206 METHODS OF CONTROLLING CUTTINGS 



area is to be cut clear, simply marking the boundaries of the 

 area so treated is sufficient. 



If the trees to be cut are marked a blaze going through the 

 bark into the wood is the common designation. The blaze 

 is made on the trunk at a convenient height above ground, 

 approximately breast-high, so as to be readily seen, or else is 

 placed on a root swelling or on the trunk so low as to appear 

 on the side of the cut stump. 



The advantage of having the blaze placed on the stump is 

 that it serves as an excellent check upon the operator's work. 

 Two blazes may be placed on the tree, one where it can be 

 readily seen and the other on the stump. The tendency is 

 toward the reduction of expense by the use of only the stump 

 blaze. 



A plain blaze is of little use as a check on the operator be- 

 cause it may be difficult to determine by whom such a blaze 

 was made. For this reason it is customary to stamp a letter 

 or symbol on the blaze. 



An axe is the marking tool commonly utilized. Where 

 the blazes are to be stamped, a special marking axe is em- 

 ployed with the desired letter or symbol placed on the head. 



Marking with blazes trees which are to be retained is not 

 advisable, due to the possibility of insects or fungi obtaining 

 access to the tree through the wounds. This is a reason 

 why it may be desirable to mark the trees to be cut even 

 though they may outnumber those left. 



Where it is desired to designate the trees to remain, paint 

 often is employed. In applying paint care must be taken to 

 remove the loose bark before the paint is put on. Some- 

 times a spot of paint is placed on the trunk and stump or a 

 ring painted around the tree. As a check on the cutting, 

 paint is less effective than stamped blazes because it is more 

 easily counterfeited. 



