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INCREASED CATTLE PRODUCTION. - 29 
— 
Where the whole of a range unit is made up of grama or similar 
grass, about one-third of the area should probably be reserved for 
‘ jight grazing during the growing season two years in succession. 
Each third in turn should be given as nearly as practicable this 
amount of protection. By lght grazing is meant grazing by not 
more than half the average number of-stock that the area will carry 
for the year as a whole. 
WATER DEVELOPMENT. 
Fairly efficient use of plains and mesa range in the Southwest can 
be secured where stock do not have to travel more than 24 miles to 
water. This means one watering place for each 13,200 acres. Such 
an acreage of grama-grass range will carry about 500 cattle through- 
out the year if properly managed. 
As the distance in excess of 24 miles which stock have to travel 
to water increases, the barren area around water increases, as does 
also the partly used forage beyond 24 miles from water. Con- 
sequently the number of stock the range will support is reduced. 
When feed is short, a long distance between feed and water tends 
to increase the loss a stock, to decrease the calf Crop, and to retard 
development of the young seamae le. 
Observations: to date appear to justify one permanent watering 
place for each 500 head of cattle. Where conditions are favorable, 
the construction of tanks to catch flood waters for the purpose of 
supplementing the permanent watering places will be a paymeg 
investment. They will aid (1) in getting more green feed for the 
stock during the year, (2) in mfore even utilization of the range as a 
whole, (3) in the protection of feed and range near permanent water, 
and (4) in reducing the cost of maintenance and operation of wells. 
CARRYING CAPACITY. 
During 1916 the Jornada Range Reserve as a whole supported one 
animal, not including unweaned calves, on an average of 41.45 acres. 
The estimated maximum carrying capacity of the Reserve in its present 
stage of development is 38.1 acres per head. ‘The estimated carrying 
capacity of similar unfenced range in its present average condition 
is at least 50 acres per head. 
The range on the plains, where grama grasses form the bulk of the 
forage, will support stock throughout the year at the average rate 
of one head to from 20 to 30 acres, depending upon the proportion 
of the real grama-grass type. ‘This figure is for range in good condi- 
tion, fairly weil sup plied with stock water, and which is lightly stocked 
“ube the growing season. 
The range comprising tobosa-grass flats, along drainage lines, and 
slopes back to the foothills will support stock throughout the year 
at the average rate of one head to from 38 to 45 acres, depending 
