West Texas Historical and Scientific Society publication number twelve Page: 15 of 29
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per is rarely found in the United States, being characteristic
of areas much farther south, but in the Chisos Mountains it is
growing alongside Arizona cypress, Douglas fir, aspen, and
semi-arid plants characteristic of the Southwest, like sotol,
lechuguilla, and many species of cacti.
The vegetation of the Big Bend Country also had a definite
influence upon the activities of the people. Naturally the greatest
interests were in ranching and in the early days the herds were
more numerous in the lowlands. As the grazing areas were
exhausted the livestock moved to higher and rougher localities.
Grazing also was restricted to areas close to water. In all cases
where natural water is found there is a good geological reason
for its existence, and in other areas where geological structures
are less favorable water is scarce. A striking example is in the
Sierra del Carmen where the vegetation is excellent but the
area has not been grazed because water is not available.
Plants have guided the activities of the people in other days.
During the World War I and II, as well as during the intervening
period, the wax industry flourished. This wax was made from
the candelilla (wax) plant that grows in the Big Bend. The
wax was used chiefly for water-proofing munitions and various
instruments, tools and weapons; but it is also used in the manufacture
of phonograph records and sealing wax. The guayule
plant that grows in the Big Bend was used during war times
for making synthetic rubber, and it was an important project
during the late war.
The native Mexicans use many of the plants for other purposes.
Alcoholic beverages are made from the sotol and maguey
plants. The blossoms from the Spanish Dagger (yucca) are used
for food; fibers taken from the leaves are used for twine, and
frequently even the leaves themselves are used for stronger
cords, as for weaving. The needle-like points on the leaves' ends
are used as awls, and in some cases they have been used to pierce
the flesh following a rattlesnake bite. This causer the blood to
flow freely and carry out some of the venom. Some persons believe
that a poison in the dagger neutralized the venom from
the snake. The broad-leaf variety is sometimes used in making
baskets and sandals. The leaves from bear grass are frequently
used in making baskets. The thread from the leaves is used
for twine and in many cases the leaves have been used for general
household purposes. In addition to the pulque and tequilla,
alcoholic beverages that the natives drink which are made from
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West Texas Historical and Scientific Society. West Texas Historical and Scientific Society publication number twelve, book, June 1, 1948; Alpine, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth5838/m1/15/: accessed April 30, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .