The Algerian Forest Code 77 



Railway companies within or bordering forests are forbidden to 

 allow grass or herbaceous growth on their rights of way from June 1 

 to November 1 , on penalty of a fine of from $4 to $60. 



"Article 132: . . . Moreover, fire lines may be (required to be) constructed 

 along the track, cleared of all brush and, if it is considered necessary, of all 

 conifers, and constantly maintained in good condition. These fire lines shall 

 be 20 yards in breadth, commencing at the railway right of way and shall be 

 constructed within six months from the date of the official order for their 

 construction." 



If these lines are not constructed, they can be constructed by 

 forest officers at the expense of the company. 



In case of fire, the ranking forest officer takes charge, and in the 

 case of his absence, the ranking mayor or civil servant. This is 

 particularly interesting, as it illustrates the widespread campaign 

 against fire which extends outside the jurisdiction of the Waters 

 and Forests Service. In case of backfire, it is specifically pro- 

 vided that this "... can never give grounds for damages. ..." 



While these laws seem particularly stringent, yet, when the 

 character and ignorance of the native population is considered, 

 necessity for severe punishment is apparent to anyone who has 

 visited Algeria. 



Section II. Provisions Applicable only to Woods Placed Under 

 Forest Administration — No fire-using industry can be established 

 within 500 yards of a forest without authorization from the Prefect, 

 under penalty of a $20 to $100 fine and the demolition of the build- 

 ings, nor can any tent or hut, built of inflammable material, be 

 erected within 100 yards of a forest or wood under penalty of a 

 fine of $1 to $10. When this ruling is impracticable the maximiun 

 distance is reduced under certain conditions to 50 yards. 



Part VIII. Prosecutions for Misdemeanors and Of ences 



Section I. Prosecutions Undertaken in the Name oj the Waters 

 and Forests Service. 



{Re: Prosecution.) According to the first paragraph of Article 

 139: 



"The Waters and Forests Service undertakes, not only in the interest of the 

 State, but also in the interest of the other owners of woods and forests placed 

 under forest administration, to prosecute for misdemeanors and offences 

 committed in these woods and forests." 



The right is reserved to forest officers to compromise trespasses 

 and offences, even after judgment has been delivered. Civil suits 

 or fines may be compromised. Forest officials present their cases 



