REPORT ON FORESTS. 271 



lish a complete system of fire-lanes for those regions of Southern 

 New Jersey which, from the sandy nature of their soils, are 

 destined for many years to come to remain in forest. 



The scheme which I have to suggest is that these fire-lanes be 

 constructed and kept in order in a way similar to the construc- 

 tion of State roads, which have been so popular of late. In 

 this way no terrible burden of expense rests upon anybody. 

 The individual benefited thereby pays part, the community pays 

 another part and the State pays the other part. Woodland 

 owners who would be benefited thereby would not hesitate to* 

 donate land for the purpose, while the small quantity of land 

 required of those who may be foolish enough to object should be 

 summarily condemned and appropriated by the State. One 

 would expect very slight opposition to a system of fire-lanes 

 from those persons whom the protection it affords benefits, except 

 perhaps from those who call themselves "land-poor," that is, 

 persons who own so much unproductive land that they cannot 

 pay their taxes.* Such people would not object to the relinquish- 

 ment of small strips of unproductive land, but would hesitate 

 with the fear that it might increase their burden of taxation. 

 But the difficulties of this kind would be no greater than those 

 which have been met and overcome in the construction of roads. 

 As with all progressive movements of this kind the opposition 

 fades away and the strongest opponents are often the loudest of 

 praisers in the end. 



The owner of the land would be benefited and encouraged and 

 the payment of a slight increase in tax would be a great and 

 permanent investment. Lands which are now a burden to him 

 would become more valuable and the capital which is buried 

 therein would increase and, if need be, become available. The 

 money which the county and State would expend would return 

 a hundred fold in increased resources and prosperity, and would, 

 benefit those who are most in need of it. 



The State or county or township ownership, or combined 

 ownership, of a system of fire-lanes, in no way savors of pater- 

 nalism, and should be as palatable to the American taste as the 



* Fire-lanes may be constructed at slight expense in Southern New Jersey. After the wood is cut it 

 is necessary to plough three or four furrows along the edges and then to burn over the lane at times when 

 there is no danger of setting fire to the neighboring woods. A lane fifty feet in width would be quite 

 efficient. 



