182 
tion, are covered mostly with Grass, Cedar, and Pifon. The county is 
broken by deep canyons, but affords good range for steck. 
The main body of timber is on Pinon Mesa, the head waters of East 
and West and Rio Dominguez Creeks. South of the Grand and Gun- 
nison Rivers, Yellow Pine and Spruce abound. A great part of the 
county, outside of Grand Valley, is covered with a scattering growth of 
Pine and Pinon. There is but little good timber. Along some of the 
streams are found Cottonwood and Box Elder. Aspen is plentiful in 
some localities. 
MONTROSE COUNTY. 
(Area, 2,040 square miles: estimated forest area, 640 square miles. ) 
This county adjoins Mesa County at the south andeast. The Gunni-. 
son, Uncompahgre, San Miguel, and Rio Dolores are its principal rivers. 
The forest land is situated mainly in the central part of the county. 
About one-fifth of its area includes good timber. There is no brush of 
promising growth, and no portion made waste by fire. The trees are 
mostly Pine and Spruce of good size and quality. Aspen, Cottonwood, 
and Oak are small. 
Lumbering is the special danger Peas the forests. If they are - 
destroyed it is doubtful if they will ever be renewed. 
OURAY COUNTY. 
(Area, 190 square miles: estimated forest area, 110 square miles.) 
This county is situated in southwestern Colorado, upon the western 
slope of the Main Range. The timber is pretty well distributed; it is 
said the best is found in the vicinity of Ouray, and in the northwestern 
part of the county. The forest growth consists of Yellow Pine, Fir, 
Pition, Cedar, Cottonwood, Box Elder, Aspen, and Oak. Spruce and 
Aspen predominate in the mountains; on the hill sides, Cedar and 
Pinon. 
After the forests have been destroyed the second growth, if any, is 
usually Cedar and Pifion. It is difficult for trees of any kind to start 
after fire has run over the ground. 
PARK COUNTY. 
(Area, 21,000 square miles; estimated forest area, 600 square miles. ) 
This county isin the geographical center of the State. A magnifi. 
cent mountain park, called South Park, covers a large part of its area. 
On the west it is bordered by the Main Range. The principal streams 
which find outlet at the northeast are Tarryall Creek and the North 
and Middle Forks of the South Platte River. 
The forest land of the county lies chiefly upon its western and north- 
ern borders. The timber consists largely of Pine and Spruce, the lat- - 
ter predominating. Of the forest area abont one-fourth is good timber, 

