120 AN AUSTRALIAN STUDY OF AMERICAN FORESTRY. 
Each file consists of two general sections— 
(1) A classified section; in which is filed, behind appropriate guides, 
all correspondence which bears a subject designation expressed 
in words (¢.g., F. Personnel, Jones, J. H.). 
(2) A miscellaneous section; in which are filed alphabetically, 
without regard to forests or subjects, all correspondence 
bearing as a designation the letter Z after the branch or 
office key initials (e.g., FZ, OZ, OOZ). 
The mail clerk opens and refers to the respective branches by date 
stamp, all letters received. Each is there marked with the key mitial of the 
branch and the subject- designation, and is then ready for action and reply. 
Carbon copies are the only record kept of outgoing correspondence, and when 
a letter is answered, the carbon copy, or the letter itself, or both, are handed 
to the filing clerk, who at once puts it or them in the cabinet in the folder and 
behind the guide for the particular branch and subject noted thereon. 
When correspondence is withdrawn from the file, a memorandum is 
substituted in its stead. When necessary, cross-referencés are made, by filing 
under the second subject involved an extra carbon copy. Miscellaneous 
correspondence is transferred from current to closed files annually; classified 
correspondence is transferred as may be found advisable. 
All the records of an officer may be assembled in one central file room, 
or separate files may be kept in each branch. In the Missoula District Office, 
the latter alternative is adopted, and as a consequence no special file clerk is 
employed. 
The success of the system depends in some measure upon the general 
administrative practice. In the United States of America Forest Service, 
business is very largely decentralised, and the District Forester is given much 
wider discretionary and executive powers than are at present vested in our 
own managing officers. As a consequence, there is an increased local trans- 
action of business, and a reduced circulation of correspondence between head 
office and the district branches. 
The New South Wales system provides for the reference to the District 
Forester of all matters affecting his district. He refers them similarly to his 
own divisional officers for report, upon receipt of which he furnishes recommen- 
dations for the guidance of head office. At head office the report and recom- 
mendations are summarised in a minute for the Minister, upon receipt of 
whose approval or decision, the reply is written to the persons concerned, and 
the papers are forwarded to the District Forester to note and return. 
In case of delays, reminders are sent periodically to the District Forester 
and by him to the divisional officers. , 
In contrast thereto, the American system arranges for the recommenda- 
tions to be furnished by the District Forester in the form of a letter prepared 
for the signature of the Director or Minister. Three copies are made at the 
same time. One is retained by the District Forester and two accompany his 
letter to head office. When the Minister or Director’s approval and signature 
are affixed, the letter is despatched, and one of the carbon copies, similarly 
signed, is returned to the District Forester, who substitutes it for the one 
retained by him as a record. The third carbon copy at head office becomes the 
head office file copy. 
