650 



PROTECTION AGAINST FOREST FIRES. 



not be repeated here, as in Europe the work of burning fire- 

 lines is much simpler than in hot countries. 



c. Watching the Forests. 



During the dry season, after all the fire-traces have been 



t cleared, and until 



sufficient rain has 

 fallen to render the 

 forest safe from fire, 

 it is often necessary 

 to appoint special 

 patrols to watch the 

 forest, in addition to 

 the ordinary protec- 

 tive establishment. 

 These men warn all 

 passengers along 

 the roads of the 

 danger from fire, 

 sweep off or burn 

 dead leaves on the 

 lire-traces, relieve 

 one another in 

 night - watching, 

 and instantly report 

 all cases of fire to 

 the forester and 

 forest guards, when 

 organised measures 

 can be taken to ex- 

 tinguish it. In 

 some cases, seats 

 are made for the 

 fire - watchers in 

 trees, with ladders 



Fig. 289.-Russian watch tower for fire-guard. f r ^nding them, 



in order that any 



outbreak of fire may at once be detected. In Russia, special 

 watch-towers are erected (Fig. 289). 



