While campground and picnic area stoves and fireplaces have been in demand 

 during a number of years in the well-developed recreation areas, it is apparent that 

 comparatively limited study has been given to this problem, and there is a great lack of 

 dependable information upon this subject. It is evident that no definite conclusions con- 

 cerning the design and construction for the most appropriate and practical types of 

 stoves and fireplaces to be installed on different areas have been reached. It is most 

 important, because of the lack of information available to those who are seeking an 

 answer to this problem, that this question be given further study in the light of the experi- 

 ence which has been gained through this greatly increased use during the past few years. 

 There appeared in a recent publication the following instructions or "specifications" 

 for the construction of parts of a camp stove or fireplace: 



Three iron pipes, preferably not over I'/t inches in diameter should be run across the fireplace 

 from side to side, etc. 



The walls must be sufficiently thick so that they will not crumble. Wherever large flat rocks 

 can be obtained, they should be used. The larger they are the better, within reasonable limits. 



Is it any wonder that reliable information is desired, when agencies directing recrea- 

 tion activities are publishing information of this kind on the basis of which to design and 

 construct camp stoves and fireplaces? 



The conditions under which camp stoves and fireplaces are designed and constructed 

 to meet the requirements of everyday use are widely varied and there can be no one type 

 of either camp stove or fireplace which seems best to meet all requirements. It has been 

 necessary, therefore, to include in this discussion all of the possible types which seem of 

 practical value. 



The author appreciates fully that no discussion of this subject at the present time 

 can be considered as complete. This compilation represents an effort to bring together, 

 within the covers of a single volume, the best information which is available at the present 

 time, on the basis of which further study may continue. 



This discussion applies primarily to the problems which are presented in the forest 

 camps and picnic areas of the national forests. It may apply equally well to many other 

 types of recreation areas and to thousands of recreational developments outside of the 

 national forests. 



In further explanation of any lack of completeness in the following text and illustra- 

 tions, the author calls attention to the fact that no consideration is here given to the 

 "sophisticated" and very architectural types of stoves and fireplaces, often of elaborate 

 design, and frequently developed on private estates in close relationship with other 

 architectural features. 



The author deeply appreciates the generous cooperation of the representatives of the 

 Forest Service, who have supplied a quantity of valuable information on the basis of which 

 a number of these drawings have been compiled. He is also indebted to the officials of the 

 Forest Service, who have made possible a first-hand study of the actual conditions on the 

 ground in many parts of the national forests. To the many individuals outside of the 

 Forest Service, from whom information has been procured during the past 4 or 5 years, 

 while this study has been in progress, sincere thanks are extended. 



For valuable assistance in the preparation of drawings and text, a word of sincere 

 appreciation is due to Mr. H. Dercum, architect, of Cleveland, Ohio, 



AP"1 1936. ^^^^^^Q^. 



