The Stihdivision of Forests 197 



tive numbers of markers begin with one at the beginning of each 

 Hne. In case of short lines they may be omitted. Markers should 

 always stand at all points where subdivision lines intersect perma- 

 nent roads. They are rarely used along the hollov/s of valleys 

 which carr)- water, except where other lines intersect. The corner 

 markers should have four faces, upon each of which the number 

 of the compartment which it faces is inscribed. This requires the 

 placing of the comer markers so that their faces are diagonal to 

 the lines. The corner markers when in the form of stones, cement 

 columns or wooden columns, should be about 6 by 6 inches in 

 cross-section and four feet long. They should be placed in the 

 ground about two feet, leaving two feet projecting above the 

 ground upon which to inscribe the numbers. The compartments 

 may also be designated by means of a marker similar to the sign 

 posts frequently found at the intersection of country roads, but 

 instead of giving the approximate distances to nearby points it 

 should give the exact number of the adjoining compartment. A 

 similar way of marking the compartments is the painting of the 

 number of the compartment on a small board 6 by 8 inches and 

 attaching it to a tree near the corner of the compartment. If the 

 above methods of marking cannot be used, one may paint the num- 

 bers upon the bark of trees bordering the compartment by means 

 of a stencil outfit. Whenever the markers were painted, yellow 

 paint was used for the background and black for the numerals 

 ■ and letters. Black and white would probably have been a better 

 combination, but since white was already authorized and used as 

 an outside boundary color for State forests, yellow was selected 

 as a satisfactory substitute. In making reports and giving orders 

 it is always clearer and more satisfactory to designate the subdivi- 

 sion lines by means of the numbers of adjoining compartments, 

 e.g., line 11/12 meaning the line between compartments 11 and 12, 

 than by giving the line a special name or locating it by means of 

 topographic and other features. 



The above discussion aims only to indicate a general course of 

 procedure. The real test of organizing a forest depends to a 

 large extent upon the common sense of the individual who at- 

 tempts the organization. His power of retrospection, logical inter- 

 pretation of existing conditions, and power of forecast are very 

 potent factors. It is necessary that he possess a business acumen 



