Western Grazing Grounds and Forest Ranges; A History of the Live-Stock Industry as Conducted on the Open Ranges of the Arid West, with Particular Reference to the Use Now Being Made of the Ranges in the National Forests by Will C. Barnes (1913 1st Edition Hardcover no Dust Jacket)

• Author: Will Croft Barnes (1858-1936)
• Illustrations: Over 133 drawings & B&W photos, at least 3 colorized.
• Publisher: Breeder's Gazette Chicago, IL U.S.A. 1913

At the time this book was written, the invention of barbed wire and public land laws were pointing to the end of open grazing land except in “public forests” rented for specific terms. This book was written to provide best practices and historic context for husbandry of grazing animals in National Forests.

There is a lot of information packed into this volume. From the proper way to mount a horse, arrange and tie packs on pack animals, to identifying poisonous plant symptoms or determining the age and health of an animal, knowing use of ear marks or cattle brands to identify ownership and use of specialized clothing like chaps or spurs. Things you need to know to live on the range. Focused on horse, sheep, and cattle herding.

Charts, lists, bibliography, index, tables of contents & illustrations as well as 133 illustration groupings enhance the usefulness of the text. 390pp.

Will Croft Barnes (1858-1936), author of this book, is best remembered as a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his bravery in action during the battle at Fort Apache, Arizonia Territory on September 11, 1881.
Before he entered the U.S. Army in 1879, he had published a book on Arizona Place Names while serving as an associate editor of Arizona Historical Review published by the University of Arizona Press. After leaving military service in 1883, Barnes worked as a rancher in Arizona, and served in the legislatures of Arizona Territory. He also wrote several more books. Beginning in 1907, he served the next 21 years in the United States Forest Service.
Not only was this book written and compiled during this time, he and a companion traveled across southern Texas for the Forest Service to round up the last of the Longhorn cattle, thus saving the breed from extinction!

Hardcover has green cloth boards with gold design and lettering on spine & front, but no jacket. This copy was retired as a reference book from a public library. This means no check out pastings were ever placed in this book. There are ink stamps in front pages, on top page-edge, scar from shelfing label on spine. as well as ex-libris plate pasted onto ffep including security sticker. Private ownership info also on ffep. Interior is tight, clean, and text otherwise unmarked. Errata sheet laid-in.

In spite of being an ex-library book, because it was a reference copy and never checked out, the condition of the book shows careful handling with square corners and little shelf-wear., handling, or markings in text Much better than the average 1913 ex-library copy condition.

• Size: 12mo - over 6¾ - 7¾" tall, 390pp.
• Condition: Good plus Hardcover without Jacket – Retired reference book from public library. Likely true 1st Edition.

Copyright 1913. Although no specific statement of edition or impression, 1913 with colophon on front of Title page implies this copy is a true 1st. No ISBN, LCCN, nor MSR.

Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:

Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.” Using the same term as coin collectors, “can’t guarantee it is uncirculated, but it looks very much like it could be.” Booksellers need similar word to describe this...

Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher. Same sort of thing about grading as Fine above except generally used for newer publication dates for titles still in print.

Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.

Acceptable – How a young child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)

Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have missing pages (you should ask). Usually requires repair to be usable.

Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.

1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector might desire this copy for their collection.

Thanks for looking!