152 FOREST COMMISSIONER'S REPORT. 



CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. 



In making the eleventh, and my second biennial report, I 

 wish to express my appreciation to all those who have so 

 cheerfully cooperated with me. Not only to the owners of 

 timberlands but to those who love the forests of Maine and 

 value them not only for their commercial value but also for the 

 scenic beauty, and means of recreation and pleasure. 



In making my first report I recommended some change in 

 the existing laws and am pleased to report that most of my 

 suggestions were enacted into law. The Legislature of 1913 

 passed a law authorizing the Governor and Council to advance 

 to the Forest Commissioner from time to time, when his funds 

 were exhausted, such amounts as he deemed sufficient to carry 

 on the work of the Department. 



Under this law, the Governor and Council, in November, 

 1914, advanced the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars to the Forest 

 Commissioner, 'but under the ruling of the Attorney General I 

 was obliged to pay back to the general fund of the treasury 

 the sum thus advanced so if the law is thus construed and not 

 remedied it would be of little benefit as one administration 

 could mortgage the funds of an incoming administration. I 

 should strongly advise that this law be amended. 



Rapid strides have been made in protecting our forests from 

 fire danger and have lessened from year to year the great loss 

 from severe fires. Our lookouts have been carefully manned; 

 good telephone communications have been established and a 

 system of efficiency followed in selecting our wardens and 

 deputy wardens. 



I would earnestly recommend to the owners of timber lands 

 and also members of the Legislature that all proper efforts 

 should be used to continue the cooperation between the State 

 and the Federal Government for the protection of our forests. 



In the fall of 191 5, it was my good fortune to visit some of 

 the great forested States of the West and I found in comparing 

 their methods and laws with those of our own State, that 



