INSTRUCTION IN RANGE MANAGEMENT 541 



The period of exclusion or rotation of grazing on forest plantations and 

 on areas that are reproducing naturally should be taken up in detail. 



The regular course on fire protection should include a discussion on 

 the burning of grass and brush areas with a view to improving them 

 for grazing. The character and accessibility of the forage growth sub- 

 sequent to burning, the frequency of burning necessary for the im- 

 provement of the forage and the ultimate effect of such practice on the 

 fertility of the soil and on the types of vegetation which the lands will 

 support should be indicated ; also the beneficial effects of grazing on 

 forested lands, in the way of holding forest fires in check through the 

 consumption of much inflammable material, should be recognized. 



Grazing in relation to the efficiency of watersheds should embrace a 

 -discussion of the malpractice of excessive stocking and its effect on soil 

 fertility, especially as a result of erratic run-off resulting therefrom ; the 

 difficulty of revegetation following the removal of the surface soil layer, 

 as well as through heavy packing of the soil ; and recognized preventive 

 and remedial measures. Special attention should be directed toward the 

 relative fertility and water-holding capacity of the normal rich surface 

 layer of soil as compared with the deeper soil strata. Laboratory ex- 

 periments to cover this phase cannot be too strongly emphasized. 



2. The general policy of the Forest Service concerning the protection 

 of game and the establishment of game preserves should be reviewed. 

 The policy adopted on forests where the demand for range exceeds the 

 supply and the welfare of the community is largely dependent upon live- 

 -stock production, and the policy concerning the establishment of recrea- 

 tional parks and game preserves should be especially considered. The 

 favorable attitude of the Forest Service toward the establishment of 

 recreational parks and toward the protection of game animals where a 

 large proportion of the people of the community may derive benefit 

 therefrom should be indicated. 



3. The protection of live stock and, indeed, of the forage crop from 

 serious attacks by insects and disease is often quite as important as is 

 protection of stock from predatory animals or the forest from fires. 

 The previous fundamental training in zoology should make it possible 

 for the student to comprehend fully the seriousness of the ravages by 

 the various pests and the methods of management designed to control 

 the losses. As stated elsewhere, special courses in applied entomology 

 and veterinary science should be arranged to cover the more important 

 problems. 



