When these foresters wish to
mark a tree, they give it first a slice with the edge of the axe, and
then (turning the axe) they deal it a heavy blow with the back of the
axe-head. By the first operation they prepare a clean surface for their
mark; and, by the second, they stamp their cipher deeply into the wood.
Branding Trees.--Some explorers take branding irons, and use them to mark
each of their camping-places with its number. This is especially useful
in Australian travel, where the country is monotonous, and there are few
natives to tell the names of places.
Faggot hung to a Tree.--A bundle of grass or twigs about 2 feet long,
slung by its middle athwart a small tree, at the level of the eye, by the
side of a path, is well calculated to catch the attention. Its lines are
so different to those seen elsewhere in the forest, that it would be
scarcely possible to overlook it.
Boat or Canoe Routes through lakes well studded with islands, can be well
marked by trimming conspicuous trees until only a tuft of branches is
left at the top. This is called, in the parlance of the "Far West," a
"lopstick."
Wooden Crosses.--A simple structure like fig. 1 is put together with a
single nail or any kind of lashing. It catches the attention immediately.
[Fig. 1. Sketch of cross as described].
Marks with Stones.--Marks cut on Stone.--I have observed a very simple
and conspicuous permanent mark used in forest-roads, as represented in
fig.
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