GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES. 249 



more difficult of solution. In many other sections where this pest was 

 met at the introduction of population, the opening of farms, and bringing 

 the soil under cultivation, &c., has gradually brought the destructive 

 species down to their normal condition. But here, as these mountain 

 canons and slopes cannot be brought under cultivation, this counter- 

 actmg influence can never be brought to bear upon them. Yet, even in 

 this case, nature has not left this evil wholly without a counterbalancing 

 opposite. While she has made the mountain valleys and sides the hive 

 from which her destroyers swarm, she has hid within the bowels of these 

 lofty ranges rich mines of gold and silver, to attract thither an active 

 and energetic population. Through these the homes of this insect will 

 be disturbed, and the primitive broods gradually destroyed. Hence 

 while the mountains send down the evil, they contain the remedy. And 

 like the little wave made by the pebble dropped in the lake, which swells 

 in proportion as it recedes until it dashes against the shore, so it is with 

 each counteracting effect within these mountain sections; it will be felt 

 in increasing proportion along the whole line of their migration. 



1 have been unable to ascertain with any degree of certainty the dis- 

 tance they move in one season. I am aware calculations have been 

 made on this point from data obtained on the eastern side of the plains. 

 T\ hat reliance is to be placed upon these I do not know. 



STOCK RAISING. 



I cannot at this time enter upon the consideration of this very impor- 

 tant branch of agriculture, for the reason that I have not as yet obtained 

 all the data necessary, and also, because I prefer to defer it until I pre- 

 sent a report on the agriculture of New Mexico. 



But I may now state generally that these Territories possess as fine 

 grazing lands as any to be found in the west. And althougli much stock 

 is raised here, yet the amount falls far behind what it should. Many 

 who are rushing back and forth from point to point aloug the Eocky 

 Mountain range, seeking for rich lodes, would probably fiud much more 

 gold if they would turn their attention to stock-raising. JSTot only do 

 the plains afford good pasturage, but grass of most excelleot quality 

 clothes many of the mountain slopes, and carpets the lofty mesa surfaces 

 and elevated mountain valleys. On the top of the Divide, there is one 

 of the most beautiful little grassy plains I ever saw, where a large herd 

 of cattle or sheep could find rich pasturage. 



The finest butter and milk I ever tasted was obtained in South Park. 

 So delicious was the milk that the members of our x^arty could scarcely 

 satisfy themselves with it. 



There are abundant openings for industrious and energetic stock- 

 raisers to make money following their occui^ation in this country. And 

 for the benefit of such as feel an interest in this matter, I herewith give 

 a synopsis of the laws of Colorado, respecting non-resident stock-owners. 

 Eevised Statutes of Colorado, chapter 70. 



Section 1. Non-residents may herd stock in this Territory for one year 

 by payment of fifty cents for each animal so herded, in lieu of all other 

 taxes ; on sheep, twenty cents. 



Section 'J. Non-residents desiring to herd cattle in the Territory, must 

 file with the recorder of the county a certificate of the number and 

 description of such cattle in the following form: 



Territory or Colorado, County, ss : 



" The undersigned, owner for agent of. the oivner, as the case may he J of 



11 G S 



