CONSTRUCTION POLICY IN FOREST RESERVES 33 



the standard galvanized-iron wire used in. ordinary forest lines would have to be 

 replaced by a larger wire or preferably by copper wire, which is a much more satisfac- 

 tory electrical conductor than iron wire. If the trouble arises from faulty construc- 

 tion it can only be remedied by removing these faults. The installation of a second 

 wire would, otherwise, be more likely to increase than to decrease the difficulties. 



For forest-protection purposes a grounded line is nearly always preferable to a 

 metallic line. As previously stated, only grounded lines can be satisfactorily employed 

 in tree-line construction. The employment of two wires not only magnifies the chance 

 for interruptions due to breaks in the line but also renders a metallic line liable to 

 interruption from short circuits in ways that do not occur with grounded lines. Thus, 

 if the two wires became crossed, as would often happen when a tree fell across the 

 line, or if a wet branch or a loose tie wire fell across both wires, the line would fail 

 to work. Metallic circuits, therefore, should as a rule only be used on full pole lines 

 and then only when needed to counteract interference from induced currents. Where 

 disturbances due to induction are encountered in only a part of a line, it is not neces- 

 sary to make the entire line a metallic circuit, but only that portion where the dis- 

 turbance occurs. The means by which this is accomplished will be discussed in 

 Chapters XII and XIY (See Figs. 56, 58, 59, 60 and 86). 



CHAPTER VI 



TELEPHONE CONSTRUCTION POLICY IN DOMINION FOREST 



RESERVES 



Section 39 Construction by the Forestry Branch 



The intention of the Forestry Branch is to secure efficiency of fire protection on 

 the forest reserves by such specialization as the controlling factors seem to warrant. 

 This will involve the establishment of rapid means of intercommunication. To 

 accomplish this, telephone lines have been built and will be extended- wherever their 

 use will ensure more effective fire protection and more economical administration, and 

 where the territory covered is not served, or probably will not be served, by com- 

 mercial lines on account of inaccessibility and absence of subscribers. In general, 

 telephone lines on the forest reserves will be located in accordance with the principles 

 already discussed in Chapters IY and Y. 



For the most part, the commercial telephone lines near the forest reserves are own- 

 ed and operated by the government of the various provinces, except in British Columbia 

 where they are largely operated by the Dominion Department of Public Works. 

 Wherever feasible, these lines should be utilized in order to lessen the necessary con- 

 struction of Forestry Branch lines. 



Section 40 Co-operative and Private Lines 



Co-operation between the Forestry Branch and companies, individuals, provinces, 

 or other government departments that would involve joint ownership, construction, or 

 maintenance of telephone lines, introduces a division of responsibility which may affect 

 communication and maintenance as well as future growth and extensions, and, there- 

 fore, should be avoided. Exceptions may be made in the case of the lines of the 

 Department of Public Works in British Columbia and, in unusual instances, in the 

 case of provincial telephone departments, but all such instances must be referred to the 

 Director of Forestry for approval. 



792113 



