1927 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS 161 



record applies to the work of one observer with a total experience of two seasons 

 and about twenty photographic flights, and a second observer, instructed during 

 the season. 



Should it be decided to continue this line of work, whose results are required 

 in every line of field operation, it is felt that the Branch is now in a position to 

 do so to advantage. 



Recommendations: 



The following brief recommendations have been suggested from the past 

 season's experience: 



1. Control of Flying. — In order to operate a flying service to the best advant- 

 age it would seem advisable (a) that one office be responsible for the authoriza- 

 tion and recording of all machine movements, {h) that machines fly on written 

 requisition only (O.F.B. Form 72). 



2. Mobility of Machines. — ia) That the allotment of flying to districts be 

 made on an hourly basis, {b) that arrangements be made with all sections of the 

 Branch using flying whereby machines have the greatest possible freedom of 

 movement from base to base in accordance with varying flying requirements. 



3. Personnel. — (a) That observers be allotted a position in the O.F.B. 

 organization as detection personnel. It is suggested that observers in charge 

 of Eastern and Western Patrols might be given the opportunity of developing 

 the technical organization of a detection system, including all special detection 

 equipment and personnel* for their respective patrol areas; {b) that authority 

 be granted to develop additional air sketching personnel to (I) map cover 

 hazards by aerial sketching, (2) check over and complete forest types on areas 

 covered by photographic survey. 



Appendices: 



Appended are the reports of Observer G. Swartman in charge of Eastern 

 Patrols, Observer G. H. R. Phillips in charge of Western Patrols, and H. H. 

 Parsons, Forester, in charge of Aerial Type Sketching. Particular acknowledge- 

 ment is due these men for intelligent and loyal service. A reading of their 

 reports will serve to show how much the writer is indebted to them. 



Report of Air Operations, 1926 



Eastern Patrol 



The following is a summary of flying operations relative to the Eastern 

 Patrols for the season of 1926: 



The operating season commenced somewhat later than other years, due to a 

 backward spring, and the ice remaining in the smaller lakes longer than usual. 

 When weather conditions did permit the transference of aircraft from Sault 

 Ste. Marie, there was considerable flying done the first few days. This was 

 necessary as a check upon fires already burning and reported from other sources. 



Organization: 



As in previous years the Province was divided into two parts for purposes 

 of organization and supervision. The western boundary of the Eastern Patrol 

 was a line extending north and south from the easterly boundary of the Nipigon 

 Forest Reserve. The Quebec boundary north of the Mattawa River was the 

 eastern limit of this area, although no regular patrols were carried out o^•er the 

 North Bay Inspectorate. The southern boundary may be described as the 



