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In the eastern part of the county is a dense growth of Spruce and 
Aspen, about 10 per cent. of the first named being good saw-tim- 
ber. 
The western part of the county is mostly mesa land, with scattering 
Pinon and Cedar, and in some parts a heavy undergrowth of Oak-brush. 
White Spruce is the predominant wood in the county. 
The timber line varies from 10,500 to 11,000 feet. From the timber 
line down to about 9,000 feet the timber is chiefly Spruce and Fir; 
from 9,000 to 8,000, Aspen; 8,000 to 7,000, Aspen and Pine; 7,000 to 
6,000, Aspen, Pinon, Scrub Oak, and Cottonwood. The mesas are 
mostly devoid of timber, except occasional groves of Aspen on the 
higher ones. 
SUMMIT COUNTY. 
(Area, 750 square miles; estimated forest area, 275 square miles.) 
This county is situated in the north-central part of the State, on the 
western slope of the main range. The forests are located mainly on 
the mountain slopes at the east and south, and along the streams. The 
best timber is found in the mountain region. The forest growth con- 
sists of White Spruce, Balsam, Pine, Hemlock, Cedar, Pifion, Aspen, 
Narrow-leafed Cottonwood, Black Birch, Alder, and Willow. The 
Spruce, Pine, Hemlock, and Balsam grow large enough for lumber. 
The special dangers threatening the forests are lumbering, railroads, 
and the careless use of fire by campers and mill employés. Quite a 
large part of the forest on the northeast side of Blue River has been 
burned over; also that on the Snake River, a tributary of the former. 
It is stated that before the settlement of the county forest fires destroyed 
60 square miles of timber. There are in some places promising second 
growths, which are usually Pine, Spruce, and Aspen. After fire, Aspen 
usually follows, although in many places, on southern exposures, Pine 
is the most abundant. 
As yet there is no noticeable change in the flow of water in the 
streams. The existing forest affords ample protection to the snow from 
solar heat, while the high altitude also prevents rapid melting. The 
lowest elevation in the county, near Blue River bridge at Green 
Mountain, is 7,600 feet. 
For the more adequate protection of forests, it is said the people 
should be taught the importance of preventing forest fires, and that 
notices relating to the extinguishment of camp fires, ete., should be 
posted in all prominent places. People are more careless than mali- 
cious in allowing fires to spread. 
‘* Keep up the cry, ‘Preserve the forests,’ and the people will heed it 
after awhile; you can not coerce, but it is possible to teach.” 
There is no land in the county suitable for agriculture, and there are 
no irrigating ditches. 

