The Advocate and news., 1899-03-08
RANGE IMPROVEMENTS.
Problem OF Restoring Grasses on
Overlooked Lands.

RROBlem OF hegt0FAmB hEA91b1S VN
Overlooked Lands.
In a circular Just issued by the agri
cultural department it is stated that the
chief problem in the cattle regions OF
Che southwest is, How shall we restore or
bring back the grasses on lands where
they have been destroyed by Overstock-
ingH An estimate based on such statis-
tics as we have been able to obtain from
correspondents indicates that the carry
inc capacity Of the southwestern ranges
was 40 per cent less at the beginning Of
1892 than it had Eeen in 1880. The
money value of this loss has been vari-
ousIy estimated at from $40, 900, 600 to
$40, 900, 900 in the state Of Texas alone,
and on other ranges in the western
states and territories the aggregate loss
from overstocking is not less than $780,
900, 900. In other words, IL the natural
pastures in the country west Of the
ninety y-eighth meridian were now cover
ed with as luxuriant growth of grass
as they were 90 years ago, the addition
al number of live stock which could be
carried would be worth probably up
ward Of 500, 900, 900.
The reg1assing Of overstocked lands is
to the interest both Of the individual
stock owner and the commonwealth. The
small losses sustained by each owner
become in their aggregate 6 sum which
materially effects the welfare Of the
state. It is the common testimony OF
stockmen that there are vast areas
where the abundance and quality Of the
natural herbage have been decreased.
The better grasses have been run out by
overstocking during years Of drought.
Weedy ANIMALS Of less value, because
less palatable to stock and less nutri-
tious, have taken their places. If these
fail the ground becomes entirely bare OF
vegetation. In other sections the amount
of natural pasturage has been decreased
BY the encroachment Of perennial weeds
and thorny shrubs and by the cactus
thickets, or the grasses have been de-
stroyed by rabbits and prairie dogs
OYeretocked lands are not only unpro-
ductive, but they rapidly deteriOrate in
productive capacity. They require rest
and treatment to again restore them.
The soil becomes hard and compacted
by the trampling Of cattle. Less Of the
annual rainfall is absorbed by the soil,
and more each year is lost in the food
waters. Moreover the finer and hence
richer portions Of the surface soils are
washed into the streams, because there
is no protecting mat Of grass roots to
retain them.
The data thus far secured at the close
Of eight months work give sufficient
promise that definite, tangible results
will accrue from experiments for the
benefit of stockmen. 1t is too soon to
draw conclusions, but the outlook for
rapid increase in the quantity of grass
on these overstocked pastures is encOur-
aging. Moreover, the methods in use
are such as are we'll within the reach Of
any stock owner should he wish to avail
himself Of the results.
During the succeeding seasons expert
ments will be made as to the practica-
bility Of sowing alilaree, bur clover,
Bokhara clover, alfalfa, sorghum and
other wild and cultivated grasses and
forage plants directly on the sod with
out further treatment than to keep stOcl
off during at least the first year. On a.
examination Of the plans it will
seen that number Of methods are
ing undertaken which may be
at but little expense by stock o.,
should they prove to result proftau-.
Heaviest Horse Ever known.
The weight of this animal was 800