xxiv BOARD OF AGIUCULTUEE. [Pub. Doc. 



State Tobestee. 

 The work of the State Forester is independent of the 

 Board, his only connection being that of an ex-ofhcio mem- 

 ber ; but he is required to rej)ort to the Board, and that report 

 will be found printed in this volume. The work has gone 

 on during the year in a satisfactory manner, the Legislature 

 being very liberal in the matter of legislation. A start has 

 been made on the planting of forest tracts by the State, as 

 so often recommended by this Board and its officers and 

 members. IsTot much can be done with the means afforded 

 at present, but it is still a beginning, and we look to see 

 a steady increase of this work. 



State Ornithologist. 



The Legislature of 1908, acting on the request of this 

 Board, passed a law establishing the office of State Orni- 

 thologist, to be filled by election by this Board. The duties 

 in general of the office are to investigate the distribution 

 and food habits of birds, to determine the relations of birds 

 to the outbreaks of insects and other animals, to experiment 

 with a view to discovering the best methods of protecting 

 fruits and crops against birds, and to serve the Board and 

 the peoj)le of the State in an advisory capacity in matters 

 relating to the economic status of birds and legislation con- 

 cerning them. The salary provided is $500 per annum, and 

 the total expense allowed, including salary, $1,000 per 

 annum. 



On April 2, 1908, this Board, acting under authority of 

 the law above mentioned, elected Edward Howe Forbiish 

 of Wareham as State Ornithologist. Mr. Forbush has been 

 very diligent in his duties during the year. The salary of 

 course does not entitle the State to his entire time, and he 

 has other interests that call for much of his attention; but 

 as his principal work is as agent of the JSTational Association 

 of Audubon Societies, he is practically engaged in work on 

 birds and bird protection at all times. His election was a 

 deserved compliment and only a partial recognition of the 



