Slasher Magazine Summary: Publication No. 69 – September 1953
The scanned images of the Slasher were produced by and courtesy of the Forest Research Data and Information Team staff based at Roslin, where some of the original copies are located. The Forestry England Information Knowledge Management Team and New Forest Heritage made available copies of The Slasher from their collections. Brian Mahony of the FC Retirement Association devised and coordinates the Slasher Project and has been instrumental in locating many missing editions and coordinating the searches to locate all the earlier publication numbers.
The content summary below was again very kindly compiled by Diane Birkett, Bedfordshire. See PDF attachment link below the text summary to view the full document. A total of over 420 issues or publications were produced between January 1948 and the final publication in 2010.
Aurora Survey
News of a scientific investigation into the Aurora Borealis, the Latin name of which means "Northern Dawn".
Measurements have shown that the auroral light is produced in the very rarefied air of the atmosphere at heights of between 60 and 100 miles - exceptional heights of as low as 40 and as high as 600 miles have been reported. It is believed the effects are produced by interaction with the atmospheric gases of streams of fast-moving particles ejected from the sun. A closer study of this phenomenon, particularly on the comparatively rare occasions when it moves southwards from its usual location, should yield much of scientific value.
Information about the occurrence of aurora by visual observation has been made for some years by research workers at Edinburgh University and by members of the British Astronomical Association.
Expansion of the work has been made by observations throughout Britain and there are now about 100 land observers, including at least one Forester, Research Forester B.G. Howland.
After the Great Floods - Lasting Damage to Trees
One of our Headquarters staff, who spent his holidays at an East Coast resort, was surprised to see the lasting effects on the soil of the great sea floods that swept inland on the night of 31st January 1953.
The tide destroyed a stretch of promenade and inundated a public park. The grass, in consequence, was parched and withered and the cricket pitch ruined. Tough shrubs like gorse and brambles were killed outright. The level to which the flood came was clearly marked by dead foliage. Already in one season, plants that delight in salty soils, such as the Annual Sea Blight, Suaeda fruticose, had sprung up.
Most remarkable was the damage to tall trees, not only Lombardy poplars, but elms and sycamores - trees very resistant to sea winds - had suffered through having salt water at their roots. Their crowns had died back and they were having a struggle to maintain any foliage at all.
They Dialled 999 When in Trouble in the Forest
For two years Mobile Mechanist Nichol of North West England, used a van with the number FC 999. "Dial 999" became the catchphrase of those in trouble with their vehicles in the forest, and the Mechanist was often to be seen with his head under a bonnet and with the quaintly numbered van containing repair equipment, standing alongside.
A numerical coincidence arose in North West England through the allocation to the Conservancy engineers of an old motor bus bearing the type number E5 - this, of course, being the head of account under which the Engineer Branch operates.
Incidentally, the bus in question is one of a number of vintage vehicles obtained from Crossville Motor Services of Chester, and passed over to the Forth West Conservancy for use as mobile offices by the people engaged on road construction, for the transport of workers and, suitably converted, as living quarters. One of these buses was used to convey a total of 100 visitors to Thornthwaite when that forest was opened to the public to commemorate the Festival of Britain.
Another appropriate numberplate in Wales is LYN, a frequently encountered Christian name.
Now 3-D Forest Photography!
District Officer M. Long of North Scotland gives a 3-D tip to those taking photographs. The principle is to take a photograph and then move to the right and take another of the same subject; the prints should then be viewed under a stereoscope, which is a holder for two short focal length lenses.
The distance between camera positions varies according to the distance of the subject from the camera.
As a very rough guide: -
Distance to subject: Up to 10' 10 - 25' 25' - 300'
Camera positions: 3" - 6" 6” - 1' 1' - 3'
Views of half a mile require up to 15' between camera positions.
It should be noted that the print obtained from the photograph taken in the left position must be placed under the left eye when viewing under the stereoscope.
The Late Ex-Forester Hendrie - A Picturesque Character
Mr J.Q. Williamson, Deputy Surveyor, The Dean, gives an appreciation of ex-Forester T.F. Hendrie, formerly of Thetford and Swaffham forests who died recently.
"It is a sad thought that never again will this redoubtable Forester be seen wheeling his bike (he never seemed to ride it) along the lanes of Thetford Chase. I first met him when he was in his prime and I was a raw and inquisitive District Officer. After a week or two of wary fencing, I soon realised that here was a man from whom I could learn and he, I think, gradually came to consider me as not quite as intolerable as newly hatched District Officers can be. At least, I like to think that, because over the years I came to love and respect this grand old character. Success in the worldly sense perhaps did not come his way but to me, character not success, is the mark of greatness and "Old Hendrie" was known for his picturesque character far and wide in the Norfolk countryside.
"Not only could he train District Officers, but he had a wonderful reputation for training dogs, especially of the lurcher breed, and Forest Lodge, Swaffham, saw a succession of tykes of every description. Paradoxically, he combined a gift for philosophy with a fairly forceful nature, and many a cup of tea have I enjoyed after a day in the woods, with the old man laying down the law and Mrs Hendrie, without who's strength he would have been lost, keeping a watchful eye on him to see that he did not become too obstreperous. A happier family circle would have been hard to find; Forester and Mrs Hendrie raised seven children, all of whom are doing well in their respective spheres, four sons having followed in their father's footsteps. I have not dwelt on the various phases of Forester Hendrie's career, but as one of the older generations of foresters, he was instrumental in pioneering some of our earlier forests. He lived a full life, enjoying every minute of it, and nothing would have pleased him more than to know he was to become almost 'legendary', one whose name and exploits will come to mind wherever foresters yarn together."
Merits of a Foreman - What a Man. So Help Him
The Foreman, from Head Forester R. Fraser of North Wales: -
If he is pleasant, he is too familiar, if he is sober-faced, he is a sour puss.
