A MANUAL FOil NORTHERN WOODSMEN 
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1. Running a Compass Line 
Set up the compass at the point from which the line is to 
start; level the plate; free the needle, and when it has 
settled, set the course to be run. It is desirable on starting 
a line to let the needle settle two or more times independ¬ 
ently. 
An assistant, called the rodman or flagman, then goes 
ahead with a pointed rod or flag, and, following him, go 
the axemen, clearing out the bushes and other obstruc¬ 
tions in such a manner as to secure both a clear line of 
sight and a path for the chain. The rodman may use an 
axe. He guides himself at first by the compass sights, later 
by signals from the compassman or by the range of the line. 
The axemen guide their work by him. 
When the rodman has gone ahead a convenient distance, 
at signal from the compassman or acting on his own judg¬ 
ment, he selects a spot for a second setting of the compass, 
attention being paid both to firm setting and clear ground 
for the instrument, and to facility in getting sight ahead. 
On uneven ground summits commonly meet best this last 
requirement. 
When setting the rod, the rodman should face the com¬ 
pass, holding the rod plumb and directly in front of him. He 
sticks it as directed by the compassman, who assures him¬ 
self at the time that everything about the instrument is 
right. Before taking up the compass, the man in charge 
of it sets a stake near by and in line to be used in backsight. 
The needle is then lifted, and the compass taken up and 
carried forward to be set up at the point marked by the 
rodman. If a Jacob-staff is used instead of a tripod, the 
compass should be set up ahead of the rod with its cen¬ 
ter in line, the exact position of the foot of the staff being 
of no consequence. 
The compass is then levelled again with its N mark 
ahead as before and the sights turned on the object left 
at the starting point. The needle is then freed, and if, 
when it settles, the bearing reads the same as before, the 
surveyor is assured that there is no local disturbance, and 
may proceed confidently. The rod and axemen soon learn 
