CHART PLOT 343 



writer has found it convenient more recently to prepare and use 

 a special map form, a reproduction of which is shown in Figure 

 126. This form on the map side gives the number of the plot, 

 its location, the date of estabhshment, seasons and dates when 

 remapped, and the species with their map symbols. The map is 

 so ruled off that each square corresponding to a square decimeter 

 of ground surface is divided into four equal parts, an arrange- 

 ment which facilitates the location of the plant on the chart. 



The reverse side of the map form, reproduced in Figure 124, 

 provides for a statement of the specific object of the plot; the 

 size of the plot; the character of the site and the vegetation; 

 history of the range with respect to grazing, fires, etc., including 

 a statement of its present use; a record of the vigor and life 

 history (reproduction, invasion, and establishment) of the 

 vegetation; and, finally, a summary of the quadrat data, space 

 being so provided for the segregation of the plant record as to 

 make it readily applicable to the range problem under investi- 

 gation. 



Preliminary to charting the plot, care is taken to lay down 

 properly the four boundary tapes, that is, to " square " them 

 up and secure them at each corner by using surveyor's pins 

 extending through the perforated ends of the tapes. The mat- 

 ter of permanent staking is discussed under the heading, " Special 

 Sample-Plot Guide Tapes." 



After the four boundary tapes are properly located the two 

 cross tapes are placed in position and held there by means of 

 surveyor's pins through the end holes and through the holes at 

 the decimeter intervals of the boundary tapes. As indicated in 

 Figure 123, the upper and lower sides of the chart are numbered 

 from left to right and the side lines from top to bottom. Ac- 

 cordingly, the mapping is always started at the upper left-hand 

 corner of the chart. The plants found in the first decimeter 

 square of the plot are located* on the map by means of symbols 

 placed in the corresponding square of the chart. When the 

 first decimeter strip has been mapped the upper cross tape is 

 moved down one decimeter, where it outlines the second un- 

 charted strip. This strip is now charted as the first one was, 