If he is young, he doesn't know anything, if he's aged, he's an old stiff.
If he goes to church he is a hypocrite, if he doesn't, he's a heathen.
If he drinks, he is an old souse, if he doesn't, he's a tight wad.
If he talks to everybody, he is a gossip, if he doesn't, he's stuck up.
If he insists that rules be kept, he is too particular, if he doesn't, he's careless.
If he looks around, he is snooping, if he doesn't, he's unobservant.
If he tries to settle all complaints, he needs the wisdom of Solomon,
If he worries about them, he'll soon be crazy.
He should have the patience of Job, the skin of a rhinoceros, the cunning of a fox, the courage of a lion,
Be as blind as a bat, and as silent as the sphinx. What a man. So help him.
Cheapest Forests in the Country - Farthing Wood, Fourpenny Plantation
District Officer W.F. Hobbs contributes these quaint names of woods and localities to be found in the East England Conservancy: Farthing Wood; Drunkard's Corner; Old Sovereigns; New Delight; Stockings; Dumb Bob Spinney; Christmas Common; Ladies' Arbour.
There is a wood in private ownership in the North Scotland Conservancy near Dornoch, Sutherland, called Fourpenny Plantation.
In the North East England Conservancy are the place names Low Paradise, High Paradise and two Hell Holes - one at Kilburn, near the White Horse, and the other at Beamish in Co. Durham.
District Officer H.G. Roberts says Wern Gay, Hope's Wood and Hangman's Acre, mentioned in a previous issue of Slasher, are actually part of Mortimer Forest in the North West England Conservancy. Hangman's Acre was planted in 1940 and for its age, carries one of the best Japanese larch stands in the country. The Research Branch class it for quality as a "Super 1" thinning plot.
25 Exhibits: 21 Prizes - Forester's Success at Flower Show
Forester C. MacDonald of Glenbrittle had considerable success at the annual flower show at Skye, for with 25 exhibits he won 17 first prizes and four second prizes; he also received the Amateur Medal and two diplomas and tied for a cup with the gardener at Dunvegan Castle, who is, of course, a professional.
Mr G.J. Morley, an Executive Officer at Dumfries, recently followed up last year's successes at the Castle Douglas Horticultural Show by gaining three first prizes with three entries of chrysanthemums, and also won the Coronation Souvenir Prize for the best vase of these flowers.
On Shooting and Using Field Glasses - A Useful New Booklet
Some useful hints on purchasing field glasses and making the best use of them are contained in the revised edition of 'How to Choose and Use Field Glasses', a booklet published by the British Trust for Ornithology.
It might be thought, states the booklet, that the higher the magnification the better. But for bird-watching in particular, this is not so. As a rule, when the magnification is increased the field of view and light value are decreased. It must be remembered also that the high powers not only magnify the size of the image, but the natural shake of one's hands. It is easy to observe this shake by focussing on a star or a street lamp at night, and it is unwise to buy a glass stronger than one can hold steadily on the target.
For general purposes, magnifications of 6x, 7x, 8x or 9x are all reasonable; 6x is a little low, but a first rate 6x is much better than a more powerful glass of lower quality, and if money must be saved then the former should be bought.
The booklet debates whether to purchase new or second-hand glasses. There are obviously many advantages in purchasing new, but if money is the difficulty, then second-hand glasses may usually be bought with confidence provided they are by reputable makers. For those of limited means, it is possible to buy really good second-hand, over-hauled, 6x30 eye-piece focussing glasses for about £8.
In addition to detailed guidance on what to buy in the way of field glasses and how to get the maximum enjoyment from them, the booklet also gives some valuable tips on their care and protection - even to advising the reader as to the best means of thwarting the would-be thief at crowded railway stations.
Tailpiece
Extract from a National daily newspaper: "The shilling being given for every grey squirrel tail is having its effect on rural economy. A farm-worker came into a Surrey pub this week, planted six tails down, and said to the barmaid: "Pint of old and mild, 20 cigarettes, and keep the change for yourself".
Newcomers
Executive Officer H.O. Wagg to H.Q.;
Clerical Officer B.W. Oliver to NW(E);
Clerical Officer Miss J.F. Jennings to SE(E);
Clerical Officer J.A. Howell to S(W);
Clerical Officer W.F. Thomas to SW(E);
Clerical Officer L.H. Lloyd to SW(E).
Transfers
Divisional Officer H.A. Maxwell from Aberdeen to Glasgow;
District Officer R.A. Pullinger from Woking to Lyndhurst;
Forester J.H. Thomas from Tintern, S(W) to Giedd, S(W);
Forester N.L. Fowler from Kielder, NE(E) to Ray, NE(E);
Forester R. Moffatt from Research, Bin Forest to Research, Auchenblae;
Foreman E.R. Irons from Dunwich, E(E) to Swaffham, E(E);
Foreman J.S. Watson from Dalbeattie, S(S) to Ae, S(S);
Foreman E.T. Jones from Brechfa, S(W), to Penllergaer, S(W);
Foreman G.J. Barker from Morangie, N(S) to Oykell, N(S);
Foreman F.G. Thurlow from Sedgemoor, SW(E), to Dunster, S(E);
Executive Officer Miss E.A. Todd from H.Q. to Cambridge;
Clerical Officer J. Fyfe from H.Q. to Glasgow;
Clerical Officer Miss C.A. Chapman from Dean to Cardiff;
Clerical Officer D.E. Hinde from Shrewsbury to Chester.
Births
A son was born to Mr P. Merker, Clerical Officer, Dumfries, and Mrs Merker.
A daughter was born to District Officer G.G. Stewart, South Scotland, and Mrs Stewart.
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