11 



By burning- off the humus and litter the soil is left unprotected so 

 that it lacks moisture during- the dry season, as well as weakening the 

 soil in regard to food supply for the trees. Frequently the burning kills 

 the shallow roots or leaves them unprotected. 



Fig. 4— Woodlot to the left of the fence has been protected from stock. 



The living tissue beneath the bark of the tree close to the ground 

 becomes so heated that it is either killed or partly destroyed. The first 

 visible effect may be seen in the form of a fungus growth about the base 

 of the tree. This parasitic fungus gradually weakens the tree, making 

 it subject to insect pests, and finally causing its death, but the real and 

 first cause was the innocent looking ground fire. 



