135 



diagonally through the western portion. The San Luis and Saguache 

 Rivers and Oochetopa Creek are its principal streams. 



The timber lands are maiul}^ on the mountain ranges at the north 

 and east. The forest growth consists of medium-size Pine, Spruce, 

 Pinou, and Cedar, with Cottonwood in the valleys along the streams. 

 About one-tenth of the forest area is fully stocked] good for timber. 



Railroads and fires are the principal dangers threatening the forests. 

 The replacement of forest growth is very slow. The second growth is 

 usually the same as the original. The adoption of measures for the 

 .prevention of forest fires is strongly urged. 



No particular changes in the flow and volume of water have been ob- 

 served. High water has prevailed during the past three seasons. 



SAN JUAN COUNTY. 

 (Area, 450 square miles ; estimated forest area, 100 square miles.) 



This county is situated iu southwestern Colorado, in the San Juan 

 Mountains, which form a part of the Main Range. Nearly one-half of 

 the area of this county is above the timber line. Its elevation is from 

 8,400 to 14,000 feet above sea level. It is drained by the Animas River 

 and tributaries, excepting a small portion on the east, which is drained 

 by the headwaters of the Rio G-rande. 



Timber is found on nearly two thirds of the area below the timber 

 line, which equals about one-third the total area of the county. 



The forest growth consists principally of Pine, Spruce, Balsam, and 

 Aspen, and is situated in the valleys and on the lower parts of the 

 mountains. Fifty to 75 per cent, of the forest is said to be good timber, 

 the trees having an average diameter of 12 to 24 inches. About 20 per 

 cent, has been made waste by burning. There is very little brush or 

 new growth. 



The second growth, if any, is Aspen. Much of the timber is in- 

 accessible. That which can be reached is likely to be used, as at present, 

 for mining purposes and fuel. Lumber for building is now obtained 

 from the adjoining county of La Plata. 



The county lies at so high an altitude that there is scarcely any 

 agriculture. The land in cultivation embraces about one and a half 

 acres. 



SAN MIGUEL COUNTY. 



(Area, 1,375 square miles; estimated forest area, 260 square miles.) 



This county lies in southwestern Colorado, its western extremity 

 reaching the Utah line. Its surface descends toward the northwest. 

 The principal streams are the Dolores River and tributaries, most of 

 which flow through canons, with precipitous banks. The San Miguel 

 Mountains, a high range, form the east and southeastern boundaries of 

 the county. 



