A REPORT UPON THE GRASSES AND FORAGE PLANTS AND 

 FORAGE. CONDrnONS OF THE EASTERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN 

 REGION. 



INTRODUCTION. 



Stock raising will always be an importaut iiidastry in the vast 

 expanse of territory lying between the Kocky Mountains and the one- 

 hundredth meridian. The early settlers recognized its many natural 

 advantages for this purpose, and at once began to cover the hills and 

 valleys with cattle and other stock. Under the stimulating influence of 

 high prices, resulting largely from the demand created by the civil war, 

 stock raising rajiidly grew to be an industry of immense proportions. 

 At til St forage was plentiful ; everywhere the supply seemed inexhaust- 

 ible, and the ranchnmn's chief concern was to get more stock in order 

 that he might turn into cash the grasses of the prairies. Stock grew 

 and fattened on no other feed than the native grasses throughout the 

 entire year. 



At length, however, stockmen became aware of the fact that not only 

 was there a possibility, but a probability, that the supjdy of forage would 

 soon be exhausted if they continued to follow the old methods of stock 

 raising. Under this old system of mismanagement the ranges were 

 stocked to their utmost capacity, even for the most favorable conditions, 

 and consequently the past series of dry seasons resulted in a great 

 shortage of feed. Eanchmen are already confronted with the necessity 

 of ])roviding extra forage supplies for use in seasons when the grasses 

 on the range are short. 



With a view to finding some practical means of bettering existing 

 conditions and encouraging stockmen in their efforts to grow forage 

 crops, a series of investigations of the various forage problems existing 

 in the West and Xorthwest, particularly in the States of Montana, 

 Wyoming, and Colorado, is being carried on by the direction of the 

 Secretary of Agriculture through the Division of Agrostology. These 

 investigations are designed to secure full and accurate information 

 regarding the present condition of the forage problem; what the great- 

 est needs are, and how they can be met in the most practical manner; 

 to study the native grasses and forage plants, their characteristics, dis- 

 tribution, abundance, and value; to ascertain the best means of pre- 

 serving the more desirable sorts, and to introduce into cultivation such 

 as promise to be of value; to devise some practical treatment for the 



