Page:Pacific Monthly volumes 9 and 10.djvu/122

 woodsman, application for title to the land is made in person at the land office. In making the affidavit required, the applicant must swear that he has personally examined the land; that it is chiefly valuable for its timber, and unfit for cultivation if the timber were removed; that he does not apply to purchase the same on speculation, but in good faith to appropriate it to his own exclusive use and benefit; and that he has not, directly or indirectly, made any agreement or contract to transfer the land or the timber thereon to any person or persons.

After the filing of this statement, the register is required to post a no- tice in the land office for sixty days, giving a description of the land by legal subdivisions, and naming a date for the hearing for final proof. The applicant must, at his own expense, publish a copy of this notice in a paper published nearest the location of the timber. On the day fixed for final proof the claimant again testifies as to his knowledge of the land and his intentions in answer to such questions as these:

"Are you acquainted with the land by personal inspection of each of its smallest legal subdivisions?

When and in what manner was such inspection made?

Is the land fit for cultivation, or

A COMFORTABLE HOME — Hewn out of a cedar stump jj feet in diameter.

Copyright, 1901, by Darius Kinsey. Sedro-Woolley, Wash.

would it be fit for cultivation if the timber were removed?

What is the estimated market value of the timber standing on this land?

Has any other person than yourself, or has any firm, corporation or association any interest in the entry you are now making, or in the land or in the timber thereon?"

The official before whom the affidavit is made is required to call attention to the following: note: "Every person swearing falsely to the above deposi-