900 JOURNAI. 01- FORCSTRV 



present in the public mind and to educate the public along the lines 

 of a proper policy in regard to the Adirondacks." 



The speeches had particular point from the fact that Commissioner 

 of Conservation Pratt, in whose domain the administration of the 

 Preserve falls, was also present with a well-prepared, dignified state- 

 ment of the policy actually applied, which naturally keeps within the 

 constitution, by protecting the integrity of the State's title, by pro- 

 tecting the forests from fire and trespass, by reforesting denuded 

 areas (how this may be done and the lands be kept as "wild lands" 

 is difficult to see!), and by making the State lands more useful for 

 hunting, camping, fishing, recreation, and health. Secretary Hugo 

 pertinently asks whether this policy is efficient. "Are the people of 

 the State of New York getting all the revenue they can from the State 

 Forest Preserve without injuring it? We have a right to demand 

 that we shall." 



An educational campaign by the association to form proper public 

 opinion was suggested by all speakers as hopeful in results. The fact 

 that another $10,000,000 are to be spent on purchases, in addition to 

 the $7,500,000 already used in making the Preserve, renders the need 

 of a rational policy important. 



We may glean a few facts regarding forest conditions in New York 

 from the various speakers. 



Nearly 40 per cent of the State (12 million acres) is forest and 

 woodlot, and another 10 per cent may be added of land under farm, 

 not fit for such use. Less than one-half this area is located in the 

 Adirondack and Catskill Mountains. In the Adirondacks the State 

 owns 48 per cent, with 1,700,000 acres (with the Catskill Preserve 

 altogether 1,830,000 acres) ; 15 per cent is in private parks, and only 

 23 per cent is owned by lumber and pulp companies. 



In 1903 over 450,000 people visited the woods, bringing nearly 

 $9,000,000 to the hotels, in which over $16,000,000 were invested. The 

 Commissioner in comparison asserts that the lumber industry amounts 

 to probably not more than 20 per cent of the business of the Adiron- 

 dacks. But another speaker points out that the transportation and 

 manufacturing interests, adding to the value of the material, are for- 

 gotten in this account, which would make the forest products' end 

 represent more likely as comprising 50 to 60 per cent of the total 

 business of the region. 



Three more technical papers were presented by three foresters. 

 Professor Brown, of Syracuse, reported for the committee on forestry, 



