the railroad companies but also of settlers' fire-fighting bri- 

 gades and organized townships that have provided fire-fighting 

 funds. The mining companies and the hundreds of rural and 

 trunk line telephone companies that have been helpful in the 

 past will be called on for more systematic and complete fire 

 protective co-operation. 



It is interesting to note in connection with the state fire, pro- 

 tective work that during this season, which has been excep- 

 tionally wet, there have been only 138 fires reported, with a 

 loss of less than $20,000. However, there has been a consid- 

 erable loss in young timber burned. It is to be hoped that 

 the millions of dollars worth of young timber, which has been 

 so carefully protected through the work of the rangers dur- 

 ing the past four years, will escape destruction by fire. It 

 represents much future wealth to the state. It is encouraging 

 to note that settlers and other owners of wild land show an 

 increasing interest in saving young and half-grown timber. 



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