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Notebook record .—Record must be kept of everything 
found and done, and of all conversations held or inform¬ 
ation learned. Court proof can depend on nothing less 
than definite written record. Describe everything found, 
and record items in the definite order in which they occur. 
The time of every occurrence or find, and of every note¬ 
book entry, should be recorded. Also be sure to get from 
suppression foreman, or other sources, the exact time fire 
was started, discovered, fighting commenced, etc., time 
persons were met on trails, and all other significant cir¬ 
cumstances. The time record is essential, and it will be 
sure to fall down unless all concerned cultivate a look-at- 
the-watch habit. 
The notebook record must contain everything. It 
must also be in orderly enough form for immediate use. 
For both these reasons it is essential that the recording of 
notes keeps pace with the discovery of clues. This takes 
time; but end-of-day writing-up will not wbrk and can 
not be tolerated on this job. 
Map record .—An accurate map is the best means of 
showing many of the facts of trespass, for the trespass 
report or in court, and is necessary in every case. The 
held draft of this map can be prepared on the ordinary 
map forms. 
Look over the map when made, to be sure it is complete. 
Especially in maps of a man’s trail, as w r ell as of streams, 
be sure to indicate direction of movement by arrows. 
Handling evidence material .—Do not touch any objects 
found which will figure as clues or evidence until they 
have been accurately described and, if possible, photo¬ 
graphed in place. Then pick them* up and see if there 
is anything further to be described which was not evident 
in place; but pick up nothing which might have been 
handled by the offender, except by the edges or corners. 
This is imperative because of possible fingerprint evidence, 
which the investigator’s fingerprint might obliterate. 
A good suggestion is to handle such material only with 
gloves kept carefully cleaned by gasoline. 
When anything is found, ask yourself at once: What will 
be necessary to establish the identity and authenticity 
