THE TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH 219 



266. Construction Work. The work of telephone com- 

 pany construction crews is almost entirely outdoors. The 

 linemen work in gangs under a foreman, and generally not 

 far from their homes. During the summer, however, they 

 travel about putting up through lines of poles and trunk 



FIG. 96. Intermediate Distributing Frame. Showing subscribers' lines 

 spread on racks. From the racks the lines run to the switchboard. 



wires. If the men cannot find accommodations in some 

 house during such times, they camp out. After a great 

 storm, linemen are called from every section with all possible 

 speed to repair any damage which may have been done. 



A large number of men are employed in central office 

 repair work, testing the wires, installing telephones in houses 

 and offices, and making inspections. 



