RANGE MANAGEMENT ON THE" NATIONAL FORESTS. 39 



The average trough space for salt on each log was about 12 inches 

 wide, 8 inches deep, and 12 feet long. In 1915 an additional 22 

 troughs were constructed, at a cost of $2 each. These 65 troughs 

 are distributed from one-half to three- fourths of a mile apart over 

 the range, and are numbered 1 to 06, beginning at the lowest alti- 

 tude and extending consecutively upward. In 1914, when the first 

 44 salt troughs were established and systematic salting began, 1,774 

 head of cattle and horses were permitted to graze, as compared with 

 1,574 head in 1913; in 1915 about 2,100 head were grazed; in 1916, 

 about 2,150 head; in 1917, 2,200 head; and the recommendation for 

 1918 was 2,250 head. The increase each year has resulted from better 

 distribution of stock so as to utilize all the feed. 



On this range a definite written salting plan is prepared before 

 the grazing period opens each season. The date of placing salt at 

 a given series of salt troughs is varied somewhat from year to year 

 to give the forage plants on all parts of the range an equal chance 

 to grow. 



A salting plan for a large cattle unit on the Uinta National 

 Forest is shown graphically in figure 3. This unit contains approxi- 

 mately 30,000 acres and has a grazing capacity of 1,880 head of 

 cattle for a grazing period beginning May 15 and closing October 31. 

 The plan calls for 8 J pounds of salt per head, a total of approxi- 

 mately 16,000 pounds per season. 



The unit includes the entire watershed of Currant Creek. The 

 area was first divided into smaller describable areas, and the grazing 

 capacity of each of these smaller areas was determined in order 

 that the distribution of salt might be proportionate to the distri- 

 bution of cattle feed. 



On brushy ranges of California the use of salt is an important 

 feature in handling the cattle. In many places the range is so brushy 

 that extensive riding to check distribution of stock, inspect the stock 

 during the grazing season, and gather them in the fall is imprac- 

 ticable. This lack of extensive riding is largely offset by the use 

 of salt. The rider follows the trails, ridges, and canyons or draws 

 accessible by saddle horse and pack horse, and. carries salt with 

 him. He makes frequent stops over the range and calls to the stock. 

 The cattle soon learn the meaning of this call, and come from the 

 brush as far as they can hear the call. By proceeding systematically 

 over a range unit in this way the rider can check the number and 

 distribution, as well as the condition of the stock. No salting for 

 perhaps three weeks before the final round-up will make the salt call 

 effective in gathering the cattle without great difficulty. The work 

 accomplished by this practice on brushy range convinces one that 

 proper salting can be made a factor of great importance in securing 



