302 THE PRINCIPLES OF HANDLING WOODLANDS 



When the fire is running in the open woods, in pine 

 needles, a single shovelful of sand, properly thrown, will 

 extinguish over 10 feet of fire. 



Loose loam is also very good, but not so effective as 

 sand. Heavy soil which clods is difficult to manipu- 

 late. Frequently sand or loose loam can be dug up in 

 spots, but it is too stony to secure it all along the line of 

 fire. The fighters must then supplement the use of sand 

 or earth with beating or other methods. 



Where, on account of the accumulated debris, the 

 flames are intermittently too severe for beating, water is 

 used if available. Water usually has to be brought from 

 some distance; it must therefore be used very economi- 

 cally. The best way is to deaden the flames by a little 

 water, and then beat them out with a gunny-sack or other 

 device. Experience has shown that water may be most 

 effectively applied by a hand-spray pump. This pump 

 throws a stream 20 or 30 feet and makes it possible to 

 apply the water exactly where it is most needed. The 

 pump can be purchased at prices varying from $3 to 

 $4.50. They are extensively used by farmers in the 

 Northeast. Collapsible pails are excellent for carrying 

 water, because of their lightness and compactness. Or- 

 dinary metal water pails are commonly used by farmers, 

 and are much cheaper than collapsible pails. 



When water must be brought over mountain trails 

 special water sacks are used, which can be slung on a 

 pack saddle. Water kegs, adapted to pack horses, have 

 been tried in Pennsylvania. Where there are passable 



