502 



Forfst Resources of Siberia. 



pitchpine, and fir ; but in western Siberia a lime tree is met 

 with in the form of underwood, supplying bark and bast which 

 serve as a source of income to the local population. 



The zone of birch-forest occupies the low-lying or 

 so-called steppe region. This area is peopled by a settled 

 population, and nearly coincides with the cultivated or 

 agricultural zone of Siberia. The principal and practically 

 the only forest growth in this zone is the birch, with a slight 

 admixture of aspen and willows upon the damper spots and 

 along the banks of the rivers. In this region the birch 

 furnishes the peasant with timber for every purpose ; all the 

 huts and farm buildings in the villages are made of it ; even 

 the roofs are of birch bark, while in towns and settlements 

 birch is the only fuel and furnishes the sole material for all 

 farming implements. The consumption, therefore, is already 

 very large, and will undoubtedly increase, as this territory is 

 now traversed by the chief artery of the Siberian Railway. 



The mountain forest region covers the northern slopes of 

 an almost uninterrupted chain of mountains which run from 

 Semiretchia to Vladivostock. The growth is of a varied 

 character, embracing larch, pitchpine, pine, and cedar, and 

 yields timber of excellent quality ; but the exploitation of 

 these mountain forests is said to present considerable diffi- 

 culties, principally in the way of transport. 



With regard to the management of the Siberian forests, it 

 appears that until recently they were free from any super- 

 vision. About 40 years ago, however, the Russian Govern- 

 ment began to take steps for regulating the use of the timber 

 of western Siberia. In 1? "63 regulations were introduced 

 whereby the duty of preserving the forests was imposed upon 

 the rural communities, who were allowed in return the right 

 to cut timber for their own needs, but not for sale. Since 

 the year 1884 the administration has been placed upon the 

 same footing as the Crown forests of European Russia. 



Exportation of Wheat from Siberia. 

 Although the opening of the Siberian railways caused 

 some attention to be directed to the prospective capabilities 



