258 PRINCIPLES OF AMERICAN FORESTRY. 



gressive States have such laws, and the best of them are 

 much like the forest fire law of Minnesota, of which the fol- 

 lowing is a digest. This act, which was passed by the 

 Legislature of Minnesota in 1895, makes a systematic 

 division of the State in such a way that every section of 

 it is in charge of a forest fire warden. It provides for the 

 appointment of a chief fire warden, who shall have super- 

 vision of all fire wardens. Supervisors of towns, mayors 

 of cities, and presidents of village councils are constituted 

 fire wardens in their respective towns, cities and villages. 

 The chief fire warden has power to appoint as fire wardens 

 other persons, as he may deem necessary, to protect 

 unorganized territory. One-third of the expense is 

 borne by the State and two-thirds by the counties. Under 

 this act penalties are prescribed as follows: 



The following are liable to a penalty not exceeding $100, 

 or imprisonment not exceeding three years: 



Any person refusing, without sufficient cause, to assist 

 fire wardens in extinguishing forest or prairie fires. 



Any fire warden who neglects to perform his duties. 



Any person who wilfully, negligently, or carelessly sets 

 on fire, or causes to be set on fire, any woods, prairies, or 

 other combustible material, thereby causing injury to 

 another. 



Any person who shall kindle a fire on or dangerously 

 near to forest or prairie land, and leave it unquenched, 

 or who shall be a party thereto. 



Any person who shall use other than incombustible 

 fire wads for firearms, or carry a naked torch, firebrand, 

 or other exposed light, in or dangerously near to forest 

 land. 



Any person who shall wilfully or heedlessly deface 

 destroy, or remove any warning placard posted under the 

 requirements of this act. 



Any railroad company wilfully neglecting to provide 



