FOREST ECONOMICS. 259 



efficient spark-arresters on its engines, or to keep its 

 right of way to the width of 100 feet cleared of combustible 

 material, or which shall fail to comply with other provi- 

 sions of section 12 of the above-mentioned act. 



The following are liable to a penalty of not' less than 

 $5 nor more than $50: 



Any railroad employe who wilfully violates the provi- 

 sions of section 12 of this act, in regard to depositing live 

 coals or hot ashes near woodland, and to reporting fires. 



Any owner of threshing or other portable steam-engine 

 who neglects to have efficient spark-arresters, or who shall 

 deposit live coals or hot ashes without extinguishing the 

 same. 



The following are liable to a penalty not exceeding 

 $500, or imprisonment in the State prison not over ten 

 years, or both: 



Any person who maliciously sets or causes to be set on 

 fire any woods, prairie, or other combustible material 

 whereby the property of another is destroyed and life 

 sacrificed. 



The effect of this law has been very beneficial, and has 

 prevented much loss of property by fire; but the area 

 to be covered is very large, much of it is very sparsely 

 populated, and the funds available are very meagre for 

 best results, so that, although it has been very ably en- 

 forced, and some convictions made under it, yet it should 

 be amended in several respects to make it effective. 



