PROTECTION 157 
of ground fires, or those which burn in the peat of 
swamps, it is necessary to confine them within cer- 
tain limits by digging deep trenches. 
Where fire constantly burns the litter from the 
surface, and prevents the formation of young forests, 
the soil constantly deteriorates, and finally becomes 
sterile and lifeless—literally lifeless—because the 
organisms in the soil which cause the decomposition 
of humus and the conservation of nitrogen are killed. 
It is generally recognized in Europe that the 
construction of suitable fire lanes throughout the 
forest conduces more to the prevention of great 
conflagrations than any other institution. These 
serve as vantage-points in the fighting of fire, and 
often in themselves are sufficient to prevent its 
spread. By means of fire lanes the country is cut 
into parcels, and the danger of great conflagrations 
very materially reduced. These fire lanes, in order 
to be efficient, must be wide, clean, and well cared 
for, for otherwise they are of little use. They 
should be constructed and kept in order in a way 
similar to the construction of State roads. The in- 
dividual benefited pays part, the community a part, 
and the State the rest. 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 would be- 
