AN AUSTRALIAN STUDY OF AMERICAN FORESTRY. 129 
: The topographic map again affords the basis for organisation. An 
improvements map is prepared from it, showing existing and proposed routes. 
The “ultimately necessary” road system is decided upon, and those roads 
which unquestionably must be built are located first. The supervisor prepares : 
data and recommendations with regard to extensions and submits them to the 
district forester, who determines the needs, and the order of construction. 
The “Manual of Trail Construction ” establishes a uniform classification 
of roads and “trails,” and sets out standard specifications for each class; it 
describes approved methods of location, construction and maintenance, and 
furnishes reference data useful in preparing estimates and in actual construc- 
tion work. : 
The “ trails” were designed as the forerunners of the roads of the forest 
and their classification is based upon the uses to which the “trails” may be 
put. Those following main valleys, and likely to constitute the framework of 
the permanent road system are located with-a maximum grade of 6 per cent., 
so that they may be convertible into first-class wagon roads. Those following 
ridges or tributary streams are classed as B or C. Class B “trails” have a 
maximum grade of 12 per cent. and are convertible into safe mountain roads. 
Class C “trails” are intended only for pack horse routes and may have a 
grade up to 18 per cent. 
Trail construction includes the building of all necessary bridges. 
Where waterways exist, boats, launches, or ferries are used; and where 
railways or logging railroads are available, speeders and hand-cars are 
requisitioned. Motor cars similarly are utilised. 
Furthermore, if it is possible to effect a saving thereby, these means of 
travel, as well as pack horses, teams, wagon scrapers, road grades, stump 
pullers, and other road-building equipment are purchased rather than hired. 
The construction of logging roads, chutes, and flumes solely for the 
purpose of extracting timber is undertaken by the Forest Service only in excep- 
tional cases. As a general rule, this phase of improvement is left to the 
operator. 
For purposes of control by the forest personnel, a survey is made of all 
the administrative sites required, and a special map showing topography 
cover, soil, and improvements, is prepared on a 20-chain scale. 
On these sites, such requisite buildings as ranger’s headquarters and 
offices, lookout stations, summer camps, barns, sheds and pounds are con- 
structed and paddocks laid out for the use of the forest staff. 
Standard Forest Service plans and specifications have been prepared for 
all buildings and work in these classes. The maximum amount which may 
be spent in this work is limited by enactment to £130 per building. This sum 
has proved inadequate in the case of ranger headquarters. 
Forest officers are permitted to cultivate forest land “for the economical 
production of forage crops,” and build fences to provide requisite pasturage for 
live stock used in the work of the Forest Service. 
The construction of dams, tanks, and fences for the development of the 
forage resources generally, is carried out as a rule by the livestock associa- 
tions using the forest, under co-operative agreements entered into with the 
Forest Service. In exceptional cases, funds may be allotted, however, for 
this purpose. 
