282 SYLVICULTURE IN THE TROPICS pt.it 



that the whole machinery is working smoothly. 

 Arrangements should be made by which he can be 

 informed at once of any fire breaking out in the forest 

 or in dangerous proximity to it. No doubt a system 

 of telephones would be the best, but this cannot always 

 be done on account of expense. In some places a red 

 envelope with the name of the fire-station written on 

 it is sent to the officer in charge, and this informs him 

 of any fire which has broken out in that block. If 

 the fire is located within a distance which can be 

 reached quickly, the officer should always make it a 

 point to go at once, whether it be day or night. 



In many places watch-platforms are erected near 

 the fire-stations. These platforms are usually put up 

 on high trees or on high ground from which a clear 

 view of the forest can be obtained, and rising columns 

 of smoke can also be located. On these there must be 

 a man on watch day and night. If a fire is noticed a 

 message must be sent at once to where labour is obtain- 

 able to put out the fire. At some of these stations a 

 kettledrum is kept which is beaten as soon as a fire is 

 noticed. By giving single beats at the end of each 

 tattoo the number of the block in which the fire occurs 

 can also be proclaimed, and help can be at once sent to 

 the block indicated. At some stations, during the day- 

 time, a white flag is flown to show that all is well, and 

 a red flag if a fire has been marked. 



Apart from these works, measures must be taken 

 to prevent people bringing fire into the forests. Notices 

 should be put up along the boundary lines and along 

 all roads entering the forest warning people against 

 bringing or lighting fires within them. If the forest 

 is a Government forest, special laws will have been 

 enacted making it an offence to carry or light a fire 

 within the forest, and prescribing the roads by which 

 alone the forest may be entered except with the per- 

 mission in writing of the officer in charge of the forest. 

 Private owners have usually to rely on the ordinary 

 criminal and civil laws in force in the country. It 



