8 



ranges whicL will not only restore tlieir original grazing valne but 

 guard against future injury through overstocking and other careless 

 and shortsighted practices. 



The information upon which this report is based has been gathered 

 from various sources. During the past three seasons iield agents of 

 the division have been working in the different parts of the region in 

 question studying matters pertaining to the forage supply. The writer 

 has made two trips into the more important grazing districts, and, 

 under the direction of the chief of the division, has studied the condi- 

 tions and needs by consulting with the stockmen and collecting all 

 facts likely to aid in the work of getting at a i^ractical solution of the 



Fig. 1.— In the field. 



various forage problems confronting the ])eople at the present time, 

 and thereby laying the foundations for more intelligent and economical 

 practices in the future. 



In April, 1897, the following circular letter with the aj^pended (jues- 

 tions was sent to prominent stockmen, farmers, and others interested 

 in the forage problem : 



Unitkd States Dei-aktment oi' Agricultcre, 



Division of Agrostology, 



IVashhigfon, T). C, Ajfril, 1S07. 



Deaii Sir: Under tlio direction of the Secretary of Agriculture this division is 



investigating the forage question in tlie Northwest, particularly in the States of 



^lontana, Colorado, and Wyoming. In this investigation particular attention is 



being given to the native grasses and for.ige ])laats, their characteristics, distribu- 



