THE FIRE FIGHTERS 



639 



This timber has all been killed by 

 fire, resulting in an actual reduction in 

 stumpage value of at least a half, which 

 represents a loss of $425,000 to the na- 

 tion. Probably not over 50 per cent of 

 this timber can be sold in its present 

 condition, which increases this loss to 

 over $600,000. These sales aggregated 

 200,000,000 feet, and for every one 

 thousand feet lost, there is lost $10.00 

 in wages to the community. Realize, 

 please, that this represents but two 



small watersheds not aggregating over 

 15,000 acres. These two areas are se- 

 lected because they represent not esti- 

 mates but actual purchase prices ob- 

 tained under competitive bids. 



The immediate work which now faces 

 the Service in this district is the disposi- 

 tion of the dead timber while still mer- 

 chantable. The mapping, estimating, 

 and appraisal of the burned areas is be- 

 ing aggressively pushed in order to 

 prepare for sales as soon as possible. 



THE FIRE FIGHTERS 



By Arthur Chapman 



"Where's Smith and Hennessy, Edwards, Stowe — 

 Where's Casey and Link and Small?" 



The ranger Hstened, and murmured lows 

 "They're missing, Chief, that's all. 



''Where the smoke rolls high, I saw them ride — 



They waved good-bye to mej 

 Good God ! they might as well have tried 



To put back the rolling sea. 



"I rode for aid till my horse fell dead, 

 Then waded the mountain stream 1 



The pools I swam were red, blood red. 

 And covered with choking steam. 



"There was never a comrade to shout 'Hello,' 



Though I flung back many a calls 

 The brave boys knew what it meant to go — 



They're missing, Chief— that's all." 



— Denver Republican 



