Report of the Superintendent of Forests. 



To the Forest, Fish and Game Commission: 



Gentlemen. I respectfully submit herewith my annual report in 

 relation to the work of the Forestry Department and such other 

 business as was entrusted to its care during the past year. 



FOREST FIRES. 



Owing to the prolonged drought last spring, together with certain 

 causes beyond the control of the Department, the forest fires at that 

 time were the most extensive and destructive of any that have 

 occurred since the organization of the Forest Commission. Other 

 States suffered serious losses also, the extent of the burned areas 

 and destruction of timber in some of them exceeding that in New 

 York. 



The woodland fires in the Adirondacks generally occur in April 

 and May. At this time of year the ground in our forests is covered 

 with a thick layer of dead leaves which, with the first warm sun and 

 south wind, become so dry that a single spark will ignite them and 

 start a blaze that will immediately spread in all directions, or, under 

 the influence of a strong breeze, travel rapidly over brush lands 

 and through the timber belts. If, in its course, it reaches the slash or 

 dry refuse of an old lumber job, the flames cannot be controlled, 

 and the fire increases in its headway and intensity. 



In June, or after the hardwood trees are in full leaf, there 

 is little danger. Fires occur but seldom then; and if they do they 

 cannot run far, as the dense shade and leafy undergrowth retain 

 moisture and promote conditions that prevent any serious damage. 



