104 



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

 One-third of tlie area is mountainous, and covered with a scanty 

 growth of timber. The remaining i^ortion 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. This, 

 in connection with the broken configuration, and prevailing arid condi- 

 tions, will greatly limit agricultural operations. 



The timber lands are situated in the central and western portions of 

 the county. The greater i)art 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, 

 and 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, 188G, describes one then prevailing on the Fort Magiunis 

 military reservation. He recounts the unavailing efforts of citizens to 

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

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

 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 COUNTY. 

 (Total area, 7,100 siiuare miles; estimated forest area, 1,600 square 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 

 l^roductiveness. Its surface is greatly varied, and includes mountains, 

 foot-hills, and valleys. 



Most of the mountain slopes are covered with timberj 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 i^er cent, of the timber land has been burned over. 



JEFFERSON COUNTY. 

 (Total area, 2,200 square miles; estimated forest area, 350 square miles.) 



This county lies upon the eastern slope of the main range and is cen. 

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



