south. Conflict quickly arose when settlers known as "[Boomers]" made attempts to enter the [Unassigned Lands] prior to the [Indian Appropriations Act of 1889]. They often burned ranch lands in an attempt to remove food for cattle. The ranchers, in turn, built fireguards using [controlled burns]. These fireguards were typically made perpendicular to creeks to reduce the effort required to make effective barriers. The barriers were made by plowing two parallel lines, then burning the grass between the lines, which created a barrier roughly 50 yards wide. Creating the fireguards was dangerous, as the fires could quickly turn against the ranchers if the wind shifted toward them. Edward Bryant Takes Over Montford's Business Affairs E.B. returned from New York in February 1885 and immediately set to work getting Montford's businesses in order. Montford was a generous man, having allowed numerous lines of credit through his store in Silver City. Montford had also invested $25,000 in the New York City liquor business Boggy Johnson was involved in, which never produced a profit. Montford offered E.B. a 50 percent share of the Silver City store, and he set out to collect some of the overdue bills, which amounted to approximately $15,000. E.B. collected cash and livestock as payments for the various debts owed to the Silver City store E.B.'s actions made Montford's business partners uneasy, and they decided to end their partnerships. E.B. assisted closing out business with their partners, which included Jim Bond, Montford's brother-in-law. Montford and E.B. continued ranching despite continued encroachment by Boomers. New ranches were being established along Montford's periphery, creating sometimes dangerous situations. Occasionally, they would find cattle that had their brand covered up by a new brand, an obvious sign that cattle had been stolen. On one occasion, Montford and E.B. were fired upon after one of their men, [Adam Ward], was shot in a dispute over a steer. There were numerous similar incidents in which ranchers were killed in arguments over cattle ownership. Land Rush of 1889 In the spring of 1889, the Indian Appropriations Act of 1889 stated that 1.8 million acres of the Unassigned Lands were to be opened up to settlement for claimants, in what became known as the Land Rush of 1889. Some of Montford's holdings were in this region, but this occasion had been foreseen. In preparation for the land rush, the Army ordered all cattlemen to remove their livestock