184 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



The system was adopted in a number of new localities. Observa- 

 tions relating to the use of small coyote-proof inclosures and sheds 

 in connection with range lambing were continued, as was the gathering 

 of careful data regarding the carrying capacity of ranges. Perhaps 

 the most difficult grazing problem on the National Forests at the pres- 

 ent time is that of the determination of the actual and potential 

 carrying capacities of different ranges. Already the investigations 

 have materially aided the stocking of the ranges to full capacity 

 without decrease in future productivity. 



Observations and demonstration tests to work out practical methods 

 of eliminating loss of stock from poisonous plants included the eradi- 

 cation of larkspur on the Stanislaus Forest in California, in coopera- 

 tion with cattlemen. Cattle range of approximately 14,000 acres, 

 containing about 67 acres of larkspur, was selected for a demonstra- 

 tion test. The larkspur was dug out at a cost of $695. The average 

 loss of cattle from poisoning on this range in previous years was 34 

 head. In 1915 the loss was 4 head. The net saving was valued at 

 $1,800. Similar tests on a smaller scale on the Sierra, Angeles, 

 Lemhi, Durango, Gunnison, and San Isabel Forests showed equally 

 promising results. It will probably be necessary to go over the areas 

 a second time to take out the few remaining plants. Further work 

 is under way to determine more definitely where this method is prac- 

 ticable. On the Ruby and Mono Forests in Nevada investigations 

 in the elimination of loss of cattle from larkspur poisoning by first 

 grazing the larkspur areas with sheep gave results less promising 

 than those from digging out the larkspur. Different methods of 

 cutting and digging the plants were tested at the Utah Experiment 

 Station. Further observations were also made to determine the feasi- 

 bility of preventing losses by fencing. In connection with all range 

 investigations and grazing administration special effort was put forth 

 to secure the collection of poisonous plants throughout the ranges 

 and to determine the distribution and abundance of each species. 

 This information is imperative to the most efficient minimizing of the 

 losses of stock from poisoning. 



Experimental observations were continued, especially at the Jor- 

 nada Range Reserve, regarding the proper distribution of stock- 

 watering places under different range conditions in -order to secure 

 maximum efficiency in the utilization of range. Additional data 

 were collected, also, relative to methods and cost of water develop- 

 ment. 



OTHER INVESTIGATIONS. 



THE STUDY OF THE LUMBER INDUSTRY. 



A comprehensive study of the lumber industry was begun by the 

 Forest Service early in 1914. The Bureau of Corporations and the 

 Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce joined in this survey, 

 which aimed to analyze in. a constructive way the conditions in the 

 leading forest using industry in the United States, and to show their 

 bearing both upon the health and stability of the industry and upon 

 the conservation of the timber resources of the Nation. 



The investigations conducted by the Forest Service have extended 

 over the regions of the South and West, where the bulk of the remaining 

 forests are located and lumber manufacture is now most active, and 



