LOGGING IN THE DOUGLAS FIR REGION. 219 
when loaded cars are descending the incline, and a low speed for pull- 
ing up locomotives, yarding engines, etc. There are two sets of 
brakes — one operated by hand, the other by steam. This minimizes 
the danger of losing control of the load. Both brakes have tre- 
mendous holding power. The steam brake is so arranged that in the 
event of the steam line's becoming disconnected, the brake would 
be automatically thrown on, thus stopping the engine. This function 
of the brake is controlled by a 1, 400-pound weight. In other words, 
when the engine is cold the brake is set, it being necessary to use 
steam to lift the weight. The hoist is strongly made throughout, 
weighs approximately 35 tons, and costs $6,500 f. o. b. Portland. 
The lowering line is wrapped around the gypsy four times, so that 
either end can be moved up or down the incline. It consists of 1-J 
inch Warrington construction wire rope, which has an approximate 
strength of 98 tons. The stress on the rope in operation amounts to 
about 29 tons, giving a factor of safety of 3.35. A lubricant, con- 
sisting of pine tar and skid oil, is applied to the line three times a 
week. This keeps the line in good condition and greatlv prolongs its 
life. 
It has been pointed out that this line leads through sheaves on a 
tower at the head of the incline. To reduce further the friction and 
wear on the line, suitable rollers — 10 in number — are placed at points 
where heavy breaks in the grade line occur and where the line comes 
in contact with the ground. These rollers are made of manganese 
steel, with the ends higher than the center, to keep the line traveling 
in the center of the track. 
In hooking the load to the incline cable, a bridle with a choker 
hook spliced in each end is placed over the load. A long strap with 
an eye splice in each end is then passed under the load, through the 
chokers of the bridle, and back over the draw head of the flat car. 
A heavy clevis is used to fasten the incline cable to the bridle. To do 
away with any side pull that may result from the tightening of the 
cable, a short piece of chain is fastened around the draw head over 
the bridle ends. This brings the incline cable pull to the center of 
the track. If this were not done, the line would not travel in the same 
place each time, and so it would be impracticable to place track 
rollers. 
Electric bells, located at the top and bottom of the incline, are 
used for a signal system. These are supplemented by telephones at 
the bottom, at the passing track in the center of the incline, and in 
the lowering engine house, thus affording communication for the 
entire length of the line and increasing to a great degree the effi- 
ciency and safety of the operation. 
The operation of the incline is briefly as follows : A 9^ by 10-inch 
yarding engine, located about 75 feet from the hoist from which it 
