NEW BRUNSWICK FORESTRY CONVENTION 179 



The most destructive forest fires in recent years, coming under my 

 observation, have originated from railways. The law makes it incumbent on 

 section men to see that fires do not spread from that source, and doubtless 

 they do much to prevent it. But the frequency with which fires start in 

 this way is an emphatic answer, that the present law is not practical. Even 

 if all section-men were disposed to do their best in this regard, they could 

 not be depended on. When a broken rail and a fire are both in view at the 

 same time, we all know which one will receive attention and which will, of 

 necessity, be neglected. We require legislation compelling the management 

 of all railways to employ competent persons during the Summer months, to 

 absolutely prevent forest fires spreading from these roads. The present law 

 also imposes penalties on railway companies and drivers, whose engines are 

 not properly provided with screens to prevent fire escaping from smoke- 

 stacks and ash-pans. We must have legislation that goes one step further 

 and provides proper inspectors to see that the law is complied with in this 

 respect. 



The present law respecting fires for cooking and obtaining necessary 

 warmth are about all that could be desired and will doubtless, be most effec- 

 tive when men learn to observe them. In reference to the most effective 

 punishment of the fire-fiend, who wantonly sets forest fires, I thought of 

 suggesting to the Surveyor General the propriety of reserving a Irnch-tree 

 on each hundred acre lot in certain localities for their special benefit. But 

 at present I refrain fro:w pressing the suggestion. 



Forest fires, like the smallpox or other dread diseases, should be met by 

 vigorous action at their very inception. To effectively do this we need 

 organized effort a chief warden for each county, and a competent deputy 

 at every danger point. These should be men trained in the work taught 

 to act promptly and decisively. No fire is beyond control in its early stages, 

 or can ordinarily do much damage the first day. Nearly all forest fires burn 

 low at night and few can survive a well concentrated attack very early in the 

 morning. Commence operations "just at the peep of dawn,'' as we say, cut 

 off its progress by trenches, keep it out of the trees and you are master of 

 the situation. Proper organization for this work will entail some expense, 

 though this would be trifling compared with the great losses that usually 

 follow a less persistent course. 



This expense should be borne in part by a small tax on all forest land, 

 and in part by municipal or provincial aid. The 'owners and the licensees, 

 who from year to year properly carry on lumbering operations are, I think, 



