16 STATE BOARD OF FORESTRY 



been but little less than one-third as large. The actual number of 

 fires that may have occurred was probably no greater than in previous 

 years, but because of the larger number of forest wardens and the 

 fact that nearly all of the fires were reported to them, a larger pro- 

 portion has been reported to headquarters. The forest wardens 

 have rendered a splendid public service. These men receive no 

 salary and are allowed only small pay for the time actually engaged. 

 The work of fire-fighting is very trying, and the warden is often 

 called upon for service at night as well as during the day when it 

 means a real sacrifice. These men have often accepted the position 

 of forest warden because of the opportunity to do good public service 

 without regard for the remuneration offered. The Board feels that 

 in the present force of forest wardens the State has conscientious, 

 efficient and faithful workers whose efforts in preventing forest fires 

 have accomplished so much in conserving our forest wealth. As long 

 as people are careless there will be forest fires, and where such have 

 occurred the forest wardens have done splendid service in reducing 

 the amount of damage. There is no doubt that the whole cost of the 

 forestry work of the State has been saved many times over by the 

 efficient work of the forest wardens on the fire line, but the forest 

 wardens must have the full support of the community in order to 

 make their work the most effective. In some sections of the State 

 the sentiment for forest protection is well developed, but in some 

 other sections there is a feeling that any attempt to stop forest fires 

 is useless because they have always existed. It is gratifying to know, 

 however, that this feeling is gradually giving way to one of hopeful- 

 ness and a real desire to co-operate with the forces now at work to 

 prevent forest fires. 



The forest fire record for the past two years as shown by Table I 

 gives a total of 113 fires in 1912 and 185 fires in 1913, but the 

 amount of damage in 1913 was slightly less than that in 1912. 



