FOREST commissioner's REPORT. 19 



It seems to me perfectly plain that if wardens had been 

 appointed last spring this tire would not have cost $50 and 

 done no damage. 



The returns of forest fires made to the commission showed 

 the cause of the fire if known or suspected. About twenty- 

 five per cent were caused by clearing land or burning brush 

 piles. This showing accounts for the unwillingness of holders 

 of timber lands to sell farm lots. It too often exposes their 

 timber to the ravages of fires set to clear up land and not 

 properly cared for. Nearly twenty-five per cent were set by 

 parties that were camping out as fishermen, sportsmen or 

 tourists. Ten per cent were set to burn over the forest to 

 facilitate the growth of blueberries, or food for deer, or from 

 a desire to destroy property, perhaps for revenge. About 

 thirty-five per cent are reported as unknown. A table is 

 annexed hereto showing a condensed schedule of the returns 

 received. 



The appendix contains papers written l)y various persons 

 on the subjects therein named at the special request of the 

 forest commissioner. 



