32 



Temporary Transfers of Rangers 



Supervisors are cautioned to make provision for the return to their Forests of 

 rangers temporarily transferred to Boundaries for work under the Act of June 11. 

 They should learn from the Chief Inspectors the approximate length of time the serv- 

 ices of these men will be needed for agricultural examinations. In recommending 

 thejappointment of guards or rangers to take the place of men so transferred, arrange- 

 ments should be made so that on the completion of the agricultural work these men 

 may be re-transferred from Boundaries to their Forests without the allotment being 

 exceeded for which provision has already been made. 



Bangers' Subsistence 



After careful consideration it has been decided that rangers who are called to the 

 supervisor's headquarters for any other purpose than to attend rangers' meetings must 

 furnish their own subsistence. Supervisors should make careful note of this decision 

 and see that it works no unnecessary hardship for the rangers. When it is not 

 practicable for rangers to use their own horses, expenses for travel may be allowed, 

 but accounts for subsistence should not be submitted. 



Identifying Expenses on Form 99 



In checking over the accounts of Forest officers it is often difficult to tell which 

 items are charged under a given heading on Form 99. If in making these charges 

 on Form 4, Forest officers would place the number of the heading on Form 99 against 

 which it is charged after the amount of the item on Form 4, it would greatly assist 

 in checking over accounts. To avoid confusing such a number with the amount of 

 the entry, a circle may be drawn around the number. 



When submitting accounts in behalf of rangers or guards for travel and subsistence, 

 supervisors should in every case accompany the account with a brief statement of the 

 character of the work in connection with which these expenses were incurred and 

 the necessity for its performance. This matter should receive careful attention, since 

 items not thus explained will be suspended pending further information from the 

 supervisor. 



Marking-Tools 



As a result of the request in the May Program for the experiences of men in the 

 use of the marking ax, the Forester has received many valuable letters, written by 

 rangers who have had experience in the use of both the ax and the hatchet. Fol- 

 lowing is an extract from one of these letters written by Forest Ranger C. B. Swim, 

 of the Yellowstone National Forest (Shoshone Division), Wyoming: 



I find that to mark timber to the best advantage in mixed stands both the mark- 

 ing hatchet and the marking ax should be at the worker's command. In marking 

 lodgepole pine, balsam, or spruce the marking hatchet is much handier and time can 

 be saved by using it; but in marking Douglas fir when the trees are large and have 

 thick bark the light hatchet is almost useless and the marking ax much more effect- 

 ive, and much time and labor can be saved by its use. 1 recommend the use of both 

 instruments. 



Very respectfully, CLARENCE B. SWIM. 



The experience and criticisms of men who use these and other tools are very much 

 desired in order that the needs of each Forest may be met. Hangers who have used 

 the marking ax, the marking hatchet (with long or short handle), or the marking 

 hammer are requested to write brief letters to their supervisors, stating their experi- 

 ences and making such recommendations as they have to offer. 



Supervisors are urged to encourage their men at all times freely to criticise all 

 instruments that they use. 



