Forest and Fire Danger
Conifer trees have been planted on the sides of the mountains, and grow thickly there in places where it is hard to see how they obtain enough nutriment from the thin layer of soil that exists. The rock- faces are hidden, and the green spikes are a pleasant sight when seen from a distance. As one goes through one of -these young forests, the absence of life gives one an uncanny •feeling of being lost. Beneath the trees there is nothing but a great mat of needles. No birds are in the treetops except an odd pair of tits searching for insects. In the rides between the plitntings beating-brooms, for use in case of fire, are fastened up beside notices warning those who pass against dropping cigarette-ends. The danger is real. Every season careless people con- trive to cause at least one fire. When this happens fire-engines come clanging up the valley in response to the call of one of the mountain- top watchers who keep look-out so long as the sun is up and the forest as dry as tinder.
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