38 



wood each individual piece contained, and piled in various forms to season, conclu- 

 sive results being obtained on the time required for the timber to become air dry 

 under different conditions. 



The experiments in the preservative treatment of the timber were then under- 

 taken and have resulted very successfully, and it is believed that the method of 

 handling and treating to be recommended to the cooperating company will result 

 in their obtaining stronger, more durable, and cheaper timber. A full report of 

 the experiment is now being prepared, from which an extract will be made for 

 publication. 



Open-Tank Treatment of Chestnut Poles 



During the past month an extensive series of experimental treatments of chestnut 

 telephone poles was completed at Parkton, Md. The butts of the poles were immersed 

 in successive hot and cold baths of creosote contained in open iron tanks, and in this 

 way a satisfactory penetration by the preservative was secured. Experiments were 

 made to determine the relative values of the hot and cold baths and the influence of 

 other conditions. Later on the poles will be set in an experimental line, where the 

 practical benefit of the treatment can be determined. 



BRANCH OF OPERATION. 



OFFICE OF MAINTENANCE. 



Leather Sheaths 



When leather sheathe are wanted for marking hatchets or hammers, they must 

 be specified in requisitions. 



OFFICE OF ORGANIZATION. 



Full Name in Recommendations for Appointment" 



Supervisors in submitting recommendations for the appointment of rangers or 

 guards should always give the full names of the men they desire appointed; not 

 merely initials. 



Rangers' Promotions 



A number of supervisors have recommended the promotion of rangers to take effect 

 on dates other than January 1. It is sometimes necessary that such promotions be 

 made, but no recommendations of this sort can be approved if made for reasons other 

 than to offset increased living expenses caused by a change in district. It is very 

 necessary that supervisors make recommendations for promotions on the 1st of Jan- 

 uary and at no other times except under these conditions. 



OFFICE OF ENGINEERING. 



Itinerary of Constructing- Engineer 



W. E. Herring, Chief of the Office of Engineering, is in the field for a month's trip 

 to confer with several supervisors in regard to the construction of several telephone 

 lines and other improvement work upon the National Forests during the next fiscal 

 year. It is hoped that arrangements may be made during his trip to start a large 

 amount of telephone construction. Mr. Herring will visit the Gila National Forest, 

 New Mexico, where 80 miles of line is to be built, the Black Mesa and San Francisco 



