20 REPORT OF THE No. 3 



a decided decrease was expected from that, it was scarcely anticipated that 

 operations would be conducted up to only 20 per cent, or even less, yet such is 

 the case, there being but 265,586 cords cut from Crown areas. Such a difference 

 is a direct result of the heavy previous season's cut or overproduction with a 

 declining market. A decrease in the cut on settlers' lands was also noticeable, 

 only 743,793 cords having been taken, a reduction of approximately 19 per 

 cent. Although this quantity is all exportable only 403,448 cords were exported, 

 or about the same percentage of the settlers' product as the previous year. 



The pulp and paper industry still presents a problem during the deflation 

 of values and the uncertainty of ready markets. The Government is fully 

 cognizant of the industrial importance of this great enterprise and is hopeful 

 that in due time the stabilization of a business that contributes so much to 

 international trade will be effected. In the meantime a watchful eye will be 

 maintained in respect of the Province's interests, and where it is possible to aid 

 local areas contiguous to mills by insisting upon the fulfillment of obligations 

 the Department will do so, always paying due regard to the rehabilitation rather 

 than the annihilation of the industry. 



The total accruals from all timber sources, including ground rent, fire 

 charges, bonus, dues, transfer fees, etc., were only $2,492,333.76, the details of 

 which are indicated in Appendix No. 8. This amount is lessthan the year 1930 

 by over $2,500,000.00. 



Forest Fire Protection 



The forest fire season of 1931 experienced a continuation of the drought 

 conditions of the previous two years. Extremely low precipitation and abnor- 

 mally high temperatures were prevalent throughout the greater portion of 

 Northern Ontario. Electrical storms were also numerous and we found over 

 16 per cent, of the recorded fires attributed to this cause. These fires of lightning 

 origin are usually in inaccessible places and this season some of the most difficult 

 fires originated in this way. 



Fires reported were 1,851, the largest number since records have been 

 available. Of these 92 per cent, did not reach 100 acres in extent and 75 per 

 cent, were under ten acres in area. 



The total area burned was 138,287 acres of which 45,000 acres is classed 

 as timber land. Again the camper was the cause of the largest number of fires, 

 namely 622, or 33.8 per cent, of all causes. 



The clearing of land in Northern Ontario seems to have received an impetus, 

 probably due to the lack of employment in woods operations. In the burning 

 of slash and land clearing the Department issued 27,031 permits covering 81,952 

 acres. The indications are that a very large area of land will have been cleared 

 for agricultural purposes throughout the Clay Belt. 



Aerial Surveys 



The principal work undertaken in connection with aerial survey this past 

 season was the photographing of areas in connection with road location for the 

 Northern Development Department. These photographs not only assist in 

 locating right-of-way but also may be used later in studying forest conditions. 

 The area covered during this season amounted to approximately 3,300 square 

 miles. 



Reforestation 



During the planting season of 1931 the Department distributed to private 

 individuals 5,220/946 trees. In addition some 371 schools were supplied with 



