290 THE PRINCIPLES OF HANDLING WOODLANDS 



two or three separated columns of smoke from dampened 

 fires to be steadily rising at the same time. This system 

 of signaling may be used to good advantage on a still day 

 for communicating long distances. The separated fire 

 signal on top of prominent peaks can be used in the 

 night as well as in the day. 



The heliograph is an instrument which may be used 

 for flashing signals from the lookout stations. The For- 

 est Service has recently conducted successful experiments 

 with this instrument. 



In some cases it might be possible to use flags and 

 the code of the Army Signal Corps. Near settlements 

 the fire bell, gong, or whistle is commonly used to bring 

 together the men for fighting fires. 



The organization of an efficient patrol varies under 

 the following conditions: (1) Size of tract; (2) character 

 of the forest; (3) condition of the forest with reference 

 to the amount of inflammable material; (4) difficulties of 

 communication; (5) difficulties of securing help in fight- 

 ing fires; (6) the topography with reference to the 

 amount of territory which can be overlooked; (7) special 

 sources of fire, such as the presence of a railroad; (8) 

 local sentiment. 



Supervision of Small Tracts. The supervision of 

 a woodlot attached to a farm is exceedingly simple. If 

 a farmer himself uses proper care in starting fires, in 

 clearing out his roads, in disposing of brush, and in 

 keeping a careful watch for fires, his woodlot is com- 

 paratively safe. Many woodlot fires are caused by the 



