74 THE USE BOOK. 



Priority in the occupancy and use of the range and the owner- 

 ship of improved farming land in or near the reserves will be 

 considered, and the preference will be given to those who have 

 continuously used the range for the longest period. 



The applications of new settlers owning small bands of stock will 

 be considered in all cases except where the range is fully occupied 

 by small owners. 



The number of stock allowed an applicant will be determined 

 upon the merits of each case. 



Whenever it is found necessary to reduce the number of stock 

 allowed in any reserve or portion of a reserve, the small owners 

 of stock are first provided for; the reduction is then made on the 

 number allowed the larger owners on the basis of a sliding scale 

 suited to the conditions in each case. Class (c) stock will be 

 excluded before the other classes are reduced. 



When necessary for the protection of small owners, a limit in 

 the number of each class of stock will be established, and renew- 

 als to all persons whose permits are within such limit will be 

 without reduction in the number of stock. Persons owning a 

 less number of stock than the established limit will be allowed to 

 increase their permit number gradually, but may be restricted in 

 the number added each year. 



When necessary to prevent range monopoly, a maximum limit 

 in the number of stock allowed any one applicant will be estab- 

 lished, and no permit will be issued for a number in excess of 

 such limit. 



The owners of stock which belong in the State or Territory in 

 which a forest reserve is located will be given the preference, and 

 resident owners will be considered first, but owners of stock com- 

 ing from adjoining States or Territories will also be considered 

 when circumstances warrant it. 



APPLICATIONS FOR PERMITS. 



REG. 47. The supervisor will set and give public notice 

 of a date each year on or before which all applications for 

 grazing permits must be presented to him. Permits will 

 be refused to persons who do not file their applications 



