ll become lighter and lighter until the
woodlot is put in good growing condition. On private estates and
parks, where beauty is the chief aim, the woodland should be kept as
natural, informal and as thick as possible. Where the woodland is
cut up by many paths and drives, density of vegetation will add to
the impression of depth and distance.

Protection: This subject has already been discussed considerably in the
previous study on Forestry, and here it becomes necessary merely to
add a few suggestions with special reference to private and park
woodlands.

Guarding woodlands from _fire_ is the most important form of
protection. Surface fires are very common on small woodland holdings
and the damage done to the standing vegetation is generally
underestimated. An ordinary ground or surface fire on a woodland
area will burn up the leaf-litter and vegetable mold, upon which the
trees depend so much for food and moisture, and will destroy the
young seedlings on the ground. Where the fire is a little more
severe, the older trees are badly wounded and weakened and the
younger trees are frequently killed outright. Insects and disease
find these trees an easy prey, and all related forest conditions
commence to deteriorate.

Constant watchfulness and readiness to meet any emergency are the
keynote of effective fire protection. Notices similar to the one
shown in Fig. 143 often help to prevent fires. It is also helpful to
institute strict rules against dropping lighted matches or tobacco,
or burning brush when the ground is very dry, or leaving smouldering
wood without waiting to see that the fire is completely out. There
should be many roads and foot-paths winding through the woodland in
order that they may serve as checks or "fire lanes" in time of fire.
These roads and paths should be kept free from brush and leaves and
should be frequently patrolled. When made not too wide,
unpretentious and in conformity with the natural surroundings, such
drives and paths can become a very interesting feature of the place,
winding through the woodland, exposing its charms and affording
opportunity for pleasant driving and walking. The borders of the
paths can be given special attention by placing the more beautiful
native shrubs in prominent positions where they can lend increased
attractiveness.