114 THE USE BOOK. 



Applicants for grazing permits will be given prefer- 

 nce in the folio win 



(a) Small near-bv owners. 



Persons living in or close to the National Forest and 

 owning improved ranches, whose stock regularly graze 

 upon the National Forest range and who are dependent 

 upon its use. 



(5) All other regular occupants of the range. 



The larger near-by owners of stock and improved 

 ranch property and regular occupants of the range who 

 do not own ranch property. 



(c) Owners of transient stock. 



The owners of stock which belong at a considerable 

 distance from the National Forest and have not regu- 

 larly occupied the range within its limits. 



The number of stock an applicant is allowed to graze 

 will be determined upon the merits of each case. 



Priority in the occupancy and use of the range will 

 be considered, and so far as is consistent with other 

 equities the preference will be given to those who have 

 continuously used the range for the longest period. 



When necessary for the protection of class (a) own- 

 ers, a limit in the number of each class of stock will be 

 established, and renewals to all persons w r hose permits 

 are within such limit will be without reduction in the 

 number of stock. 



The number of stock upon which exemption from reduction 

 will be allowed, or to which new owners may be restricted, will 

 be fixed in accordance with the local conditions in each National 

 Forest, and will not exceed the number necessary to insure the 

 maintenance of a home. 



