60 AXlSrUAL EEPOETS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGETCULTURE. 



In the field of industrial investigations an accomplishment of far- 

 reaching importance was scored in the completion of standardized 

 lumber gi-ades for yard lumber and structural timber of all com- 

 mercial species, both softwood and hardwood. Several important 

 lumber-trade organizations have accepted the proposed standards as 

 practical and desirable to replace the considerable number of widely 

 varying rules or specifications hitherto employed. This work was 

 done in cooperation with the Central Committee on Lumber Stand- 

 ards, representing lumber manufacturers, distributers, consumers, 

 iiud professional groups, such as architects and engineers, with the 

 Department of Commerce and the Department of Agriculture acting 

 in an advisory capacity. 



GRAZING ON THE NATIONAL FORESTS. 



The use of the forage resources in the national forests during 

 the past year has reflected the depressed conditions in the livestock 

 industry of the Western States, which have been particularly acute 

 among cattle growers. Enforced liquidation among livestock pro- 

 ducers has, at various points, reduced the numbers of stock using 

 national forest ranges and the income from this source ; and a small 

 percentage of grazing premittees, particularly in the Southwest, have 

 been unable to pay the fees required by the Forest Service. 



The department has handled this situation in a sympathetic way, 

 with a view to aiding the industry to tide over its present difficulties 

 and recover its normal status. Extensions of time for the payment 

 of grazing fees have been allowed in many cases in connection with 

 unbroken use of the ranges. At the same time it has been necessary 

 to protect the Government in the ultimate payment of the amounts 

 due and to maintain grazing permits on a business basis. 



During the year special attention has been given to the revision of 

 the policies and regulations governing grazing on the national for- 

 ests. This work has been undertaken with a view primarily (1) to 

 aid in the stabilization of the livestock industry in so far as it is 

 dependent upon national forest ranges, and (2) to adapt the use of 

 this pasturage to the economic needs and tendencies of the livestock 

 industry in the Western States, particularly in relation to the most 

 effective use of land. These two objects are, of course, closely related. 



