132 



tiou, are covered mostly with Grass, Cedar, and Pifion. Tho county is 

 broken by deep canyons, but affords good range for stcck. 



The main body of timber is on Piiion Mesa, the head waters of East 

 and West and Eio Dominguez Creeks. South of the Grand and G&n- 

 nison Eivers, Yellow Pine and Spruce abound. A great part of the 

 county, outside of Grand Valley, is covered with a scattering growth of 

 Pine and Pinon. There is but little good timber. Along some of the 

 streams are found Cottonwood and Box Elder. Aspen is plentiful in 

 some localities. 



MONTROSE COUNTY. 

 (Area, 2,040 square miles ; estimated forest area, 640 square miles.) 



This county adjoins Mesa County at the south and east. The Gunni- 

 son, Uncompahgre, San Miguel, and Eio Dolores are its principal rivers. 



The forest laud is situated mainly in the central part of the county. 

 About one fifth of its area includes good timber. There is no brush of 

 promising growth, and no portion made waste by fire. The trees are 

 mostly Pine and Spruce of good size and quality. Aspen, Cottonwood, 

 and Oak are small. 



Lumbering is the special danger threatening the forests. If they are 

 destroyed it is doubtful if they will ever be renewed. 



OTJRAY COUNTY. 

 (Area, 190 square miles ; estimated forest area, 110 square miles.) 



This county is situated in southwestern Colorado, upon the western 

 slope of the Main Eange. The timber is pretty well distributed j it is 

 said the best is found in the viciuity of Ouray, and in the northwestern 

 part of the county. The forest growth consists of Yellow Pine, Fir, 

 Pinon, Cedar, Cottonwood, Box Elder, Aspen, and Oak. Spruce and 

 Aspen predominate in the mountains ; on the hill sides, Cedar and 

 Pinon. 



After the forests have been destroyed the second growth, if any, is 

 usually Cedar and Pifion. It is difficult for trees of any kind to start 

 after fire has run over the ground. 



PARK COUNTY. 

 (Area, 21,000 square miles ; estimated forest area, 600 square miles.) 



This county is in the geographical center of the State. A magnifi- 

 cent mountain park, called South Park, covers a large part of its area. 

 On the west it is bordered by the Main Eange. The principal streams 

 which find outlet at the northeast are Tarryall Creek and the ^^"orth 

 and Middle Forks of the South Platte Eiver. 



The forest land of the county lies chiefly upon its western and north- 

 ern borders. The timber consists largely of Pine and Spruce, the lat- 

 ter predominating. Of the forest area aboot one-fourth is good timber, 



