RANGE MANAGEMEIiTT OIT THE NATIONAL FORESTS. 43 



crease in grazing capacity clue to the fences was about 15 per cent. 

 The reported improvement in condition of stock, due to more quiet 

 handling under fence, averaged about 5 per cent; the increase in calf 

 crop, about 10 per cent ; and the decrease in cost of handling, 4D per 

 cent. Aside from these important items the fences as a general rule 

 simplified and reduced the cost of grazing administration, reduced 

 trespass and complaints, and resulted in more even utilization of the 

 range. 



These data were included to give an idea of the possible increase 

 in net returns as a result of stock fences where they are warranted 

 and properly located. Too often, however, fences for minor purposes 

 are constructed and later interfere with the fencing plan for manage- 

 ment of the unit as a whole. It is extremely important that the plan 

 for the whole natural range unit be worked out before any great 

 amount of piece fencing is undertaken. 



TRAIL IMPROVEMENT. 



On many ranges used by cattle for years the construction of a few 

 stock trails would help to produce a few more and better stock by 

 opening to yse small areas now inaccessible or difficult for stock to 

 reach, or by providing a trail to water. These are minor develop-i 

 ments which will come in time. 



The stock on any range cattle unit need the attention of riders. 

 Proper salting, water development, fences, and stock trails work 

 w^onders in the management of cattle on the range and consequently 

 increase grazing capacity. After all that reasonably can be expected 

 by these means is accomplished, however, there is still room for im- 

 provement. This is due mainly to the fact that in range management 

 we are dealing with large areas, usually of low grazing capacity, and 

 on such lands the extent to which improvements can be made is 

 limited both by natural conditions and by expenditures proportionate 

 to the value of the forage. When this limit is reached the subdi- 

 visions of the range are very large as compared, for example, with 

 the subdivisions of a well-developed ranch. 



The riders should see that salt is always available, and that water- 

 ing places and fences are in serviceable condition. After this they 

 should see that the stock are kept well distributed and that they use 

 all parts of the range. Occasionally it is necessary to herd stock away 

 from dangerous poison areas, and attention may be needed to keep 

 the bulls properly distributed with the breeding cows. Losses from 

 any cause should be watched for, the cause determined if possible, and 

 preventive measures taken. Carcasses of dead animals should be 

 burned or buried as a protection to the health of remaining animals. 



