Fork 
of the Gunnison River and Henson Creek; in the middle part by the 
head-waters of the Rio Grande River; and in the southern portion by 
some of the tributaries of the San Juan River. The main range, or 
Continental Divide, crosses the county twice, in an east and west direc-. 
tion. 
Timber grows in all of the valleys (which lie at an altitude of about 
7,000 feet) and on the hillsides and mountain slopes, to a height of 
11,000 feet. White Spruce, White and Yellow Pine, and Aspen are the 
principal species. Spruce and Aspen predominate. Only asmall pro- 
portion of the forest trees are large enough for lumber. 
No changes are observed in the streams, although without doubt the 
forests have a beneficial effect on the water supply. The difference 
here between high and low water is considerable, and the rise and fall 
is quite gradual. Heavy snows have occurred during the last three 
winters, resulting in plenty of water in the streams through the spring : 
and summer months. 
HUERFANO COUNTY. 
(Area, 1,160 square miles; estimated forest area, 250 square miles. ) 
This county is situated in southeastern Colorado. Upon its north- 
western, western, and southern borders are mountains and foot-hills 
covered, to a greater or less extent, with Pine, Spruce, Fir, Cedar, and 

