28 



(6) Desert Juniper [Juniperus lin'ujlitii A. Nels.). — To list a tree of 

 any cliaracter as a noteworthy forage plant is at least a little 

 unusual. This scrubby, shrub-like juniper,' or, as it is usually 

 called, "bluff cedar,'' has, however, saved many a flock of sheep 

 from extinction. During some of tlie terrible blizzard-like snow- 

 storms that occasionally occur and last for two or three days the 

 only available forage consists of the branches and tops of this 

 Junii)er. The experienced herder keeps worliing the slieep about, 

 so as to have them on top of the snowdrifts instead of under them. 

 Gradually a trampled-down yard is formed, which, if it be among 

 the cedars, will enable him to hold his flock for some days safely. 

 "Cedar boughs" are not refused under such circumstances, and if 

 not very nutritious, they at least fill the stomachs of the hungry 

 animals. 



VEGETATION OF THE HILL COUNTRY, OR SUMMER, RANGE. 



A complete discussion of the forage of tlie vast area which constitutes 

 the summer range of the flocks and herds that winter in the desert is 

 not called for in this report, and would necessitate a more critical 

 investigation in the field of the jilant formations that characterize the 

 different areas than they have yet received. Enough is known, how- 

 ever, to enable one to state the character of the forage with a degree of 

 certainty. 



It may be said then, first of all, that the summer forage is distinct- 

 ively herbaceous, strikingly in contrast with the more or less shrubby 

 vegetation of the desert; that it consists primarily of grasses, sedges, 

 and rushes, in contrast with the woody jflants of the winter range. 



The Slimmer range consists of the monntainous and hilly areas on the 

 outskirts of the desert. It does not include the impenetrable and 

 rugged fastnesses of the higher ranges, such as the Medicine l>ow, the 

 Wind Kiver, and the Uinta, but mountains of medium elevation, with 

 rounded slopes, only partially wooded, and well watered Avith springs 

 and creeks. The timber upon such is oi)en, or, if dense, is interspersed 

 with i)arks or meadows of most luxuriant growth. Here is a grove of 

 quaking asjten, there some scattering i)ines, and yonder a spruce- 

 covered summit. In the narrow valleys springs and snow-fed stream- 

 lets are found on whose banks occasional cliim])s ot willow or alder 

 occur. In tlicse regions grasses flourish as they never do on the 

 ]»]ains. The better soil and the lre<|uent snnunei' showers furnish the 

 conditions Cor luxuriant growth. Of grnsses there are many genera, of 

 which the fcjllowing are the more valua))le: 



Tiie Spear grasses {Fon) are easily first as to number and value. 

 After these come a number of groui)s, all of great value, or at least 

 containing one or more valuable species. Among these are the Brome- 

 grasses {Bromus), Wheat grasses (Af/ropi/ron), llye-grasses {Eli/mn.s), 

 Dropseed grasses {tiporohoUis)^ Timothy (I'lilenui), Manna, or Reed, 



