PROTECTION OF FORESTS FROM FIRE 277 



fire-line proper, by raking or brushing aside the leaves, or 

 needles, and debris. Sometimes, in flat, level areas it is 

 possible to make the trace by plowing one or two fur- 

 rows. Usually these traces need be no more than a foot 

 wide. A fire is set along the side of the fire-line. One 

 or more men follow this up, constantly brushing the 

 burning or smoldering embers toward the center of the 

 fire-line, the idea being to keep the fires confined between 

 the traces. Other men follow behind and watch the 

 burning area to prevent a possible spread of fire. If there 

 is a strong wind, no burning should be done. If there is 

 a slight wind across the line, one trace may suffice on the 

 lee side, and the burning should proceed against the 

 wind. Under ordinary circumstances a crew of from 

 four to six men suffices for burning over fire-lines, but 

 if the weather is very dry a much larger crew may be 

 required. 



In very dry weather the burning is best done early in 

 the morning or in the late afternoon and evening. The 

 air is moister, and there is usually less wind at those 

 times. 



In California, several interesting experiments in keep- 

 ing down the brush on the broad lines are being tried. 

 One is to pasture on the line a flock of goats which eat 

 down the new weeds and sprouts, and trample the ground. 

 Another experiment is to establish on the line a dense 

 growth of succulent, herbaceous plants which would keep 

 out ordinary weeds and obviate annual or periodic grub- 

 bing. 



