Current Literature. 3^5 



In a discussion of the present laws for the prevention of forest 

 fires, the author points out the more serious defects and suggests 

 changes in the present law which would make the system more ef- 

 fective. 



The existing laws provide for the appointment of fire wardens 

 by the towns, who have charge of the prevention and extinguish- 

 ment of forest fires in their respective towns. The expense of the 

 forest fire protection is borne entirely by the cities and towns. 

 One serious defect of the existing laws is that the system lacks a 

 head who has positive and active powers. Another serious defect 

 is that the towns are too small geographically to have entire charge 

 in the matter of forest fires, which often run from town to town, 

 and the men fighting fire in one town refuse to cross over the line 

 into another town for fear they may not be paid for their services. 



The following changes are suggested: That the State have 

 an officer with powers and duties similar to those of State Forest 

 Fire Wardens in other States and that the commonwealth also should 

 bear a portion of the expense involved in extinguishing and prevent- 

 ing forest fires. 



An appendix contains portions of the forest fire laws of Con- 

 necticut, Massachusetts and Minnesota, which permit of ready 

 comparison. 



It is doubtful if the bulletin enters into sufficient detail, or is 

 sufficiently specific to answer the purpose for which it was evidently 

 written; namely, to arouse the interest of the people of the State 

 in protecting the woodlands from fire, and prepare the way for 

 needed reforms in existing forest fire laws. Although the defects 

 of the present system are pointed out, the matter is not discussed 

 at sufficient length nor in a definite enough manner to impress the 

 average reader, unless he already is well acquainted with the forest 

 fire question. R. C. B. 



Chestnut in Connecticut and the Improvement of the Woodlot. 

 Bulletin No. 154, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Sta- 

 tion. By A. F. Hawes, M. F. 1906. 41 pp. Illustrated. 

 This bulletin by the State Forester of Connecticut furnishes valu- 

 able information concerning chestnut in southern New England. 

 The presentation of the subject is sufficiently technical to appeal 

 to the professional forester, and at the same time is so clear as to 

 be easily understood by the average woodlot owner. 



