Abstract
THIS very debatable subject has recently been discussed from a very statesmanlike point of view by a South African botanist, Prof. John F. V. Phillips (J. South African Bot., 2, Part 1). It is pointed out that whilst such characteristic native vegetation as the beautiful ‘fijnbos' (the macchia or maquis of the south-west Cape) may be irretrievably damaged by fire, and whilst there is every reason for excluding fire definitely from the water conservation areas, yet on the other hand there is also clear evidence that controlled firing, carried out at the proper season, may encourage the subsequent establishment of better pasture grasses. Further, it may be argued that absence of fires, coupled with overstocking, has contributed to a marked increase in the prevalence of the woody overgrowth, especially of species of Acacia, which has led to a deterioration in the pastoral value of much tree-and-grass savanna. There is thus evidence of a need for protection of certain land from any type of fire treatment, whilst in other localities an early application of controlled fire treatment is probably desirable. Such a problem requires action by a responsible body, and Prof. Phillips suggests that the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry should act as chairman of a special Commission of Conservation which should formulate a policy and co-ordinate the functions of the various Government departments involved in the carrying out of this policy. Important legal and administrative problems are concerned. The matter is regarded as urgent by Prof. Phillips, who concludes that uncontrolled firing is costing South Africa untold millions and “creating for posterity a most serious state of affairs, which no amount of money ever would be capable of putting right”.
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Fire and Vegetation. Nature 137, 735 (1936). https://doi.org/10.1038/137735b0
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/137735b0