8 



inches, so distributed througli the year that it means sufficient for range 

 l)urposes, but periodically not sufficient for the best results in farming; 

 a range of temperature from 90° to 102° down to 7° F. ; a rich alluvial 

 soil in most of the valleys, while on the uplands there are loams, gen- 

 erally containing a large admixture of calcareous marls. The soils 

 vary in color from a light gray or yellow, through all the intermediate 

 colors — chocolate, mulatto, red, and brown — to black, all productive 

 and susceptible of high cultivation, and especially rich in the elements 

 necessary for the j)roduction of the cereals and grasses. There is a 

 great variety of native forage ])lauts and grasses, comprising species 

 that api)ear in succession from February to November. 



In Stonewall, Nolan, Mitchell, McCulloch, Coke, San Saba, and 

 Taylor counties the toi)Ography presents a greater diversity than in 

 the others. In Taylor County there are considerable elevations, a 

 mountain range extending through it from southeast to northwest, the 

 highest point being 519 feet above the surrounding plains. In Throck- 

 morton, Stephens, Shackelford, Callahan, Runnels, Coleman, and Tom 

 Green counties there are broken areas. In the other ten counties, 

 where there are neither mountains nor hills, the general surface is 

 gently undulating. 



Under the direction of the Agrostologist of the United States Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture, portions of this section were visited by the writer 

 during August, September, and October (1897), and collections of 

 grasses made, notes being taken relative to the forage plants, native 

 and domesticated, that have given promise of future value. These 

 observations, owing to the limited time in which they were made, do 

 not cover all the counties named, but it is probable that nearly every 

 grass noted may be found in each of the counties, and the statements 

 regarding them will doubtless apply to the entire region. 



EARLY CONDITION OF THE RANGES. 



The natural meadows of this section when the first cattlemen took 

 possession were excellent. It was an ideal pasture land. The streams 

 were full the year round, and the absence of heavy dews or long-con- 

 tinued wet spells in autumn caused the abundant growth of grasses to 

 rii)on and cure on their own roots into hay of the best quality, available 

 through all the winter months. There was shelter from st(n-ms in the 

 timber along the streams. The prairie dogs and jack rabbits were 

 kept in check by their natural enemies. The rapid spread of weedy 

 shrubs and cactus was prevented by the annual fires that swept the 

 (country. 



No attempt at systematic settlement was made until the building of 

 the Texas and Pacific Kiiilroad in 1883. Before that time there was no 

 one to assert any si»ccial claim to any particular lands. True, nearly 

 all belonged to private individuals, railroad companies, (;ounties, or 

 to some of the State trust funds, but nune of the legal owners were 



