146 



SAN MiaUEL COUNTY. 

 (Area, 11,630 square miles; estimated forest area, 1,300 square miles.) 



The northwestern portion of this county, iacluding about one-sixth 

 of its area, is mountainous; the remaining part is an open, rolling 

 country, embracing wide plains and extensive mesas. The surface 

 slopes from the western boundary of the county to the Texas State line 

 on the east, the average or mean altitude being about 5,000 feet above 

 sea-level. The Canadian and Eio Pecos Eivers and their tributaries, 

 Avhich have their sources in the mountains at the north and west, con- 

 stitute the drainage system. 



The most important forests, consisting of Pine and Spruce timber, 

 are situated in the mountains. It is estimated that about one-half of 

 the forest area is well stocked, that most of the ren-iainder is brush of 

 promising growth, and that a small part has been made waste by fire. 

 Scattering groves of Piiion, Cedar, and Scrub Oak are found on the 

 foot-hills and mesas. Cottonwood grows along some of the water- 

 courses. 



No changes have been observed in the flow and volume of water in 

 the streams. 



SANTA FE COUNTY. 



(Area, 2,490 square miles ; estimated forest area, 1,375 square miles.) 



Santa Fe County is situated in the northern-central part of the Ter- 

 ritory. It is bordered at the northeast by the elevated crests of the 

 Eocky Mountain range, which here reaches its southern limit. The 

 surface of the county is finely diversified. It is a region of mountains, 

 valleys, mesas, undulating plains, and swift running streams. The 

 altitude varies from 5,500 feet on the mesas in the southern portion ol 

 the couuty, to 7,044 feet at the city of Santa Fe, and to 13,000 feet on 

 Mount Baldy, of the Santa Fe range. The area of the county is quite 

 equally divided between agricultural, fruit, grazing, and timber lands. 

 The temperate climate, fine scenery, and other natural advantages, con- 

 tribute to render this region most attractive and desirable for residence. 



The forest lands are situated mostly in the eastern part of the county. 

 There is a narrow strip of timber at the south called ''The Placers," 

 extending from the Placers to the east line of the county, and also a 

 small wooded tract in the southwestern corner. About 30 per cent, of 

 the forest area includes good timber; 20 per cent, is brush of promis- 

 ing growth; a portion has been burned over, and the remainder is an 

 open growth of Piiion, Cedar, and Scrub Oak. Yellow Pine and 

 Spruce are the predominating species in the mountains in the north- 

 eastern part of the county ; in the more open country at the south and 

 west, Pinon, Cedar, and Oak are the prevailing kinds. Cottonwood 

 and Willow border many of the streams. 



