put up fence at a very reasonable rate. Wherever possible 

 the w^ork should be given to the local people, as their co- 

 operation and support will be a valuable factor in pre- 

 paring the range. 



Caretaking. — In a range the size of the one here 

 contemplated, and w^ith animals as large in numbers as 

 this herd will be in a short time, a home for a caretaker 

 will be necessary. On the range as outlined there are two 

 small Indian cabins, both inside of the range, and both 

 several miles from the railroad. It will be necessary either 

 to purchase a ranch with buildings, or make a new home. 

 This matter may be taken up after the range is established, 

 but plans should be made beforehand. There are several 

 places where a home can be made, but, of course, there 

 will be expenses connected with it. 



Duncan McDonald's ranch is shown in Plates XII 

 and XIII. Plate XII is a view from Ravalli, looking 

 down the Jocko River. On the right is seen the southern 

 limits of the range; in the valley is McDonald's hay ranch 

 and orchard. The white house belongs to the ranch, as 

 do also the cabins. The ranch joins the range on the north. 



A range the size of the one proposed will need atten- 

 tion. There will be fences to look after, which will mean 

 regular inspection. Springs will need to be walled up 

 and looked after. The animals themselves will need look- 

 ing after. Owing to the fact that the range is high above 

 the streams and dependent upon rainfall for growth of 

 vegetation, and that the native grasses on the hills do not 

 grow a thick mat as do cultivated grasses, a larger acreage 

 is needed than in humid climates. 



A range may now be secured of sufficient size to main- 

 tain animals in such numbers as will be desired in coming 

 years. If cared for properly, a herd of several hundred 

 Buffalo may soon be bred. The land will never be fit for 

 anything but grazing. If at first there are not enough 

 Bison to make use of all the range, cattle or horses may be 

 ranged at a rental, which will assist in keeping the range 

 in condition. A good caretaker can look after all of this 

 work. If the land is not put into a buffalo range, it will 

 be used only for horse or cattle pastures. 



37 



