FOR the past two years the Resettlement Administration has been conducting large-scale operations for the betterment of stranded farmers. This work has been carried forward along several different lines, one of which has a direct and immensely important bearing on conservation. Foresters and land economists for many years have recognized the tremendous waste and danger incident to sparse settlement in forest and other districts where there are poor soils. Too long it has been the custom to tolerate scattered settlement in areas where none should be permitted. A few families attempting to eke out an existence in an area of a million acres may, through their carelessness with fire and firearms, render the whole area unproductive. Such scattered families cost the counties more than the value of what they produce. Providing them with roads, schools and other services is inordinately expensive.