144 PROTECTION OF WOODS AGAINST FROST, 



Young plantations are most exposed to damage, as weeds 

 are plentiful, and when these have been killed out in the 

 thicket stage, the danger is still great as the lower branches 

 are dry. After the woods have passed the age of thirty years 

 the danger of damage rapidly decreases. 



Taking all things into consideration the danger of fire is 

 greatest in young pine plantations, growing on sandy soil with 

 a good deal of heather. The most dangerous season is March, 

 when dry winds prevail, and bracken or heather is still dry. 

 August is also a dangerous month if rainfall is deficient. 



Under the Railway Fires Act 1905, the Railway Companies 

 are liable for damage done by fire to the extent of 100, but 

 this will often not cover the injury done. 



The following measures may be taken to reduce the danger 

 of fire and to limit the area likely to be burnt. 



1. Strips, 25 to 35 feet broad, of broad-leaved trees may be 

 planted through coniferous woods. Where the risk of fire is 

 very great these strips may be kept clear of weeds. 



2. In young pine woods all inflammable material such as 

 heather, fern, &c., may be burnt early in the season, on either 

 side of railways and much-frequented roads or rides. Such 

 burnt fire lines limit the area burnt, and form lines of defence 

 should a fire occur. In preparing them a guide line 6 feet 

 broad is first cut on the side furthest from the road or ride, and 

 then the weeds on the line are burnt in situ, care being taken 

 to have sufficient men on the spot to prevent the fire getting 

 out of hand, and to stop burning should a heavy wind get up. 

 Each man should have a branch of an evergreen tree ready, 

 with which he can beat out any fire which crosses the guide 

 line. One' or two men should follow the firing gang, and 

 should see that all smouldering embers are extinguished. 



Fire lines should be 50 feet broad along railway lines, but 

 20 to 30 feet is usually sufficient along roads or rides. 



3. Belts of birch or false acacia should be planted along 

 railways, on the forest side of the burnt fire line. The non- 



