54 THE AMES FORESTER 



it when forced to do so. Supplementing the pine grass type 

 and adding much to the forage value of the entire area are 

 the different shrubs and weeds which are found in mixture 

 with the pine grass in the pine grass types and the more or 

 less pure types of browse and weeds, the composition of which 

 have been previously given. These supplemental types are to 

 a large extent responsible for the value of this class of range, 

 since they maintain a proper balance between the different 

 classes of forage, and increase the value considerably. 



It has been noted on this Forest in two widely separated 

 areas that where pine grass has been heavily overgrazed, a 

 species of small clover supplants the original pine grass type 

 to a large extent. This condition has increased the carrying 

 capacity of these ranges to a considerable extent, since the 

 clover type which has come in is much more palatable than 

 the original pine grass type, and remains palatable for a 

 greater period of time, and grows up again in a short time 

 after being grazed, if moisture is to be had in sufficient quan- 

 tities. This case is practically the only one where it is known 

 that overgrazing in any form is beneficial in any way. Gen- 

 erally, overgrazing causes a diminution of the more valuable 

 forage plants, and an increase in the percentage of less valu- 

 able species. 



Cattle and horses occupy the summer range from about 

 May 1 to October 31, and the efficient use of the range by this 

 class of stock depends upon the method of handling. Horses 

 and cattle, not being under constant supervision as are sheep, 

 naturally occupy the areas easiest to graze. In the beginning 

 they are distributed over the range as evenly as possible and 

 their future movements are regulated as much as possible by 

 drift fences supplemented by occasional riders, and to a larger 

 extent by watering facilities and the proper location of salting 

 places in relation to available water. During the summer sea- 

 son cattle require about 10 pounds of salt per head, and should 

 they receive an inadequate amount they Avill not do their 

 best, and become uneasy and travel too much and will not 

 put on fat, nor will they use the range to the best advantage. 

 It is possible by correct location of salting grounds to force 

 the cattle traveling between salting and watering places to 



