156 Forest Fires. 



(/.) From fires that escape from coal-pits and other operations 

 carried on in the woods. 



(</.) From malicious design. 



(/i.) From natural causes, such as lightning, friction between 

 dry wood in high winds, and spontaneous combustion. 



(2.) Prevention of Forest Fires. 



624. A constant vigilance in the use of fire, and in extinguishing 

 every spark, when left, and proper care in the clearing away of all 

 combustible materials around the place where a fire is kindled in or 

 near a woodland, would render every other prevention almost need- 

 less. The danger from fires should be thoroughly impressed upon 

 every one, and especially upon children, at home and at school, so 

 that they may grow up with careful habits in this respect. 



625. A kind of safety-match is made in immense quantities in 

 Sweden, and is used extensively throughout Europe. It can not be 

 ignited except when rubbed upon a surface that is chemically pre- 

 pared, and that is placed upon one side of the box in which they 

 are sold. The use of matches prepared like these, and the habit of 

 extinguishing them when lighted, would prevent accidents from 

 this cause. Gun-wads are also made that will not burn, and that 

 are entirely safe as to retaining fire. 



626. The risk of fire from locomotives may be largely diminished 

 by the use of spark-extinguishers and other arrangements, many of 

 which have been patented. The law in most states renders rail- 

 road companies responsible for the damages that they may cause, 

 and this law rigidly enforced would greatly tend to the exercise 

 of more care in this respect. As a further precaution, the leaves 

 and rubbish along railroads should be raked off and burned, at a 

 time when the fires can be managed. Piles of old decaying ties 

 should be removed. Belts of timber, less inflammable than pines, 

 should be planted along railroads that run through pine forests, 

 and railroads should be patrolled in ^a dry time, for the purpose of 

 extinguishing the fires that may be set, before damages are done. 



627. In regions where fires are exceedingly liable to occur, the 

 burning off of belts of land in winter, when the fires do not spread 

 beyond control, and need some help to burn at all, is a safe precau- 

 tion ; such fires, however, injure the young trees, and they should 

 be allowed to extend no more than necessary. 



