MEASURE TO LIMIT THE DAMAGE DONE BY FIRES. 203 



all, unless this is carried out regularly and systematically. It 

 may even be necessary to burn twice a year. 



In order to prevent the total destruction of established chir 

 regeneration, an annual early burning as soon as it can stand the 

 fire, should be carried out. The department has bitter cause for 

 regret that this was not adopted before. 



(2) Departmental burning of slash, felling debris, etc. The 

 removal or departmental burning of felling debris in all forests is 

 a very important measure for the limiting of damage by fires, and 

 should be carried out wherever feasible. Departmental burning 

 for silvicultural reasons should, however, not be carried out in 

 areas containing large quantities of debris without certain pre- 

 cautions as the resulting fires will be so fierce as to damage 

 mother trees and destroy regeneration. In such cases, it will be 

 necessary to collect the debris and burn it in heaps, or otherwise 

 dispose of it to the best advantage. 



(3) Silvicultural operations. -In chir forests, early cleanings 

 and thinnings are undoubtedly useful in reducing the risk of 

 subsequent fires. 



Danger from fire is a strong reason for reducing girdling to a 

 minimum. 



(4) Sale or disposal of grass, fallen ivood and other inflammable 

 material. It is accepted as a principle that the removal of felling 

 debris in regeneration areas is of greater importance than any 

 probable damage to the young crop, and should be encouraged as 

 far as possible. In the majority of cases, the cutting of grass also 

 is often desirable and should be permitted. 



D. SPECIAL MEASURES AGAINST INCENDIARISM. 



(1) Preventive. The conference resolved that effective preven- 

 tive measures are possible by means of education, and that a very 

 effective measure will be through the schools. The Education 

 department should be approached with a view to starting 

 lectures, supplemented, if possible, by photographs and lantern 

 slides. 



