THE CALL OF THE LAND 



exports of wool and of frozen and preserved 

 meats dwindling. Ranges were depleted or 

 destroyed, as now with us. Cattle "duffing," 

 outlawry, range jumping, and quarrels were 

 general. The men of that country faced 

 the problem and solved it. A system of 

 leases was devised, giving each grazier, for 

 a term of 28 years, exclusive range rights 

 upon his land. It became profitable for 

 him to improve his holding instead of 

 promoting its deterioration. The lessee cuts 

 his domain in two, pasturing each part one 

 year and resting it the next. In this way the 

 whole pasture gradually improves in qual- 

 ity. Cattle multiply and thrive as addi- 

 tional grass grows to feed them. 



Mexico and Canada have had a similar 

 experience, and so, in our own country, have 

 Texas and other states. The excellent con- 

 trol of cattle afforded by the Canadian sys- 

 tem accounts for the present hegira of 

 American cattle people across our northern 

 border. 



When all Texas ranges were open the 

 same ills afflicted that state which now pre- 



