FIFTH NATIONAL CONSERVATION CONGRESS 319 



the spurs, consists of a hoisting engine mounted on trucks and equipped with 

 a long boom. The machine is mounted on one of the flat cars composing the 

 construction train. The rails and ties are handled in panels thirty feet long, 

 which are elevated by the hoisting engine, placed on flat cars and relaid at some 

 other point without removing spikes or ties. This system is not satisfactory 

 where there are many curves, since the panel must be broken up before re-laying 

 at such points. 



The second system consists of a specially constructed car on which is placed 

 an engine for operating cables, a conveyor for handling crossties, and two trolley 

 systems, one on each side of the car handling rails, which are also stored on 

 the car floor. 



The track is broken up when moved and rails and ties handled separately. 

 The track can be laid on curves to much better advantage with this machine 

 than with the first one mentioned. Neither of the above methods have come 

 into extensive use. 



Improved tools and machinery. — So far as known there have not been any 

 recent market changes and improvements made in tools and machinery. 



Accounting for tools and equipment. — There are several methods in vogue 

 for accounting for tools and equipment which are used by loggers. As a rule, 

 the systems used are inadequate and there is an undue loss where the logger 

 furnishes tools, especially for felling and log.-making. Among the practices in 

 vogue may be mentioned the following: 



1. The distribution of tools without responsibihty on the part of the work- 

 men, the foreman of the crew being called upon to see that tools are not lost 

 or damaged. This system is regarded as inefficient, since the loss of tools from 

 breakage, theft and like causes is great. 



2. The placement of responsibility for return of the tools On the workman 

 to whom they are issued. He is charged with such tools as he needs and unless 

 returned either entire or broken, the value is deducted from his wages. This 

 system protects the logger from loss and renders the workmen more diligent in 

 caring for their equipment. It relieves the foreman of work which would detract 

 from his efficiency in other lines. 



3. Where contract work is done, the contractor furnishing the tools as 

 part of the price paid. This system reheves the company from any possibility 

 of loss. The contract price is often somewhat higher to care for this risk on 

 the part of the contractor. A drawback to this method might be the unsatis- 

 factory character of the tools supplied by the contractor and an insufficient supply 

 when extra crews are needed on short notice. These contingencies should be 

 provided for in the contract. 



Pacific Northwest 



The general problems of this region are well treated in Martin's report, 

 which is appended. 



