144 
The demand for lumber causes the consumption of the Pine timber 
as fast as it can be reached. Much of the best Pine is situated at points 
in the mountains not now accessible, and for the present it is likely to 
be spared. After the forests have been destroyed their reproduction 
can hardly be hoped for; the region is too arid to favor a new conifer: 
ous growth. 
LINCOLN COUNTY. 
(Area, 24,450 square miles; estimated forest area, 920 square miles.) 
This county is situated in the southeast corner of New Mexico. Along 
its western border are the Sierra Blanca, Sacramento, Guadalupe, and 
other mountain ranges; the central and eastern portions extend into 
the plains region. The Rio Pecos River flows through the entire county 
from north to south, and midway inits course is joined by its main afflu- 
ent, the Rio Honda River, which enters it from the west. That part of 
the county east of the Rio Pecos is very scantily watered, a few springs 
and wells being the only source of supply. Stock-raising is the chief 
industry, for which the county is well adapted. A large body of fill- 
able land lies along the valley of the Pecos for a distance of about 200 
miles, and along the tributaries of the river for a distance of some 300 
miles. 
The forests of the. county are confined mostly to the mountains of cue 
western portion. About one-fourth of the forest area includes good 
timber; the remainder has a small growth suitable only for fencing and 
fuel. Forest fires have, as yet, done but little damage. Pine, Spruce, 
Pinon, and Cedar constitute the bulk of the forests. The first two are 
used in the manufacture of lumber. Spruce is found at the greater ele- 
vations; it grows large and often forms dense forests. Pinon, ‘‘ Scrub 
Pine,” and Cedar are the most prevalent trees. Other trees native to 
this county are Oak, Yucca, and Madrona. 
Settlers who have taken timber-culture claims, generally plant Cot: 
tonwood, cultivating them in all cases with the aid of irrigation. 
MORA COUNTY. 
(Area, 3,830 square miles; estimated forest area, 720 square miles.) 
The altitude of this county varies from 4,000 feet in the extreme 
eastern portion to 7,000 feet at the base of the Rocky Mountain range 
in the west, and some of the high peaks attain an elevation of 11,000 to 
12,500 feet. About one-fourth of the surface of the county in the western 
part is mountainous; the remaining three-fourths extends into the 
Plains Region, and is an open rolling country, varied to some extent by 
hills and buttes. The Canadian River, passing from north to south 
through the central portion, is the principal stream. A number of 
ereeks and arroyos water other portions. 
The heaviest bodies De timber, consisting of Yellow and. White Pine 

