Report of the Superintendent of Forests* 



HON. DE WITT C. MIDDLETON, 



Forest, Fish and Game Commissioner: 



Sir In accordance with the requirements of the State Forestry 

 Law I respectfully submit my annual report on the work of the 

 Forestry Department and matters pertaining thereto for the year 

 1904. 



FOREST FIRES. 



It is a matter of congratulation that during the past season 

 there has been throughout the forests of the Adirondack and Cats- 

 kill regions an exemption from fire as remarkable as the great 

 destruction which made the year 1903 a memorable one in the 

 records of this Department. This result was due largely to the 

 favorable weather which characterized the season of 1904, the 

 frequent rains, and the absence of any prolonged period of 

 drought.' Furthermore, the thorough organization of the fire- 

 wardens and their deputies in each town, together with the vigi- 

 lance and activity displayed by these officials, contributed mate- 

 rially to the almost complete immunity from loss in standing 

 timber. Profiting by the unfortunate experience of the previous 

 year, a calamity due, however, to causes beyond their control, the 

 fire wardens were stimulated to an increased degree of watchful- 

 ness and efficiency. 



Although the damage to the forest this year was merely nomi- 

 nal, still there were a large number of incipient fires; but these 

 were promptly attended to at the first sign of danger and were 



