INTRODUCTION 



The work of the State Board of Forestry for the past two years 

 has followed along much the same lines as in former years, but with 

 the increase in the number of technical assistants it has been possible 

 for the State Forester to carry on a much more intensive work than 

 has been done hitherto. The powers of the Board were increased 

 by the last Legislature by an act authorizing the purchase of lands 

 along the Patapsco river for a State Forest Keservation. The 

 examination, survey and acquisition of these lands have consumed 

 much of the time of the field and office force for the past year. 



The system of forest fire protection has been extended and 

 improved, with the result that the fire damage has been greatly 

 reduced. 



The forest survey of the State, which was begun shortly after the 

 Board was created in 1906, was completed in 1912. This survey 

 has been of inestimable value in obtaining first-hand information of 

 our forest resources and enabling the Board to conduct its work along 

 lines that promise the greatest usefulness to the people of the State. 



More assistance has been given to private owners in the handling 

 of their woodlands than ever before. In the past year 6,000 acres 

 of woodland, mostly in small woodlots, have been examined and plans 

 of management prepared for the owners. 



The educational work, through addresses and illustrated lectures, 

 has been conducted over the entire State, so that the knowledge of 

 forestry and its application to our local conditions has been greatly 

 extended. 



A scientific study of our important timber trees, including their 

 rate of growth and important uses, has been nearly completed. The 

 results will be published in special bulletins. 



