Conservation Commission 147 



of fire fighting crews. But the patrol is the basis of all this and 

 should be organized with the greatest care. 



The central organization should keep in close touch with the field 

 force. Frequent inspection of the work of the men in the field is 

 necessary to produce the highest efficiency. Care must be taken to 

 secure an organization which is readily adaptable to the emergen- 

 cies of fire fighting. There should be as little " red tape" as is 

 compatible with a proper performance of the work. 



It is, of course, advisable to place as small an area as is prac- 

 ticable under one patrolman or ranger. The average area which 

 must be assigned to each man will usually be determined by the 

 amount of money which is available. With a given appropriation 

 for a given area, however, it does not by any means follow that all 

 rangers should look after equal areas. The apportionment of patrol 

 districts is a matter which calls for a consideration of all of the 

 numerous factors which influence the fire danger. 



Here is where a knowledge of the sources of fire is of use. Con- 

 stant patrol may be required along a railroad line in one part of 

 the tract to be protected, while the more inaccessible regions, where 

 the danger of all fires, except from lightning, is reduced to a mini- 

 mum, do not require such careful watching. 



In the spring, the brooks and streams frequented by fishermen 

 require a vigilant patrol ; in the fall, the good hunting grounds are 

 places to be watched. During all the summer season, trails, roads, 

 streams, and camping places which are used by campers must be 

 patrolled. 



A second factor influencing the division of the forest into patrol 

 districts is the natural topographic features, such as mountain 

 ranges, large streams, etc. In mountainous regions the location of 

 trails, roads, railroads and other routes of travel are fixed by the 

 topography. Sometimes communication may be afforded by a 

 stream or a chain of lakes. All of these considerations must be 

 given weight in deciding the division of the forest into patrol 

 districts. 



When the forest has been apportioned amongst the patrol force, 

 it is time for the organizer to take up the question of the personnel 

 of the force. If he would produce satisfactory results he must 

 give this matter his careful attention. The duties of forest ranker, 



