304 Forestry Quarterly. 



1. Introduction. 



2. Causes. 



3. Method of Extinguishment and Prevention. 



4. Fire Suppression a Public Duty. 



In the introduction the author describes the various ways in 

 which fires injure forest growth, and points out that the reproduc- 

 tion, especially of white pine, is generally killed by fire. This 

 destruction of young growth is usually not taken into account in 

 summing up the damage done to the forest tract, although in the 

 long run it is probably the greatest injury the forest suffers. From 

 reports received it was learned that fires are prevalent all over the 

 State, but are most abundant in Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, 

 Bristol and Barnstable counties. The soil here is sandy and dur- 

 ing certain seasons of the year the conditions are very favorable 

 for fires. 



The present system of dealing with forest fires in Massachusetts 

 is far less efficient than it should be. Comparison is made with 

 Minnesota, in which State we are apt to think that forest fires are 

 very prevalent. A comparison of the annual burned area to the 

 total area of woodland in each State shows the conditions to be 

 more favorable in Minnesota than in Massachusetts. The actual 

 money loss in Massachusetts is also greater. 



Forest fires in the State are attributed to the careless use of 

 matches, to lighted cigar stumps, camp fires, bonfires, brush burn- 

 ing, and locomotives. The railroads are credited with being the most 

 prolific source of fires, although spark arresters are in common use. 

 A statement showing the damage claims paid by the railroads is 

 given. This is interesting in that the damages paid by one railroad, 

 the New York, New Haven and Hartford, have increased each year, 

 due probably to a growing sentiment against forest fires, and to 

 the fact that more claims are presented for settlement and higher 

 damages are claimed than formerly. This shows an increasing 

 appreciation of the value of the woodlots on the part of the 

 owners. 



Under methods of extinguishment and prevention, the author 

 mentions backfiring, trenching, and the use of portable chemical 

 extinguishers. The construction of fire lines around the most ex- 

 posed portions of the woods is advised, also the posting of the 

 lands with notices, placed in conspicuous places. 



