388 Proceedings o? the 



and to pile the brush so that it can be burned without 

 injury to the Hving timber. 



Grazing upon the reserves is also conducted undei; 

 the superintendence of the General Land Office, under 

 the direction of the Secretary of the Interior. When- 

 ever it appears that grazing will not damage a forest 

 reserve or prevent reforest'ation, it is allowed to such 

 an extent as a careful investigation warrants, so as 

 to prevent any injury by overgrazing. In practically 

 all the reserves cattle grazing is allowed, but sheep 

 grazing is prohibited in some localities where it is 

 likely to injure the forest cover or the young growth. 



Each reserve is divided into grazing districts, and 

 persons holding stock grazing permits are assigned to 

 a certain district to which they must confine their stock. 

 This arrangement secures an even distribution of stock 

 on all parts of the reserve and puts an end to the strife 

 that formerly existed as to the right of settlers and 

 others to graze their stock on certain lands to the ex- 

 clusion of others. Whenever it has been determined 

 that stock may be grazed in any reserve, parties desir- 

 ing the privilege are required to file applications for 

 that privilege, which if approved by the forest officer, 

 are transmitted to the General Land Office for its 

 action. Preference is given in allowing such permits ; 

 first, to stock of the reserve residents; second, stock 

 of persons owning farms or ranches in the reserve, 

 but not residing thereon ; third, stock belonging in the 

 vicinity of the reserve known as neighboring stock, 

 and, fourth, stock coming from a considerable distance 

 from the reserve, and all persons holding permits 

 pledge themselves to assist in protecting the reserve 

 and in preventing and fighting fires. The number of 

 cattle, horses, or sheep that may be allowed in any 

 reserve is fixed by the Secretary of the Interior for 



