THE TRAINING OF A FORESTER 



in Washington and the seven local adminis- 

 trative offices, six in the West, where the Na- 

 tional Forests mainly lie, and one in the East. 

 The work of a Forest Ranger is, first of 

 all, to protect the District committed to his 

 charge against fire. That comes before all 

 else. For that purpose, the Ranger patrols 

 his District during the seasons when fires 

 are dangerous, or watches for signs of fire 

 from certain high points, called fire-look- 

 outs, or both. He keeps the trails and fire 

 lines clear and the telephone in working 

 order, and sees to it that the fire fighting 

 tools, such as spades, axes, and rakes, are in 

 good condition and ready for service. If he 

 is wise, he establishes such relations with the 

 people who live in his neighborhood that 

 they become his volunteer assistants in 

 watching for forest fires, in taking precau- 

 tions against them, and in notifying him of 

 them when they do take place. 



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