Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1922-12-17

continued until May, followed by heavy
rains in May and June. Rainfall was
well distributed throughout the graz
ing season and not until the latter part
of September did the forage plants be-
come extremely dry. With the excep-
ton of the Little Snowies division, the
precipitation was considered above
normal.
1.-THE grazing season began fairly
early and on account of the continuous
rains, the grass and weeds continued
to grow until late in August, which is
considered to be a growing season OF
from Is to 20 days longer than the
average year. On the lower ranges, q
heavy crop Of grass resulted, and on
account Of the late killing frosts, seed
crops matured, which should result IN
a considerable improvement OF the tor
age on the cattle and horse divisions
the next season. It is also true that
on the higher ranges which are used
by sheen, the grass obtained an earlier
start and became so rank it was not
good sheep feed. Speaking generally,
the forage crop was above the aver
age except in the Little Snowies di-
vision, where the rainfall was below
average.
"As the result of the exceptionally
long, hard winter season stock was not
il as good condition generally as usual
when they entered the forest. Fortu-
nately. the greater number Of permit
tees had cut their herds and had suf-
ficient hay to provide for their stock
during the winter months, otherwise,
heavy losses would have been newt
able. The excellent summer season
with its abundance Of feed resulted in
both cattle and sheep being in good
condition upon leaving the forest.
However, since the grasses did not
cure as early as usual it was neces-
sary for many Of the users who de-
sired to ship beef TO remove their cat
tie earlier than usual in order to hard
en- them for shipment. In many
cases. cattle were shipped directly
from the range to market. Lambs av-
eraged from Go TO 10 pounds upon
leaving the forest, having gained from
20 to 80 pounds while on the range
Cooperation Obtained
Mr., Wiley said hat the forest
service had obtained effective cooper
alton from the stockmen and sheep
men using the range during the last
season and especially where associa-
tons were formed to represent the US
ers. This was especially true, he said,
in the placing of sailing places and the
allotment Of sailing places to ranch
ers. Each had been designated a GER
tain sailing place to keep supplied with
definite rations Of salt. The result
has been the more effective use of the
range, Mr.. Wiley said.
Some improvements have been made
in range conditions during the last
season. Watering facilities have been
improved in some cases and driveways
provided.
Reviewing game conditions, Mr..
Wiley said that there has been an in
crease in the number of deer on the
forest. The estimated number of deer,
based on the reports of the rangers. IS
EGO head. There are SO head of elk
and 10 mountain sheep. The elk are
all the result of private planting. Some
were planted on the east end of the
forest in the Judith Gap country by
the Lewistown Elks lodge. Then came
two years of slaughter and these were
scattered back into the Snowies and
Little Belts. Another private planting
was that of the Elk Run ranch in the
During the last season. the forest
has planted $4,000 trout fry
and fingerlings in the streams of the
These were provided from
state hatcheries at Lewistown and
Great Falls and from the federal
hatchery at BOzeman.