358 RESEARCH METHODS 



Sample plots 33 feet on a side, embracing one-fortieth of an 

 acre, are favored by the writer. If the area is fenced against 

 stock, the fence line should be at least 40 feet on a side in order 

 to prevent animals from snatching vegetation from the plot 

 proper. Woven wire is the best material to use for fencing, 

 as it permits full play of the climatic factors over the plot. 

 Board fences, especially if the boards are placed close together, 

 are the least satisfactory. 



QUESTIONS 



1. Why is it important to know the developmental trend of pasture vege- 

 tation, and what is the value of sample plots in determining such facts? 



2. What kinds of sample plots are used in grazing studies? 



3. (o) What is the chart plot, and how is the mapping of such a plot 

 done? {b) Discuss the disadvantages, if any, in the use of the chart plot. 



4. What is a pantograph, and how is it used in sample-plot studies? 



5. How does the list plot differ from the chart plot, and what are some of 

 the merits of the Hst plot? 



6. Discuss the place of denuded or depopulated plots in natural revegetation. 



7. {a) What use is made of (i) the transect, and (2) the bisect in revegeta- 

 tional studies? ib) How is the vegetation in a transect mapped? 



8. Describe the design of special sample-plot guide tapes and discuss their 

 Jierits. 



9. (a) How often should sample plots be remapped under the different 

 conditions? {b) At what time in the season should the mapping be done? 



10. (a) What is the value of protection plots on pasture lands? {b) How 

 may the vegetation within protection plots be mapped to show clearly the 

 improvement or decline in the forage cover? 



