University of Arkansas Monticello - Boll Weevil Yearbook (Monticello, AR)

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: COMEEMNORSVIE-FOR CONCLAVE BERTHS AT FIELD DAY One of the most visible events at Field Day is axe throwing. Practiced by both male and female contestants, this involves the projection of an axe into a target, a foot thick log cross-section, a respectable distance away. One must develop aim and at the same time judge the rotation of the axe such that the blade faces the target at impact. If the blade is not in line, the axe rebounds from the target with a wooden ‘whang’, sometimes resulting in a broken handle. It must be pointed out, also, that these are axes in the truest sense of the word, not Boy Scout hatchets. This must be the ‘Big Leagues’ of forestry .... Amid hoots of laughter, waves of advice, and idle forestry talk, the axe throwing plebe sharpens his ability and his blade. He spends months preparing for the first f step in the procedure culminating in Con- a clave competition, Forestry Field Day. This annual event, which is traditionally and also out of practicality held at Weevil Pond, showcases the talent of the UAM Forestry Club, as they compete against one another in an effort to win the right to compete in Conclave. Competition is held for each of the events which will be later featured in the Conclave, with a winner and an alternate in each eligible to pro- ceed to compete in his event. The unique atmosphere common only | | to foresters prevaded all segments of the normally obscure Monticellonian life, for they are well suited to one another. The foresters philosophy is, in a general | sense, quite simplistic. It revolves around | a rapport with nature, a close co-exis- tence even though that nature is being | utilized for money, for industry. Like | ON HIS WAY to a Conclave berth, Jim Metcalf heaves his axe in the log chopping competition. WITH AN initial thrust, Dennis Jacobs and Dickie Cayce begin the log rolling contest.

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EYEING HIS mark, Jim Hefley prepares his throw while competing in chain throwing. DICKIE CAYCE races against the clock in bow sawing. 76 Student Life

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AXE THROWING demands precision and hours of practice. GERALD CAYCE begins his descent after a rapid climb to the top during the pole climbing event. farming, which in fact it is, forestry has developed its methods of harvest, of planting, and care of trees on a mass scale. At the same time, however, there is an indi- vidual concern and awareness among foresters that trees represent a natural resource and are a symbol of the appeal and beauty of this area. With this in mind, they have developed genetically hardier t rees, bigger trees, and maintain their growth in our forests. The forester has a knowledge of ecology, of the dangers that his operation may present to the animal life, and has, in its evolution from a raw industry into a science, closely related forest- ry to conservation. 78 Student Life