PROTECTION OF FORESTS FROM FIRE 291 



owner's own carelessness in clearing land, destroying 

 brush, burning meadows, etc. The fact that the owner 

 is careful in the matter of fires becomes known very 

 quickly in the neighborhood, and that fact in itself is 

 a great protection. It is not necessary for a farmer to 

 patrol his woodlot at regular intervals, as would be 

 necessary in the case of a large tract. 



Many fires start on the property of non-resident 

 owners, who themselves are unable to supervise it on the 

 ground. Non-residents may secure protection by an 

 arrangement with some farmer living near the forest. 

 The usual course is to pay a small retaining fee for gen- 

 eral supervision, with the understanding that the farmer 

 goes over the tract every few davs, thus giving the im- 

 pression of constant patrol. In case fire starts, the agent 

 has the responsibility of repairing to the fire and putting 

 it out, and employing such help as is necessary. There 

 is no reason why this plan should not provide adequate 

 protection for tracts of from 100 to 500 acres at an annual 

 cost of from 3 to 5 cents an acre. 



One of the most essential measures in the protection 

 of small tracts is to secure the cooperation of the owners 

 of all the neighboring tracts in watching for fires and in 

 mutual assistance in extinguishing fires, no matter on 

 whose land they start. 



Supervision of Large Tracts. — In the protection of 

 large tracts from fire a special organization for patrol is 

 necessary. This organization can best be combined with 

 that required for the management of the tract. In every 



