THE WHITE PINE REGION 337 



having railroad rights of way patrolled in wooded sections. 

 This patrol should be in effect from early in the spring until late 

 in the fall, only being laid off during rainy periods. The cost 

 of the patrol can justly be laid upon the railroad. Indeed, 

 when the amounts of money spent annually by them, in the 

 white pine region, for settling damage suits arising from forest 

 fires set by their engines, are contrasted with the cost of patrol, 

 the latter will be found cheaper. Patrol will also result in mak- 

 ing productive the wooded section tributary to the railroad 

 lines, and build up the lumber business instead of turning the 

 country into a desolate waste. 



Besides patrol the use of fire lines along railroads in ex- 

 ceptionally dangerous country is advised. A plan similar to 

 the New Jersey law regarding railroad fire lines should give 

 the best results. Under this law the railroads are obliged to 

 clear a line on each side of the track one hundred and ten feet 

 in width. This must be cleared and kept clear of all inflam- 

 mable material and small trees. The trees left on the line are 

 trimmed of branches for six feet above ground. The last ten 

 feet on the outside edge of the fire line should be entirely clear. 

 The law has been in operation since 1909, and has given satis- 

 factory results. The cost of the first clearing of the line varies 

 with the nature of the forest growth, but ranges from about 

 $125 to $500 per mile. Maximum costs come on rocky, hilly 

 land, covered with hardwood growth, while minimum costs 

 obtain on pine plains. 



It would be well if such a law could be secured by the various 

 states for use in the white pine region, the fire lines to be con- 

 structed along such stretches of railroad right of way as the 

 state forestry officials might designate. It should first be ap- 

 plied to all lines passing through coniferous stands, and in hard- 

 wood growth at all places where the railroad has a heavy grade. 



So far the use of fire lines has been advised only in con- 

 nection with railroads, but they are also needed in the more 

 extensive and unbroken forest tracts found on poor, sandy soils. 

 For details in the use of such Hnes see Chapter VIII. 



