104 



and east. Its average elevation is about 3,500 feet above sea-level. 

 Oiie-tliird of the area is monutainous, and covered witii 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. Th^, 

 in connection with the broken configuration, aud prevailing arid ccuai- 

 tioDS, will greatly limit agricultural operations. 



The timber lands are situated in the central and western j)ortious 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. 

 aud is much used for fenciug 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, 1SS6, describes one then prevailing on the Fort Maginnis 

 military reservation. He recounts the unavailing efforts of citizens to 

 subdue it, and the utter indifterence with which the matter was viewed 

 by the commandant of the post, who refused to extend any aid in tbe 

 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' COrXTY. 



(Total area, 7.100 square miles: estimated forest area, l.GOO srniare 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 laud has been burned oyer. 



JEFFERSOX COrXTY. 



(Total area. '^.QOO square miles; estimated forest area, 350 square miles.) 



This county lies upon the eastei'n slope of the main rauge and is cen- 

 trally situated in the western or timbered portion of the Territory. The 



