Timely Hints for Farmers. 251 



the crowfoot grama and the six-weeks grasses, so-called, supple- 

 mented in the rainy season the more abundant forage of the lower 

 levels. When it rained upon these grass-covered plains, the water, 

 being obstructed in its downward course by the abundant vegeta- 

 tion, sank largely into the ground and very slowly made its way 

 into the underflow of the great valleys, finally reappearing in the 

 Gila river. In so doing, much of it was utilized by growing veg- 

 etation, while the residue, gradually joining the main water- 

 courses, insured a constant flow of water. When severe storms 

 occurred, with their resulting floods, the abundant bunch grasses 

 at the lower levels obstructed the flow to such an extent that the 

 water, in its downward course, was spread laterally over great 

 areas and its force dissipated. At the same time, the silt brought 

 down from the higher levels, including quantities of fertilizing 

 material, was deposited in these places, with the result that the 

 bottoms of the valleys were kept level and were enriched and made 

 the scene of an ever perpetuated growth of beautiful and luxuriant 

 grasses. 



It was into these lovely wild pastures that thecattleman, about 

 30 years ago, began to drive his herds. Although Arizona has 

 been inhabited by the Mexican people for 200 years and more, the 

 cattle industry was never developed for the reason that the hostile 

 Indians made the maintenance of herds upon the open ranges im- 

 possible. 



But shortly after the Civil War the establishment of military 

 posts in Arizona and the issuance of treaty rations to the Apache 

 Indians created a heavy demand for beef. Large herds were con- 

 sequently driven in from Texas and, under the protection of 

 newly established posts, the cattlemen gradually established them- 

 selves. 



After the completion of the Southern Pacific railroad in 1881, 

 small owners shipped in their herds from worn out districts in 

 Texas and elsewhere, while still others, driving their cattle over 

 land to California, stopped by the way. 



The multiplication of small herds with their natural increase, 

 together with restricted sales due to the low prices of cattle at 

 times during the eighties, soon caused the range to be stocked to 

 its utmost capacity, even in favorable years. In seasons of scare- 



