had been reduced to 30 percent or less, and in some places to no cover- 
age, and erosion was taking place. This latter condition is shown in 
the photograph of quadrat No. 11, taken in 1932, when the experiment 
began (Bile cea A). All grazing and pocket gopher activity in this 
quadrat was excluded, and by 1936 the density of the vegetative cover 
had increased from almost nothing to 30 percent and the kinds of plants 
that returned belong to the better forage varieties for sheep, such as 
mountain dandelions, bluebells, and yarrow, as shown in figure l, 3B. 
Another plot (quadrat No. 6) also was selected in an area where 
grazing and pocket gdpher activity had been progressing with the usual 
results. At the beginning of the study it had a vegetative density of 
about 2 1/2 percent (fig. 2, Ine The plants present were a few moun- 
tain dandelions and bluebells, and a few sprigs of melica (nut grass). 
Pocket gophers are fond of the roots of dandelions and bulbs of melica. 
Grazing was permitted on this quadrat, but pocket gophers were ex- 
cluded. By 1936 the density of the vegetative cover had increased to 
20 percent. Melica grass and mountain dandelions had greatly increased, 
owing to release of pocket gopher pressure; bluebells, which are good 
forage for sheep, had increased somewhat; and a little bluegrass had 
put in appearance (fig. 2, B). The history of this plot shows how much 
interference pocket gophers offer to the revegetation of an area that 
has been denuded. With grazing continuing in a moderate way, the range 
will- gradually come back part of the way at least toward a climax con- 
dition. Further observation will reveal how far. 
Quadrat No. 48 was selected from an area on which stock grazing 
and pocket gopher activity were in progress, but where the density of 
the vegetative cover was still about 20 percent. Alpine smartweeds 
(the roots of which the pocket gophers consume), one of the senecios, 
a few sprigs of melica grass, and some bluebells and dandelions were 
present, as well as a few Collomia plants of no forage value. These 
conditions are shown in figure 3, A. Grazing was excluded from the 
quadrat, but the pocket gophers were left unmolested. During four years 
(1932-36), the vegetative cover remained at about the same density, but 
was reduced in variety so that about the only plant left was the annual, 
Collomia grandiflora, worthless except for its pretty flowers (hisses B)- 
This result indicates that limited grazing is an advantage. 
Ranges in the conditions described will be a long time returning 
to their greatest usefulness unless pocket gophers are entirely re- 
moved and only moderate grazing permitted. 
An interesting and valuable experiment would be to fence complete- 
ly this meadow in the Ochoco National Forest against grazing by stock 
ia 
