22 REFORESTATION IN MASSACHUSETTS. 



jump across the trench, having nothing to feed on. A trench 

 on the outside of the line would also be of advantage ; but in case 

 only one trench is deemed advisable, it is better to have it on the 

 inside of the fire line. A line so made will offer a place for 

 checking a fire or back-firing. The cost will vary according to 

 the growth which has to be cleared. In cases where the wood is 

 large enough to put it into eord wood, the expense will be small, 

 the work nearly paying for itself ; but under average conditions, 

 where no return can be derived, the cost will vary from $150 to 

 $200 per mile. .It is best to cut and pile the brush for such a 

 line in early fall, when there will be no danger from sparks or 

 fire 'running. A strip of this kind is of especial advantage along 

 railroads. 



In extremely dry times, when there is danger from berry pick- 

 ers or hunters, a look-out from some high knoll will be of advan- 

 tage. A fire patrol of a lot, whether planted, or a natural stand, 

 is practical in dry times. The old saying, that " An ounce of 

 prevention is worth a pound of cure," certainly applies in cases 

 where forest fires are concerned. 



REFORESTATION WORK DONE BY THE STATE. 



Under " An Act to provide for the purchase of forest land 

 and for reforestation," passed by the Legislature of 1908, provi- 

 sion is made that private land owners may turn tracts of land 

 suitable for reforestation purposes over to the State, to be planted 

 and handled under practical forestry management, such owners 

 reserving the right to redeem the land at any time within ten 

 years, for the actual amount expended. 



During the year 1909 about 1,000 acres were deeded to the 

 State and planted under the supervision of expert foresters from 

 the State Forester's office, the work being done by local gangs 

 (Fig. 21) picked up in the various towns where the lots were 

 situated. The cost of planting, including price of trees and la- 

 bor of setting, ranged from $5 to $10 per acre, according to land 

 and labor conditions. A large proportion of the trees used in 

 the work were purchased from outside nurserymen; but in the 

 future, by raising the stock in State nurseries, the above cost of 

 planting should be reduced. 



