DROUGHT, STORMS, AND FIRES 145 



inflammable foliage of these species intercepts sparks which 

 are blown over the fire-line. 



Conifers planted close to a railway will kill out all grass 

 and weeds, but may, when in the thicket stage, catch fire 

 themselves. 



4. A good system of roads and rides through the forest will 

 greatly help in limiting a fire to one block. 



5. Workmen should be cautioned at the commencement of 

 every fire season against carelessness in leaving fires, and 

 regarding smoking. 



6. As it is of great importance to commence extinguishing 

 a fire as soon as possible after it starts, a sharp look out should 

 be kept over the woods in dry weather by all woodmen. If 

 the lodges are on high land overlooking the woods, the wood- 

 man can easily take a look round, periodically, and especially 

 just before going to bed. If the lodge is surrounded closely 

 by woods, a long ladder standing against a tall tree will enable 

 the woodman to climb the tree easily, and he can then see to 

 a distance. 



7. On bank holidays in dry weather, in woods liable to be 

 overrun with holiday makers, it is advisable to have all the 

 staff patrolling the woods to warn people against making fires, 

 and to be ready to concentrate on any fire which arises. This 

 measure is carried out in parts of the Highmeadow woods with 

 satisfactory results. The men can be given a holiday on some 

 other day to make up for their own lost day. 



8. If all lodges in large woods are linked together by tele- 

 phone, rapid concentration on a fire is greatly facilitated. 



Should a fire break out, as many men as are available 

 should be at once sent off to the place, and should take 

 with them bill-hooks, axes, rakes, large flat shovels, and 

 besoms, or branches of evergreen trees, with which to beat 

 out the fire. 



If the work is likely to be a long one, the head woodman 

 should arrange for a supply of drinking water to be brought to 



