64 AN AUSTRALIAN STUDY OF AMERICAN FORESTRY. 
The average number of stock which a settler must graze in order to 
utilise the products of his farm or derive a reasonable profit is determined 
upon each Forest, and is regarded as a “ protective limit ” safe from reduction 
in any renewal of the permit. 
In arriving. at this average the dependence of settlers upon the National 
Forest ranges is considered. 
Under ordinary conditions the average number of stock per permit is. 
taken as the basis. 
To prevent monopoly, the District Forester establishes a maximum limit 
upon the number of stock allowed any one applicant. 
In fixing the grazing periods endeavour is made to meet the general needs. 
of the people and to secure an economical use of the range. The condition of 
the pasturage rather than the desires of the applicants, however, is the prime 
consideration. It is deemed unwise to allow stock on Forest Ranges before the 
feed has started, or while the range is so wet that the stock will cause injury 
to both forage and tree growth. 
An endeavour is made to secure the best use of each class of range by 
allotting the class of stock to which each is most adapted. The Forest is 
classified into divisions consisting of national grazing units defined by 
topographic boundaries. 
“Cattle and horses ordinarily graze both ways from a stream, but seldom 
cross the summits of the surrounding ridges. Sheep and goats ordinarily 
graze the crests and slopes of a ridge or mountain, but will cross none but 
shallow streams except on bridges. This should be kept in mind in fixing 
range boundary lines.” 
Separation of dairy cattle, stock cattle and steers is regarded as beneficial, 
and is encouraged as far as possible. Sheep and goats are generally allotted 
individual ranges. 
When the silvicultural needs of the Forest demand it, the Supervisor may - 
close an area to all grazing, or reduce the number of stock allowed upon it, 
or prohibit its use by certain classes of stock. 
“For instance, sheep may be excluded from a Timber Sale area for a 
certain number of years after cutting; or in a year of scarcity of mast, hogs 
(otherwise permitted) may be excluded from the oak type. Where planting 
operations are being carried on, it will usually be necessary to exclude all 
classes of stock. 
“Tf silvical investigations show that grazing is responsible for the scanti- 
ness or lack of reproduction over a considerable area, a portion of it may be 
withdrawn from range use until young growth has become established, several 
years later another portion, and so on until the whole area has been treated.” 
The aim is to secure the welfare of the Forest with the least possible 
friction or interference with stock interests. If total exclusion of stock from 
a Forest is contemplated, one year’s notice is regarded as being not excessive. 
A feature of the U.S.A. forest grazing policy is the principle of a 
co-operation with Live Stock Associations, the majority of whose members use 
the National Forest range. 
“The primary purpose of all the regulations is to make the National 
Forests as useful as possible to the people, consistent with their protection 
and perpetuation. It is clearly impossible to meet the wishes of each 
individual user, but it may be entirely possible to meet the wishes of the 
majority if made through an organisation. It is to secure from the people 
collectively, definite statements of their needs and wishes that the organisation 
of stock associations is encouraged.” 
