160 PRACTICAL FORESTRY 
seed trees, and the more difficult becomes the natural 
regeneration of valuable kinds. 
Some species are almost fire-resistant, while others 
are extremely fire-susceptible. Certain pines, in spite 
of their resinous nature, are remarkably fire-resistant. 
The yellow pine (Pinus palustris) is a good example. 
Other species, because of the thickness of their bark, 
are practically fireproof, and others, especially hard- 
woods, because of a vigorous coppice-growth, are able 
to survive, even if killed to the ground. The locust 
is often used to fringe plantations, because it drops 
only a small quantity of litter, produces a vigorous 
coppice, and is not easily burnt. It is used exten- 
sively along railroads in Europe. Considering its 
ereat usefulness for ties, poles, and posts, railroad 
companies might plant it with profit along their 
tracks in forest districts. In case of burning year 
after year, the weakest species perish first, and so on 
until only those species are left which are fire-resist- 
ant. Ina country where wood is abundant and cheap, 
fires can not be effectually prevented without the co- 
operation of all hands. The State officials, the wood- 
land owners, the railroads, the courts, and public opin- 
ion in general must unite in their efforts to prevent 
this needless waste. In many parts of our South the 
forest fire is a sign of spring. It creates no greater 
sensation than the migration of wild birds. The pub- 
