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The following table is a method for estimating distance by the appearance of tree trunks, their branches and foliage (using the naked eye).
Distance | Trunk | Main or Inner branches | Minor or outer branches | Remarks |
500 to 1000 yds. |
Visible | Visible | Visible | The foliage pertaining to each branch toward the observer can be easily distinguished. |
1000 to 1500 yds. |
Visible | Visible | Distinguishable | The foliage begins to blend in cluster-like shape, but does not appear so dense but that some of the larger branches can be seen through it. With the sky as a background daylight can be seen through the foliage. |
1500 to 2000 yds. |
Visible | Visible | Blending with or obscured by the foliage | The foliage is more densely clustered, presenting a rough surface. The outlines of the foliage of a large branch or group of branches are distinguishable. |
2000 to 2500 yds. |
Visible | Distinguishable | Blending with or obscured by the foliage | The foliage is in clusters appearing as a smooth surface. The outlines of the foliage of separate trees distinguishable. |
2500 to 3000 yds. |
Visible | Distinguishable | Blending with or obscured by the foliage | The foliage assumes the appearance of a continuous cluster blending with the foliage of adjoining trees. |
3000 to 3500 yds. |
Lower half Visible | Blends with foliage | Blending with or obscured by the foliage | The foliage assumes the appearance of a continuous cluster blending with the foliage of adjoining trees. |
3500 to 4000 yds. |
Lower half distinguishable | Blends with foliage | Blending with or obscured by the foliage | The foliage assumes the appearance of a continuous cluster blending with the foliage of adjoining trees. |
4000 to 5000 yds. |
Blending with foliage | Blends with foliage | Blending with or obscured by the foliage | Surface of each cluster or group of clusters, smooth; motion caused by ordinary winds cannot be detected. |
5000 yards and beyond the whole area covered by trees appears like a bushy area at about 1000 yards, except that the surface is smoother and blacker. |
From: Notes on Training Field Artillery Details by Captain Robert M.Danford and Captain Onorio Moretti. New Haven: Yale University Press (1917); page 146-147
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