288 THE PRINCIPLES OF HANDLING WOODLANDS 



find some convenient peak from which a large area can be 

 overlooked. 



In the organization of large tracts in mountain regions 

 special lookout stations are sometimes provided. These 

 are located at high points from which a large area of the 

 forest can be seen. A man is kept constantly at each 

 station during the dry season. The various stations 

 should be in communication by telephone or telegraph, 

 or by some system of signals. Each is provided with 

 range-finders or other equipment, by means of which any 

 fires that may occur can be precisely located. They are 

 also in communication with the forest ranger or superin- 

 tendent at headquarters, so that a force of men may be 

 called at once to the fire and put it out. In extensive 

 mountain regions these lookout stations constitute an im- 

 portant part of organized fire supervision. They have 

 been successfully operated in the National Forests. 



Telephone System. One of the great difficulties in ex- 

 tensive forest districts is to secure the necessary help in 

 fighting fires. The telephone is the greatest aid in fire 

 patrol. It enables the man who discovers a fire to call 

 for help and to give directions as to the number of men 

 and the equipment needed. By the use of the telephone 

 on the National Forests millions of dollars have doubtless 

 already been saved. The Forest Service has since 1905 

 built over 9,000 miles of telephone line, and it is ex- 

 tending the lines as rapidly as Congress furnishes the 

 funds for the work. 



Signal Systems. When there is no telephone system 



