Page 135 - Early Naturalists of the Black Range

Apparently the closest he came to the Black Range were the mountains just to the east of Las Cruces in 1910 and Deming in May 1909. For example, he collected the specimen of Opuntia phaeacantha shown on the next page on February 28, 1910, in the Tortugas Mountains. (Note that Paul C. Standley is listed as “Assistant”.) Rose, Standley, and Russell made an extensive collecting trip in 1910.
Rose’s field notes from this general period (see above) seem to indicate a different date (or a later trip?) for his collecting activities in the area. He does note that he was with Standley on the collecting trip shown above. However, his notes from the collecting trip with Standley and Russell indicate the dates which correspond to the specimen sheets. (Included in the listing is a specimen of Opuntia collected by Wooton at the head of Horse Camp Draw, NM on 7/19/1904.)
From the Bureau of Biological Survey “The Survey” - January 1920
“The constant trapping and hunting for wolves, lions, and big bears in the forests in New Mexico during the last three years have greatly reduced the number of these animals, as well as almost wiped out the bobcats in some districts. The result is that the present year has been most favorable for a good increase in —— and turkey, as well as other game birds. It is but natural to expect a big increase in the game supply of the state during the next few years, if seasons are favorable.
During the last week of April, 1919, antelope were found distributed through canyons and heavy timber of the Gila National forest, northeast of Silver City. In previous years these animals have sought protection in the same locality, commonly on the higher mesa country to the north to avoid the deep snow, but returning when conditions were favorable. This year they remained - probably because there were no —— to molest them and drive them back.” (pg. 9)
What Was Going On At This Time?
1891: Forest Reserve Law, designating forest preserves 1905: US Forest Service established
1924: Gila Wilderness Established
134