46 STOCK RANGES OF NORTHWESTERN CALIFORNIA. 



the aggregate is 10,125 head, an increase of 1,695, which at a valua- 

 tion of $15 per head would be worth $25,425. 



Unfortunately these figures are not decisive, owing to lack of data 

 as to the actual length of time it takes an overstocked range to deteri- 

 orate from 5 acres per head to 10 or 12 acres per head. It is hoped, 

 however, that they will be of some service to stockmen in calling to 

 their attention a method by which they may calculate for themselves, 

 with the data of their own ranges before them, whether it will pay to 

 reduce their flocks and herds to the optimum carrying capacity of 

 their ranges. 



But whether the hypothetical figures are based on correct premises 

 or not, the accuracy of the statement can not be denied that there are 

 men to-clay who are profitably running cattle and sheep ranges on the 

 basis of the optimum carrying capacity of the range, while their 

 neighbors on the maximum method find it hard to make a comfortable 

 living, and many of them have mortgaged their ranges up to the limit 

 or have lost them through foreclosure. 



RANGE RENEWAL. 



The stockman whose range capacity is already as low as 10 or 12 

 acres per head is less interested in the difference between maxi- 

 mum and optimum than in the problem of range renewal, i. e., the 

 possibility of restoring his range to a capacity of 8 or possibly 5 acres. 



Though something can be done toward range renewal, probably 

 without actually diminishing the income over a period of years, 

 by ascertaining the optimum carrying capacity and reducing the 

 band correspondingly, it may be found necessary, where a range 

 is worn out, to resort to other measures to restore it to a profitable 

 condition. In such cases a complete rest of one or even two years 

 Avill undoubtedly prove highly beneficial, giving the native forage 

 plants a chance to attain a luxuriant growth, and to produce and 

 scatter the largest amount of seed possible, in order to reestablish 

 themselves. Where a mortgage has been foreclosed, such a period of 

 rest can often be accomplished while waiting for a purchaser or ten- 

 ant. But to make it effective, the fences must be maintained in good 

 condition, in order to keep out stray stock, especially horses. Some 

 of the ranges in Mendocino County, which were tying idle during the 

 summer of 1899 on account of foreclosure proceedings, instead of 

 improving by the enforced idleness, suffered from the depredations of 

 bands of stock which had either strayed there or were purposely pas- 

 tured free of charge, en route to market, having gained access through 

 gaps in the dilapidated fences. If a range is worth anything at all, it 

 is surety worth keeping well fenced, and the cost of maintaining good 

 fences should be as a mere trifle compared with the increment of 

 value gained by a period of complete rest. 



In many cases it may not be necessary to give the whole range a 



