64 COMMISSION OF CONSERVATION 



Summary of Conclusions. — In advance of discussion the following 

 summary of conclusions is here inserted : 



1. Increasing stumpage values render fire prevention and control 

 essential from the point of view of the timber owner. Decrease in wood 

 supplies renders it stiU more essential from the point of view of the 

 general public, and, in particular, of the communities and business 

 interests directly dependent upon the manufacture of forest pro- 

 ducts. 



2. Logging slash constitutes the most serious fire menace in ex- 

 istence, 



3. Brush disposal is a practicable and feasible method of minimiz- 

 ing fire danger, though secondary to patrol. 



4. The method of brush disposal to be adopted in any particular 

 case can be determined only by careful consideration of all the surround- 

 ing conditions. It is desirable that the administrative officers should 

 have a reasonable degree of discretionary authority. 



5. Where brush-burning is practicable both financially and 

 silviculturally, this is the most efficient means of reducing the sla^ 

 menace. 



6. Where brush bumiag is not practicable for any reason, the 

 lopping of tops may be advisable. In case tops are lopped, financial 

 and silvicultural considerations will determine whether the material 

 should be piled or scattered, or left without further attention. The 

 necessity for lopping may under some circumstances be obviated by 

 some other fire-protective measure, such as the construction of fire- 

 lines, etc. 



7. The lopping of tops does materially increase the amount of 

 debris which reaches the ground or forms piles resting on the grotmd 

 in sufficiently compact form to absorb and retain moisture ; the time re- 

 quired for decay is thus lessened by one-half to two-thirds. The slash 

 menace as an element of fire danger disappears in direct proportion 

 to the rapidity and completeness of this process of decay. Piling 

 or scattering, following lopping, is desirable, but is generally considered 

 to be impracticable in the Adirondacks on accotmt of expense. This 

 would apply also to a large section of Eastern Canada, unless such 

 disposal is required under a Government license, and allowance is made 

 for the added cost in dues to be paid. 



8. With closer utilization, the relative efficiency of top-lopping 

 as a fire protective measure decreases. In other words, lopping is much 

 more necessary in an old-time lumbering operation and will have a great- 



