REPORT OF THE FOREST COMMISSION. 15 



in various other ways the reserves are being made to serve as 

 examples of what forestry will do for such properties. Generally 

 and severally the State reserves are in better condition than 

 when they were acquired, and are now worth considerably more 

 than they cost. 



SHADE TREES. 



Interest in shade trees is increasing greatly. Under the 

 authority given by the last Legislature the Commission is mak- 

 ing an effort to induce communities and citizens to establish and 

 care for these blessings of our cities and towns. While the 

 actual direction of any work of this kind must ultimately reside 

 in local authority, it is altogether proper for the State to help 

 the people solve the problems that invariably come to novices, 

 and to keep in constant touch with the situation so that dangers 

 and ills may be avoided or guarded against, as well as opportuni- 

 ties to do constructive work taken advantage of. In all these 

 ways assistance has been given as opportunity offered. The 

 organization of a State Shade Tree Federation referred to in Ihe 

 report of the Forester, is indicative of the importance of this 

 subject in the eyes of the people. The Commission believes that 

 most country roads should be tree-bordered and stands ready to 

 do its part in any effort to that end that may be determined upon 

 as wise and expedient. Through co-operation with county 

 boards and the State Road Commissioner the improved roads at 

 least can be made much more attractive than they now are at 

 no great cost and within a comparatively short time. 



The utilization of every available woodland area as a forest 

 park is a civic duty. It is not difficult to provide public play- 

 grounds of this character suited to the population that may enjoy 

 them. The Essex county parks are an example for large com- 

 munities, the forest park of Bridgeton one for small places. 



LEGISLATION AND APPROPRIATIONS. 



The Forest Commission acknowledges with much satisfaction 

 the public approval of its policy and acts as recorded by the 

 Legislature in its last session. Four supplementary laws were 



