2 BULLETIN 150, V. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGr.IGULTURE. 



Use Book.^ The administration of grazing in accordance with these 

 rules for a period of nearly 14 years has resulted in the develop- 

 ment of a system of range use which is accomplishing in a broad 

 sense the aims of regulated grazing. The period has not been long 

 enough, however^ for such a sj^stem or its application to be per- 

 fected so as to secure the fullest and best use of the grazing re- 

 sources consistent with the protection, development, and use of the 

 other resources. Perfection in this respect may be approached only 

 by continuous effort and by refinement in methods and practice 

 based upon a more complete inventory of the resources involved and 

 upon the results of investigation and experience extending over a 

 great many years. 



At the present time there are wide differences of opinion as to 

 when a range is fully used and as to when grazing becomes incon- 

 sistent with the proper use or protection of other resources. Like- 

 wise, there are differences in opinion and in practice as regards the 

 class of stock to which a range is best suited, the plan of grazing 

 best adapted to a given range, the maintenance and improvement 

 of the range, the periods of grazing, the grazing capacity, the man- 

 agement of the stock while on the range, and other phases of range 

 management. These differences exist among forest officers as well as 

 among the stockmen whose stock graze on the ranges, and as a con- 

 sequence there are variations in the results secured, on ranges within 

 an individual forest as well as between forests and localities. Too 

 frequently these variations are attributed to differences in local con- 

 ditions and are taken as a matter of course. This is warranted to a 

 limited degree only. Greater uniformity and a general approach 

 to a desirable standard are both possible and necessary. 



The object of this publication is to aid in bringing about uni- 

 formity in range management and a better understanding of graz- 

 ing use in relation to the other uses of the National Forests. The 

 importance of adjusting grazing so as to secure the perpetuation of 

 the range resources and so as not to interfere with the requirements 

 of other resources is emphasized throughout. The phases of range 

 management which must be given proper attention are pointed out, 

 and, as far as practicable, rules of procedure are given. Exhaustive 

 discussion of each of the subjects taken up is not attempted. The 

 purpose is rather to bring together in handy form sufficient informa- 

 tion on the essential points of grazing practice to enable the reader 

 to make practical application of the best principles of regiilated 

 grazing. Further information may be secured from the publications 

 listed. 



1 U. S. Forest Service. The Use Book, A Maaual of loformation About the National 

 Forests. 1918. 



