T21N • R8E • M.D.M.
Scope of operations of the timber thieves in a highly mineralized township of Plumas County, California. Shaded portions indicate the extent of forest reserve selections filed during 1902 by Jacob H. Cook in the interest of Wheeler Brothers eastern timber land sharks. In some instances unpatented mining claims that had been worked for years were embraced in these selections. The patented claims are shown completely surrounded by forest lieu selections. A special agent of the General Land Office, who is known to have accepted money from Fred A. Kribs, reported that he was unable to find any traces of mineral in this township. The official survey was approved by the United States Surveyor General March 21, 18SS, and contains a note to the effect that "Deputy Surveyor D. C. Hall states in the general description of this township that placer mining is carried on quite extensively in the same."
midst of the forest where fallen trees interfered with locomotion away from the roads to such an extent that it was practically impossible to make any progress with a vehicle. And yet those 16 persons went before the Register of the United States Land Office upon their return, and with hands uplifted to high heaven, solemnly swore that they had just passed over each and every legal subdivision embraced in the different entries, knowing full well that they were committing perjury, and that to do what they had just sworn they had done, would have involved at least a week's effort.
I remained in Susanville several days, gathering much valuable information concerning the operations of the land grabbers. None of the dummy locatorsPage 425
