3l8 FORAGE ESTIMATES 



(6) green, {j) ultramarine, (8) small imperfect triangles, (9) pale 

 green, (10) pink. 



In addition to the type designations, features relating to the 

 condition of the range as affected by grazing are also indicated. 

 These data, as will be shown later, are included on a separate 

 map with the topographic and cultural features. Normally 

 grazed areas, for instance, are represented in solid color; over- 

 grazed areas by horizontal hatching in type color; and poorly 

 stocked areas by vertical hatching also in type color. 



III. The complete ground cover showing forage species, the 

 percentage of surface supporting vegetation, the density of the 

 ground cover, the percentage of " weeds," grasses, and shrubs,^ 

 and the palatability of the cover as a whole. From these data, 

 as will be shown later, the grazing capacity of the range is derived. 



IV. A descriptive report of each type (including data which 

 can not be shown on the map), such as the adaptability of the 

 area to the different classes of stock, the soil and climatic condi- 

 tions, the carrying capacity of the various types, the proper 

 grazing season, the degree of utilization, and other factors perti- 

 nent to the management of the lands as pasture areas. 



V. A map of the timber showing its types and giving an esti- 

 mate of the yield, if a timber reconnaissance is made in connec- 

 tion with the typing of the forage resources. 



VI. A plant collection, with economic notes of each species 

 showing its value as forage or its undesirable qualities. 



Methods Employed in Obtaining the Data : Field Work. — 

 Three methods are used in obtaining reconnaissance field data — 

 (i) the " gridiron " method, (2) the traverse-sketching method, 

 and (3) the triangulation method. Numerous variations of 

 these are in use, depending on the topographic and other features; 

 but the three methods mentioned nevertheless form the basis 

 of all field mapping. 



The gridiron method provides that each man work separately. 

 Where the work is done systematically, with a view to reaching 



' Some, in estimating, include both the percentage of surface supporting vegeta- 

 tion and the density under one factor — density. There may be less chance for 

 personal error if the estimate of the density factor alone is taken into account. 

 Certainly the combining of the two factors under density alone simplifies the com- 

 piling of the data. 



