9 



tion, abundance, and valne; the best means of preservinf;; the more valuable kinds, 

 and the methods to be employed in reclaiming those ranges which have been ren- 

 dered of little or no value for grazing, through overstocking or other causes. In 

 order to obtain a more definite idea as to what the present conditions and greatest 

 needs are, and to gain all possible information that will aid us in determining the 

 most practical methods of improving these conditions, by the introduction and cul- 

 tivation of new grasses aud forage plants or by the preservation and cultivation of 

 native species, correspondence is hereby invited with all interested in the develop- 

 ment and preservation of the stock-raising and dairying industries. 



There are over 225 different grasses native to this region, and it would be difficult 

 to give an adequate estimate of their immense value as a natural resource. Ever 

 since the Northwest has been settled these grasses have been the chief source of food 

 for the many thousands of horses, cattle, and sheep raised there, and many of them 

 will undoubtedly prove more valuable under cultivation than they are in the native 

 state. 



Any assistance you may render in this undertaking, either by sending us the names 

 and addresses of leading farmers, stock raisers, and dairymen of your region, or by 

 furnishing information relative to the points above indicated, will be highly 

 appreciated 



Yours, truly, F. Lamson-Scribnkr, 



Agrostologist. 



Approved : 



James Wilson, 



Secretary of Agriculture. 



(1) What is the chief forage problem in your section — that is, do you need hay 

 plants, soiling crops, drought-resistant crops, winter forage, or early spring or late 

 autumn forage? 



(2) How many head of cattle, horses, or sheep can be safely pastured to the square 

 mile under existing conditions? 



(3) Has the stock-carrying capacity of the ranges and pastures in your section been 

 diminished through overstocking or other causes? If so, to what extent? 



(4) What treatment do you recommend for restoring, renewing, and improving 

 the rauges where they have been overstocked? 



(5) What are the most highly valued native grasses and forage plants, and are 

 there any tame grasses or forage plants which might be profitably introduced on the 

 ranges to take the place of the valuable wild grasses of former years? 



(6) What is the general character of the land in your locality, and what grasses 

 flourish best on it? 



Answers were received from about 600 persons, and the following 

 may be taken as representative of the ideas expressed by the great 

 majority of them. 



From Governor Robert B. Smith, of Montana, tbe following answers 

 were received: 



(1) We need drought-resistant crops and winter forage. 



(2) Fifty head of horses or cattle or 2,^0 sheep. 



(3) Where sheep range, destroyed at least one-half. 



(4) If sheep were compelled to be kept in certain portions of the range and the 

 remainder left free for cattle or horses, the range would be fully restored in three 

 years. Sheep destroy the range ; cattle and horses do not. 



(5) Blue-joint and buffalo-grass are the best native grasses. Do not know of any 

 tame grasses to take their places. 



(6) Light gravelly land; soil not deep but rich, and with large per cent of alkali. 

 Buffalo-grass and blue-joint flourish best. 



