38 BULLETIN 1089, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
by the construction of short division fences in many localities. 
Fencing at this time, however, should not be considered a major re- 
quirement in reindeer grazing, but more as an expedient that may be 
resorted to in some places to obtain better stock control. In the more 
heavily timbered ranges of the interior, fencing no ioubt will prove 
more of a necessity, not only for control but for protection as well. 
The greatest use of fencing is to insure against mixing of herds 
in certain cases on adjoining allotments, especially where there are 
no natural barriers along the boundary lines. As the ranges become 
fully stocked the need for such fences will be more and more evident 
and they will be a necessity in some cases if allotments are to be fully 
utilized and if herds are to be prevented from mixing along the 
boundaries of adjoining allotments. In the absence of fencing the 
tendency will be to confine the herd as much as possible to the inner 
portions of the allotment, thus leaving a belt of unutilized range along 
the boundary lines, resulting in a material loss of range. Fencing 
along such boundaries would permit grazing up to the allotment lines 
and thus eliminate loss. The mixing of herds involves much labor 
and time in corralling and separating the animals and often results 
in injury to the stock as well as to the range where the herds are 
closely held. Absence of fencing will tend to increase the size of 
allotments to make up for the ungrazed borders. 
The problem of control between grazing units may be greatly 
lessened by careful selection of allotment boundaries, careful herd- 
ing, and perfection of systematic range management. In locating 
allotment boundaries, advantage should be taken of such natural 
barriers as streams, prominent ridges, and other major topographic 
features. 
Fencing within the grazing unit may later be of value as an aid in 
the following respects. To better control deferred and rotation graz- 
ing ; to segregate breeding stock from nonbreeding stock ; to control 
stock in timbered sections; to maintain holding pastures for stock 
during a round-up, either in connection with cold storage plants or 
with marking and separating corrals. 
Careful herding at all times is of prime importance to prevent mix- 
ing, but cooperative arrangements between owners of herds on adjoin- 
ing allotments should evolve a system of rotation grazing whereby 
each allotment area may be almost fully utilized by having only 
one herd near the border at any time. The practicability of fencing 
any particular allotment should be considered from the viewpoint of 
ground site, availability of material, and expense of construction as 
related to maintenance cost of the herd as a whole. Fencing even at 
this time will not take the place of efficient herding if it can be pro- 
cured. 
