THE FARM HOLDING. 



L53 



that cleans up all the small timber, and the heat so obtained kills the 

 suckering growth of the green stumps, thereby ending this trouble for all 

 time. With favourable, hot, dry weather, a large proportion of the larger 

 trees will also be burnt. 



The selection of a suitable day is very important. A hot, dry day with a 

 • breeze should be chosen. Westerly winds are drier than the sea breezes. If 

 the scrub is felled early and is dry, such a favourable day may be obtained in 

 ■October, November, December or January. After December, monsoonal 

 rains usually set in, and the humidity of the atmosphere is not conducive to 

 the best results. Usually December is the best month. If neighbours are 



A good burn." Portion of block of 120 acres burned only a few weeks before 



.also clearing, it will be found of great mutual benefit if they can all agref> 

 to fell and fire their respective areas as one block. In any case, it is 

 advisable to give the necessary notice to neighbours, and not to light the 

 scrub if a particular wind is likely to carry the flames beyond control and 

 burn out a neighbour's homestead and grass. 



Before the date of firing is decided upon, preparations should be made 

 to ensure the fire starting quickly, by arranging a continuous line of readily 



• combustible material, such as dead leaves, bushes, light twigs or other 

 rubbish, all round the edges. If there is danger of the fire getting beyond 



• control, its spread can be largely prevented by clearing a strip several yards 

 wide all round. This is best performed with a garden rake or forked stick, 

 the refuse being heaped along the line of scrub. 



A breeze is essential to a good fire. It acts as a forced draught, and much 

 timber is consumed which on a perfectly calm day might be barely charred. 

 "When it is decided to fire, plenty of help should be available to ensure that 



