26 TUNISIA 



The forest administration absolves itself from the responsi- 

 bility of providing additional range, even temporarily, in case 

 any allotment is found insufficient. It also states in advance 

 that it will pay no claim arising from a burning of the range, 

 or because of loss or damage in any form, even if caused by 

 act of Providence. Moreover, the administration reserves the 

 right to interpret all questions which may arise in connection 

 with the enjoyment of the grazing. This is similar to the policy 

 followed in the western United States. 



PROTECTION AGAINST FIRES AND MOVING SAND 



Fires. Incendiarism is still the chief cause of fire. 9 It is 

 combated with only partial success by the restriction of graz- 

 ing. The fire protective system in the less valuable forests 



FIG. 5. The result of fire in an aleppo-pine forest in southern Tunisia. 

 Near the Djebel Mansaur Ranger Station. 



of the Central Plateau consists merely of a general patrol, 

 which is not supplemented by fire lines, lookouts, telephones, 

 or by a special protective force. In the more valuable cork- 

 oak forests there are five lookouts, patrols, occasionally tele- 



9 Since the Algerian fire problem will be fully described, only the more impor- 

 tant phases of Tunisian protection are given. 



