Nezvs and Notes. 447 



strument by the use of superior material and otherwise, so that 

 it now answers its purpose most efficiently. The use of the in- 

 strument is, of course, known to every forestry student. Keuffel 

 and Esser Company, in New York, have the agency for the 

 United States and Canada. They have issued a small pamphlet 

 describing the construction and use of the instrument, which sells 

 according to length of bore {2^ to iif inch) at from v'^5.25 to $25 

 ap^iece. 



Among the means of reducing the enormous fire losses outside 

 of forest fires, the H. W. Johns- Alanville Company, of New York, 

 manufacture a shingle which is made out of asbestos and Port- 

 land cement moulded into a compact mass under hydraulic pres- 

 sure. It is claimed that they are not afifected by extreme weather 

 conditions, will not rot, warp or split, and withstand the action of 

 the elements indefinitely. Moderate price and artistic design add 

 to their value as a substitute for the wooden shingle. 



The efficient work of the Western Forestry and Conservation 

 Association in suppressing the fire danger has led in the State 

 of Oregon to a compulsory patrol law, and the State of Cali- 

 fornia promises to follow suit. It is estimated that not less than 

 $1,635,000 will be spent in Montana, Idaho, Washington and 

 Oregon, of which the Forest Service is to expend i^ million dol- 

 lars, the federal government under the Weeks' law is to con- 

 tribute $35,000, the States have appropriated $100,000, and the 

 timberowners' association is to contribute $250,000, unless need 

 for larger contribution develops. In 1910 this contribution was 

 $700,000. 



Conservation is to have field days on November 18, 19 and 20, 

 when the National Conservation Congress will meet at Washing- 

 tion in co-operation with the National Conservation Association- 

 Special committees have been appointed to shape and present prin- 

 ciples and policies to be recommended to our legislators in the 

 National Government and in the States. 



A new departure is made by the Montreal Engineering Company, 

 Consulting and Operating Engineers, by making forest surveys a 

 subject of their enterprise besides electrical, hydraulic and gen- 



