THE PROTECTION IN PORTUGAL 543 



(b) When a fire is reported, orders are given "to close the gates (of 

 the forest) and permit no exit, as all hands must proceed to the fire." 

 Church bells are rung outside the forest and fire fighters from the out- 

 side are paid for their services. 



(c) "At a central point there are always a group of eight guards 

 with the respective horses. Instead of a gun, a hoe or a scythe may be 

 fastened in a leather bag (with a strap) to the saddle. These eight men 

 being advised, march rapidly to the place pointed out to them, blowing 

 an alarm-horn and calling on all other people they meet to join them, 

 and one or two of them are sent to advise the laborers who are work- 

 ing nearest to the place where the fire is . . . ." 



"To ensure the presence of laborers in the most dangerous season 

 for fires, the forest service reserves some cultivation work for the 

 summer montlis, so as to keep in various parts of the forest small 

 groups of men that can be called upon at a moment's notice to help to 

 put out the fire." 



(d) Tool caches are kept at the various guards stations for distri- 

 bution to fire fighters (hoes, scythes, and spades). 



