110 CONDITIONS CALLED FOR. 



can be obtained in summer. This is of high importance in case of 

 fire. In the summer the natural dryness of the air, when added to the 

 extensive forest fires, causes an evaporation from men in action that 

 must be replaced by a liberal supply of water. The patrol should know 

 the nearest point in any part of a district from which the water supply 

 can be renewed. 



The water in our mountains is generally superior in quality; at 

 some points, however, the springs are overcharged with minerals. 

 These springs should be noted. Constant use of such mineral waters 

 is likely to derange the system. Digestive troubles, calculus, kidney 

 disease, etc., may result. 



In the higher districts in the mountains, the springs are sometimes 

 found very cold. This cold water, taken when in repose, is not danger- 

 ous. When a man or animal is heated by a hard mountain pull, or 

 by fire fighting, these cold springs are injurious and occasionally fatal 

 to users. Unfavorable effects are especially to be noted from cold 

 water on heated animals. 



I generally recommend tea in a ration for the special purpose of 

 giving an excuse to have all water boiled. A body of men in the field 

 must depend mainly on surface water for drink. Boiling such water 

 removes its dangers. In traveling in Asia and Africa I have seen the 

 immunity from sickness the sole use of weak tea for drinking gave, 

 and the striking contrast of disabling sickness in large numbers of 

 those not taking this precaution. I have seen the advantage of boiled 

 water on many occasions. Boiled water also deposits a portion of its 

 surplus mineral, which usually more than balances the evaporation. 

 Thus boiling diminishes mineral contents especially in a covered vessel, 

 from the lid of which the condensed evaporation may fall back into 

 the vessel. In our mountains this practice has not the importance 

 that campers on the plains would find. Officers and patrolmen will note, 

 however, that resorts, tourists and even patrolmen can pollute and 

 infect springs and streams. This danger must be guarded against. I 

 do not think it would be of benefit to boil the water from the spring 

 at the timber line of Grayback, but it would be to boil the water of the 

 Santa Ana river just below Seven Oaks resort. It is the proper duty 

 for the patrol to measure and analyze the water of all springs and 

 streams in the forests. Some of these waters are medicinal, and if 

 properly known, would deservedly attract visitors to California and 

 doubtless aid in the return of health to our own sick people. 



Water is, after air, the element requiring most frequent renewal 



