72 



cial I'kiutiiig of largo traots in taat section is (loubtful. If men ^yill 

 cease their destructive operations and extend a protecting liand over 

 tlie forest regions, nature will repair in a measure the injuries of the 

 past. In truth, most kindly healing processes are already begun. The 

 ubiqnitous Aspen, with its light summer foliage and brilliant autumn 

 hues, gives grateful shade and moisture to wide areas which otherwise 

 would be barren and desolate. Some abler pen than mine should 

 apostrophize the Aspen! It is nature's restorative — the balm poured 

 upon grievous wounds! Ko soil, apparently, is too poor and inhos- 

 pitable to provide for it. It has, however, its limitations. It is a den- 

 izen of tbe mountains, and succumbs to excessive degrees of heat and 

 aridity. The Dwarf Maple, Creeping Juniper, AVild Eose, and other 

 hardy shrubs are also helpful in the restoration of denuded surfaces. 



In the midst of these minor growths the seeds of the Pine, Spruce, and 

 other timber trees gain lodgment and find necessary protection. 



In all situations where the existing conditions of soil and climate are 

 favorable the planting of forest trees should be encouraged to the 

 utmost extent. In valleys, among the foot-hills, upon the mesas and 

 plains where water is available, and along the streams, irrigating canals 

 and ditches, this important work should be carried on. 



There is no longer doubt that with the aid of irrigation, trees can be 

 made to grow at any point upon the western plains. Xay, with a 

 proper selection of species and judicious treatment, it is probable that 

 plantations and forests can be established even without the aid of irri- 

 gation. 



FOREST FX.OIIA. 



The forests of the Rocky Mountain region are mainly coniferous, 

 with scattering groves of Aspen in the mountains. Scrub-oak and Cedar 

 upon the foot-hills and mesas, and Cottonwood, Box-elder, Dwarf Maple? 

 Birch, Willow, and other minor deciduous species along the canyons 

 and streams. 



A full account of the woody plants prepared by Mr. George B. Sud- 

 worth will be found on page 153 of this report. The more important 

 forest trees occurring in each Territory are also enumerated in the 

 special part of this report. 



I.OCAI. DEMAIS^DS ON FOIJEST SUPPI.IES. 



By numerous letters of inquiry sent to lumbermen and others, in va- 

 rious localities, efforts have been made to obtain statistics relative to the 

 consumption of timber in this region. The results, however, have not 

 been commensurate with the efforts, and the information so obtained 

 has been quite meager, and shows mostly how little thought or intelli- 

 gent estimation has been so far given to this important branch of eco- 

 nomics ; how little its importance is as yet appreciated. 



