12 REPORT OF FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 



them being paid by the number of acres surveyed instead of by 

 the days worked. Whenever, in their haste or carelessness, they 

 failed to tally a chain there was a corresponding increase of unre- 

 corded area ; and, in some instances, as stated in their field notes 

 the colonial surveyors " threw in a few chains for good measure." 

 It would be difficult to estimate even approximately, how far 

 such methods have contributed to the difference between the as- 

 sessed and actual acreage; but a careful study of the facts, to- 

 gether with many years experience in these land statistics, leads 

 me to believe that the lots will in the aggregate overrun the old 

 surveys at least five per cent; and, that while the official assessed 

 acreage of the Adirondack Park is placed here at 3,313,564 acres, 

 the actual acreage is not far from 3,475,000 acres. 



CATSKILL PAEK. 



The Catskill Park, as defined in the State law, contains 576,120 

 acres, and includes a part of each of the following named counties : 

 Delaware, Greene, Sullivan and Ulster. 



I desire to acknowledge here the valuable services rendered by 

 Mr. A. B. Strough, of this office, in compiling and tabulating the 

 following schedules. His faithful attention, combined with his 

 previous experience in this particular class of work, insures its 

 accuracy and reliability. 



I would respectfully suggest that this land list be printed as a 

 separate, or second volume of the annual report. As the work 

 contains no reading matter, or little of interest to the general pub- 

 lic, the edition can be limited to such number only as may be neces- 

 sary for the use of the forest officials, with some additional copies 

 for the Comptroller's office, and to supply the demand made by 

 people who own adjacent lands. 



WILLIAM E. FOX, 



Superintendent State Forests. 



