Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 140, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 June 1910 — Fire Prevention Among Pines. [ARTICLE]

Fire Prevention Among Pines.

Pines protect themselves against forest fires in a remarkable manner. For four or five years the stems of the Infant trees attain a height of only as many Inches above the soil. During this time their bark Is extraordinarily thick, and that alone gives some protection. But, in addition, the long needles spring up above the stem and then bend on all sides in a green cascade which falls to the ground in a circle about the seedling. This green barrier can with difficulty be made to burn, while the shade that It casts prevents Inflammable grass from growing near the protected stem. The officers of the forestry service at Washington are of opinion that It Is owing to this peculiar system of self protection which the pine seedlings have developed that the growth of evergreen oaks In Florida has been restricted In regions where fires have raged, while pine forests have taken their place.— Harper’s Weekly.