336 
SCOUTING FOR GIRLS 
light a fire in the woods at all unless accompanied by a 
registered guide. 
“In New York the regulations prescribe that fires 
will be permitted for the purposes of cooking, warmth 
and insect smudges; but before such fires are kindled 
sufficient space around the spot where the fire is to be 
lighted must be cleared from all combustible material ; 
and before the place is abandoned fires so lighted must 
be thoroughly quenched. 
“In Pennsylvania forest reserves no fire may be made 
except in a hole or pit one foot deep, the pit being en- 
circled by the excavated earth. In those of California, 
no fire at all may be lighted without first procuring a 
permit from the authorities. 
“Fire regulations are posted on all public lands, and 
if campers disregard them they are subject to arrest. 
“These are wise and good laws. Every camper who 
loves the forest, and who has any regard for public in- 
terest, will do his part in obeying them to the letter. 
However, if he occupies private property where he may 
use his own judgment, or if he travels in the wilderness 
far from civilization, where there are no regulations, 
it will be useful for him to know something about the 
fuel value of all kinds of wood, green as well as dead, 
and for such people the following information is given: 
“The arts of fire building are not so simple as they 
look. To practice them successfully in all sorts of wild 
regions we must know the different species of trees 
one from another, and their relative fuel values, which, 
as we shall see, vary a great deal. ' We must know 
how well, or ill, each of them burns in a green state, 
as well a's when seasoned. It is important to discrim- 
inate between wood that makes lasting coals and such 
as soon dies down to ashes. Some kinds of wood pop 
violently when burning and cast out embers that may 
