of way so that a fire cannot gather sufficient strength to jump 

 the furrow, and it increases a hundred fold the capacity of a 

 single patrolman in controlling a fire. 



It is also apparent that a break inside the right of way 

 inside the point where the sparks fall is almost useless. 

 The break must be outside the range of the sparks. The 

 state can probably aid in getting the permission to place 

 these breaks outside the right of way where they are most 

 needed. Moreover, many of the breaks which have been built 

 so far have not been placed where they would do the most 

 good. There are places where breaks are not needed at all, 

 there are others where there are absolutely necessary. The 

 section men have started at one end of their section and 

 put them through everything indiscriminately as far as the 

 money held out. Money could be saved by the use of more 

 judgment. 



The importance of this point in the discussion was recog- 

 ized by the passage of a resolution directing all roadmasters 

 to confer with state rangers on location of all breaks and re- 

 port on them to the superintendents. This will undoubtedly 

 result in the much more profitable expenditure of the money 

 devoted to that purpose and also in a much more uniform sys- 

 tem. 



There were other questions of minor importance discussed 

 and in all of them the railroads showed their willingness to 

 co-operate in any way that would be helpful. There was a 

 sincerity on the part of all concerned which made it seem 

 certain that something would be accomplished. The time for 

 mere talk has passed and there was a hopeful tone in all the 

 discussions which pointed to accomplishment. 



Where such a spirit prevails success is assured. 



Those present: 



For the railroads: 



Great Northern, T. E. Cannon and E. S. Stewart. 



Northern Pacific, K. M. Nicoles. 



Minnesota & International, W. H. Gemmell. 



Canadian Northern, A. E. Warren. 



M. St. P. & S. Ste. M., E. F. Potter. 



