THE PLAYGROUNDS OF THE NATION 105 



at these automobile camps. They meet many 

 other tourists and exchange information about 

 the best trails to follow and the condition of the 

 roads. Sometimes, permanent cabins and shel- 

 ters are provided for the use of the cross-country 

 travelers. The only rules are that care be exer- 

 cised in the use of fire and the camping sites be 

 kept in clean and sanitary condition. 



All the forest roads are posted with many 

 signs asking the tourists to be careful in the use 

 of matches, tobacco and camp fires, so as not to 

 start destructive forest fires. In the Federal and 

 State forests hundreds of man-caused fires occur 

 annually, due to the neglect and carelessness of 

 campers and tourists to put out their camp fires. 

 A single match or a cigarette stub tossed from a 

 passing automobile may start a costly fire. Dur- 

 ing the season from May to October, the western 

 forests usually are as dry as tinder. Rains are 

 rare during that period. A fire once started runs 

 riot unless efficient control measures are used 

 at once. 



Those interested in fishing and hunting usu- 

 ally can find plenty of chance to pursue their 

 favorite sports in the National and State Forests. 

 There is good fishing in the forest streams and 



