INCREASED CATTLE PRODUCTION. 29 



Where the whole of a range unit is made up of grama or similar 

 grass, about one-third of the area should probably be reserved for 

 light grazing during the growing season two years in succession. 

 Each third in turn should be given as nearly as practicable this 

 amount of protection. By light grazing is meant grazing by not 

 more than half the average number of stock that the area will carry 

 for the year as a whole. 



WATER DEVELOPMENT. 



Fairly efficient use of plains and mesa range in the Southwest can 

 be secured where stock do not have to travel more than 2% miles to 

 water. This means one watering place for each 13,200 acres. Such 

 an acreage of grama-grass range will carry about 500 -cattle through- 

 out the year if properly managed. 



As the distance in excess of 2J miles which stock have to travel 

 to water increases, the barren area around water increases, as does 

 also the partly used forage beyond 2| miles from water. Con- 

 sequently the number of stock the range will support is reduced. 

 When feed is short, a long distance between feed and water tends 

 to increase the loss of stock, to decrease the calf crop, and to retard 

 development of the young animals. 



Observations to date appear to justify one permanent watering 

 place for each 500 head of cattle. Where conditions are favorable, 

 the construction of tanks to catch flood waters for the purpose of 

 supplementing the permanent watering places will be a paying 

 investment. They will aid (1) in getting more green feed for the 

 stock during the year, (2) in more even utilization of the range as a 

 whole, (3) in the protection of feed and range near permanent water, 

 and (4) in reducing the cost of maintenance and operation of wells. 



CARRYING CAPACITY. 



During 1916 the Jornada Range Reserve as a whole supported one 

 animal, not including un weaned calves, on an average of 41.45 acres. 

 The estimated maximum carrying capacity of the Reserve in its present 

 stage of development is 38.1 acres per head. The estimated carrying 

 capacity of similar unfenced range in its present average condition 

 is at least 50 acres per head. 



The range on the plains, where grama grasses form the bulk of the 

 forage, will support stock throughout the year at the average rate 

 of one head to from 20 to 30 acres, depending upon the proportion 

 of the real grama-grass type. This figure is for range in good condi- 

 tion, fairly well supplied with stock water, and which is lightly stocked 

 during the growing season. 



The range comprising tobosa-grass flats, along drainage lines, and 

 slopes back to the foothills will support stock throughout the year 

 at the average rate of one head to from 38 to 45 acres, depending 



