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4-36 The sighting device was mounted on an adjustable tripod to • facilitate vertical orientation and point stabilization. Fine cross hairs were used in the sighting device to provide opti- mum point definition. At each point, the sighting device was directed vertically upward if overstory vegetation was present, .and then downward into the understory community. The first hit along a vertical line was recorded as vegetation (by species), rock, litter, or soil. When vegetation was inter- cepted on the first hit, additional hits were taken until soil, litter, or rock was intercepted. First hits were used in calculating the absolute percent cover. 4.5.1.3.2 Collection and Analysis of Production Data Circular plots one meter square in area were used for 1980 production estimates (Greasewood Shrubland), and rectangular plots 1 meter by 2 meters were used for 1981 production esti- mates. The current year's growth of all herbaceous plants was clipped. All graminoids were cut and sorted by individual . species while fortis were combined into a single category. Each production plot yielded one composite sample. In the laboratory, clippings were oven-fried at 105°C for 24 hours and weighed to the nearest tenth of a gram. Data were recorded as grams per meter square (g/m2) (1980 study) and as g/2m2 (1981 study) and converted to pounds per acre (lb/ac) and kilograms per hectare (kg/he). 4.5.1.3.3 Collection and Analysis of Shrub and Tree Data Shrub heights and densities, and tree heights, densities, and diameters at breast height (dbh) were measured at each cover transect location. Additional sample sites were randomly located to meet sample adequacy when required. The crown height of the first two individuals of each shrub species with a canopy overlapping the transect line was measured • to the nearest centimeter. Likewise, the height and diameter at