12 AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE OF TEXAS. 



considered to be from eight to ten years, but with shortleaf it should 

 be much longer. 



Grass fires under stands of mature or well developed timber, espe- 

 cially on level land, do less harm than in most other places and may 

 be tolerated until the time comes after logging when reproduction should 

 be provided for. , 



In the protection of buildings and fences, and in confining fires to 

 restricted areas, fire lines are helpful. A double plowed furrow stops 

 slowly burning surface fires and is a good base from which to stop 

 others. It is better to plow one or more furrows on each side of a 

 strip four to eight yards wide and burn the intervening ground. Fire 

 lines around areas of thrifty seedling or sapling growth are desirable, 

 as well as about logged off land which the owner desires to burn. The 

 burning the litter and debris about farms, along public roads and rail- 

 roads, and wherever else burning is desirable, should be done in such 

 manner and at such times that the fire cannot spread and when there 

 will be the least possible damage to humus and soil. The time of year, 

 weather conditions and direction of wind during the time of burning 

 are most important. A few days after a heavy fall of rain when the 

 humus is moist and only the debris and litter are dry enough to burn 

 is the best time. Fires should be scrupulously guarded against during 

 windy weather and hot dry periods when the humus as well as the 

 surface litter and grass are excessively dry. Generally the most suit- 

 able conditions for burning are found during the winter months. 



Many States have fixed policies for controlling the use of fire. In 

 most Northern and Western States written permits to burn during dry 

 months of the year must be secured from a county or township fire 

 warden. This applies equally to railroad section foremen in burning 

 ties or strips along the rights of way, and to public road officials, farm- 

 ers and all land owners and persons who are clearing land or disposing 

 of debris. By this means many fires are prevented and the responsi- 

 bility for the escape of others is more easily fixed. In some States the 

 disposal of slash after all cutting of wood and timber is required by 

 law and under proper supervision to prevent the escape of fire. Fire 

 lines are often required after logging on private lands bordering public 

 highways and railways. This is what is meant by control of fire. Pro- 

 miscuous burning, not controlled burning, should be prevented. 



The posting of fire notices is a distinct aid in controlling fires. The 

 Forestry Department is already gaining the attention of the general 

 public in this way. Private owners should post their lands with notices 

 urging all persons to be careful not to start fires. When posting lands 

 against hunting, fishing or general trespass, a clause against fires should 

 be included. The State Forester will furnish general fire notices free 

 upon request and advice as to how specific notices may be worded. 



The Texas Legislature recognized the importance of fire prevention 

 as far back as April 14, 1883, when the following law was enacted to 

 prevent the burning of woodland and prairies: 



Burning Woodland or Prairie Penalty. If any person .shall wilfully 

 or negligently set 'fire to, or burn, or cause to be burned, any woodland 



