Among the land owners in this country are the Federal Government and the States. Extensive acreages are included in the public domain of the West, in the national forests with their range land, and in State-owned land. These areas are subject to erosion and to misuse just as private lands are. What are the outlines of wise policy for the conservation and best use of their soil? How and under what circumstances should public purchases of land be made in the future? These questions are considered here.