Xo. 4.] REPORT OF STATE FORESTER. 307 



conditions were practically the same on the different roads. Special 

 attention had been given to the screens in the front ends, and they were 

 found to be in exceptionally good condition, although instances were 

 found where defective screens were in use. The chief cause of a large 

 percentage of railroad fires seemed to be in not using necessary precaution 

 in screening the ash pans and grates, and in allowing locomotives to oper- 

 ate with ash-pan slides open. Recommendations were made by the Board 

 of Railroad Commissioners that rounded extensions or perforated plate 

 or netting be used to close the opening between the mud ring and the top 

 of the ash pan in the wide fire-box locomotives, and that in the flat type 

 of ash pans perforated plate or netting be placed over the ends of ash pans, 

 and that these nettings be securely hooked, and all openings for grate 

 shaker levers be protected so that no fu-e could escape from the ash pans 

 or grates. These improvements required several days' work on each 

 locomotive. A report received from the Boston & Albany Railroad under 

 date of Nov. 4, 1912, shows that they have in this State a main hne mileage 

 of 337 miles, and have in operation 356 locomotives, of which 300 have 

 been repaired to comply with the requirements of the commission; 34 

 which do not comply with the requirements of the commission are still 

 in operation, and 22 are in the shop and will be repaired before going into 

 service. The necessary changes on the 34 above mentioned will be made 

 during the winter. 



Undoubtedly more work has been accomphshed by the Boston & Maine 

 than by any other road, when we take into consideration that they have 

 a main line mileage of 1,200 miles and 800 locomotives in operation within 

 this State. Owing to their loss by raih'oad fires last year exceeding $200,- 

 000, a department of fire claims and fire prevention was established early 

 in March under the supervision of Mr. E. A. Ryder, and through his 

 efforts their fire loss in this State does not exceed $15,000 this year. In 

 July an appropriation of $30,000 was made for equipping their locomotives 

 with an improved ash pan, and for screening the space above the mud 

 ring. Up to the present time 255 locomotives have been placed in con- 

 dition, and during the coming yeaf a large percentage of the balance will 

 receive the necessary repairs. 



All inflammable material within their right of way has been removed 

 or burned at different times throughout the season. Dangerous places 

 adjoining their right of way have been cleared of slash and necessary fire 

 lines have been built. A trench tliree feet wide is made around each pile 

 of ties before burning. 



Special effort has been made to better train their engineers in the 

 handling of their locomotives, endeavoring to do away with the "shpping" 

 of engines, which has a tendency to churn the fire and cause sparks to be 

 emitted from the stack. 



The oflacials of this road have placed in all smoldng, baggage, ex-press, 

 mail and caboose cars signs reading: "Save the forests. Do not throw 

 lighted matches, cigars or cigarettes from the cars." These sighs should 



