258 WOOD AND FOREST. 



work is also done by educating the public in schools and by the post- 

 ing of the fire notices/ Fig. 110. 



DESTRUCTIVE LUMBERING. 



How the reckless and destructive methods of lumbering common 

 in America came into vogue, is worth noting. 2 



The great historical fact of the first half century of our country 

 was the conquest of the wilderness. That wilderness was largely an 

 unbroken forest. To the early settler, this forest was the greatest of 

 barriers to agriculture. The crash of a felled tree was to him a 

 symbol of advancing civilization. The woods were something to be 

 got rid of to make room for farms, Fig. 111. In Virginia, for ex- 

 ample, where the soil was soon exhausted by tobacco, culture and 

 modern fertilizers were unknown, there was a continual advance into 



'LOOK OUT FOR FIRE! 

 RULES AND LAWS. 



Fires for clearing land near a forest must not be started until the trees 

 are in full leaf. Before lighting such fires three days' notice, at least, must 

 be given to the Firewarden and occupants of adjoining lands. After such 

 fires are lighted, competent persons must remain to guard them until the 

 fire is completely extinguished, and the persons starting such fires will be 

 held responsible for all damages notwithstanding notice had been given to 

 the Firewarden. 



Fires will be permitted for the purposes of cooking, warmth and insect 

 smudges, but before such fires are kindled, sufficient space around the spot 

 where the fire is to be lighted must be cleared from all combustible material; 

 and before the place is abandoned, fires so lighted must be thoroly quenched. 



All fires other than those hereinbefore mentioned are absolutely prohibited. 



Hunters and smokers are cautioned against allowing fires to originate 

 from the use of firearms, cigars and pipes. 



Especial care should be taken that lighted matches are extinguished be- 

 fore throwing them down. 



All persons are warned that they will be held responsible for any damage 

 or injury to the forest which may result from their carelessness or neglect. 



Girdling and peeling bark from standing trees on state land is prohib- 

 ited. Fallen timber only may be used for firewood. 



All citizens are requested to report immediately any cases which may 

 come to their knowledge of injury to woodlands arising from a violation 

 of these rules. 



Then follow quotations from the laws of the state of New York. 



2 For the common methods of logging see Handwork in Wood, Chapter 1 



