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implements. The key is left at the nearest ranch or cabin. This is an excel- 

 lent scheme and one which should be put into effect on many of the National 

 Forests. Where letters of authorization for general expenses are insufficient 

 for this purpose, the necessary funds will be allotted from the permanent 

 improvement fund on receipt of estimates in proper form from supervisors. 

 Blueprints showing the general plan of the boxes suggested have been pre- 

 pared and. may be had on request to the Forester. 



Since there seems to be more or less difficulty in identifying Government 

 tools after a fire has been extinguished, especially in case a good many settlers 

 have helped fight the fire, it is suggested that handles of Government tools be 

 painted red or otherwise marked in some very definite way. This will render 

 it unnecessary for rangers to examine each tool minutely in order to find the 

 Forest Service stamp. 



OFFICE OF ENGINEERING. 



Improvements on Administrative Sites 



In making estimates for improvements on administrative sites, supervisors 

 should be very careful to give the name of the site and also, where the land 

 is surveyed, to describe by legal subdivisions the land on which the expenditure 

 is to be made. This will greatly facilitate checking to see whether withdrawal 

 has been requested in accordance with National Forest Order 23, Part IV. 



Local Surveyors for Administrative Sites 



Attention is called to the fact that where the local force is inadequate to 

 handle the survey of administrative sites, allotment may be made for the hire of 

 local surveyors to do this work in extreme cases. Supervisors are also urged, 

 wherever necessary, to hire help, in addition to the regular force, for carrying 

 on all kinds of permanent improvement work. The fact can not be too strongly 

 emphasized that the permanent improvement fund will not be available after 

 June 30, 1908, except in cases where contracts have previously been made. 

 Expenditures must not, of course, be made in advance of authorization. The 

 necessary funds will be allotted wherever possible on receipt of estimates made 

 in proper form. 



