248 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



In a country where forestry is so well established as in Germany, 

 it is noteworthy that the State of Bavaria distributed during the 

 period from 1^93 to 1899 not less than 127,000,000 tree plants. This 

 is an example which I think Pennsylvania might safely follow. The 

 cost of production of white pine seedlings is exceedingly small. 

 In the state nurseries we can raise them bv the million, and I think 

 it would be wise to do so and distribute them among those who 

 have vacant land which could be planted and who would agree to 

 care for them until started in growth. 



We have now a well-established nursery of about five acres at 

 Mont Alto. Thus far it is devoted mainly to white pine seedlings. 

 Last autumn we collected and obtained seed from sixty-four bushels 

 of cones. This will be planted as soon as the snow leaves the 

 ground. March is none too early if the ground is in favorable con- 

 dition. We shall probably soon commence with the red, or Norway 

 I)ine, and with the various so-called hardwoods. 



The most important work which is now pressing is to have the 

 exterior lines of the reservations surveyed and so plainly marked 

 that no one could commit a trespass upon State land without know- 

 ing it. This line should be cut out at least six feet wide. Our 

 rangers should ride around the entire tract at least twice a week, 

 and follow any trails running toward State land to ascertain where 

 they lead and for what purposes they are made. 



Again, I must call your attention to the following act of Legisla- 

 ture. No matter what 3'our county commissioners may say, this 

 has never been declared unconstitutional, so far as I am informed. 

 It is a just and useful act and you can compel its recognition if you 

 are determined to do so. It is as follows: 



AN ACT 



To encourage the preservajtion of forests by providing for a rebate of certain 



taxes levied thereon. 



Section 1. Be it enacted, &c., That in consideration of the public 

 benefit to be derived from the retention of forest or timber trees, 

 the owner or OAvners of land in this Commonwealth, having on it 

 forest or timber trees averaging not less than fifty trees to the 

 acre, each of said trees to measure at least eight inches in diameter 

 at a height of six feet above the surface of the ground, wnth no 

 portion of the said land absolutely cleared of the said trees, shall, 

 upon filing with the county treasurer of their respective counties 

 and with the tax collectors of their respective townships or dis- 

 tricts an affidavit made by said owner or owners, or by some 

 one in his, her or their behalf, setting forth the number of acres 

 of timber land within the requirements of this act, be entitled 

 to receive, annually, during the p<Tiod that thf Raid trees are 



