240 



DRY FARMING CONGRESS. 



the settler will be granted a greater or less portion adequate for his sup- 

 port 



Continuing the application of the idea, why should we not apportion 

 grazing ranges on precisely the same principle, granting a sufficient acre- 

 age for a sufficient time to afford the small stockman the necessary ter- 

 ritory to support the herd whose increase shall give him a living income, 

 and protecting him in his tenure for a sufficient length of time to create 

 an incentive for the maintenance and improvement of his range. 



In Australia, from 1,280 to 40,000 acres of grazing lands, according to 

 quality, are thus leased, at rates proportionate to value, for terms of from 

 fourteen to forty-two years. Many benefits are experienced under these 

 provisions. Sheep and cattle wars are rendered impossible since each 

 interest is confined to its own territory. Co-operative arrangements are 

 entered into extensively where co-operation permits of more economical 

 management of large adjoining leaseholds. Grazing leaseholds are opera- 

 ted in connection with cultivated farms; and humane methods of handling 

 stock are rendered possible. 



Some Suggestions. 



The operation of the grazing leasehold plan implies the creation of a 

 suitable means for classifying grazing lands according to their productive 

 capacity, and designating the various areas in different districts which 

 will support, without destruction of the range, the income producing herd 

 of the small stockman. 



Proper provisions for residence upon and improvement of holdings 

 should be made, insuring good faith of occupants and varying with con- 

 ditions in different districts. 



Co-operation should be recognized and provided for in districts where 

 the sparseness of the range, the scarcity of water, and the comparative 

 costliness of fencing makes it advisable for neighbors to act jointly. 



Provision should be made for the renewal of a long tenure lease by 

 the original holder provided the land remains purely grazing country; but 

 in case of possible artesian or irrigation development provision should 

 also be made for throwing the leasehold open to more intensive culture. 



On these and other concurrent lines, as seems to have been demon- 

 strated by the Anglo-Saxon sheep and cattlemen of Australia, it should 

 be possible to fulfill the purpose of our public domain and place upon 

 it a maximum number of American citizens secure in their rights to suffi- 

 cient territory to secure a living for themselves. 



MR. RIEPE: Mr. Chairman, I move that the program be continued 

 so that we can hear Mr. Farrell. 



The motion was duly seconded. 



CHAIRMAN M'CABE: It is moved and seconded that the program 

 be continued. Are you ready for the question? 



SECRETARY ROOT: Is it time for remarks on this question? 



CHAIRMAN M'CABE: Yes, sir; it is time right now. 



SECRETARY ROOT: I would like to state that the report of the 

 committee was absolutely set for 2:30, to report on the plac^e of our 



