46 AN AUSTRALIAN STUDY OF AMERICAN FORESTRY. 
the Forest range, and to collect data and formulate plans harmonising both 
with the interests of the live stock industry and those of forest conservation. 
Grazing was to be put on a sustained yield basis. 
Whence developed Grazing Working Plans and Grazing Reconnaissances. 
Estimates of grazing capacities on the basis of acres per sheep or cow 
were found unreliable, and as the demand for pasturage became keener, and 
pressure upon the Forest Service increased to the extent of disputes concern- 
ing its estimates of the carrying capacity of the Forests, a new and quite 
astonishing science of forage assessment developed. 
A grazing reconnaissance is carried out on the basis of the foundational 
topographical strip survey which is progressing on every Forest. The crew 
consists of a five-men party, each’ man working singly, and running a four- 
mile line a day. 
Ten pasture types are recognised, viz. :— 
(1) Grassland other than meadow; (2) Meadow; (3) Untimbered weed 
range; (4) Sage brush range; (5) Browse range; (6) 
Coniferous timber land; (7) Waste range in dense timber; 
(8) Browse; (9) Woodland ; (10) Aspen. 
These types are located, and a forest pasturage map constructed. 
In each type sample grass: plots are taken, and the forage is harvested 
and weighed. The density of stocking and the proportion of forage plants 
is ascertained by actual measurement. : : 
Thus, assuming 108 acres of No. 1 type have a 50 per cent. density of 
stocking, and an 80 per cent. proportion of forage plants, then— 
108 x 50. 80 
mo too 
which gives the “forage acres” for the 108 acres of grassland. 
By ascertaining the number of “forage acres” per 40-acre section, 
and the carrying capacity per “forage acre,” the actual carrying capacity 
of the type and the forest is determined scientifically, with a much greater 
accuracy than is given by general judgments, however expert. It is really 
the adoption of assessment for grass as well as for timber, superseding 
experienced “ guessing.” 
Grazing allotments are being made on the basis of “ forage acres.” 
I recommend the general adoption in Australia of the grazing license 
system of forest pasture disposal, in preference to the rather dangerous 
leasing: method. 
The valuable drought-tree forage of the inland Forests should be managed 
on the same plan. This class of forage is uniquely Australian, and is a 
resource of great importance to the State: but it is in danger of being 
exterminated if the prevailing virtually unrestricted exploitation be permitted 
further. 
Disposal should be closely regulated under grazing permits, carrying a 
royalty approximating as closely as possible to the real and ascertainable 
value of the forage. 
Cuarter VI. 
“SPECIAL USES ’”? OF FOREST RESERVES. 
_ Leasing of National Forest lands for any purpose is regarded by the 
United States of America Forest Service as objectionable in the extreme. 
The National Forests are vast tracts, enclosing settlements of all kinds. 
