138 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



Johnson pump was of great assistance in preventing the 

 spreading of a fire when it was fought in its early stages, 

 and a small quantity of water went a long way. 



Prevention is a far better remedy for forest fires than 

 any other. Seldom do you hear of a person being arrested 

 who starts a forest fire ; and it therefore would seem that 

 none but good can come from having on our statute book 

 strict laws for punishing such crimes, with a well systema- 

 tized fire organization to suppress them when any locality is 

 sufiiciently unfortunate as to have need of it. 



The law passed last winter for the better protection of 

 forests from fires was what the Legislature thought best to 

 pass, and it seems to have been a very good bill. 



Several cases during the past season have shown its value ; 

 but there should be a thorough organization of the forest 

 fire-wards, authorized under it, to have its value most felt. 



That law combines elements that students and writers on 

 the subject have recommended as being essential in any such 

 law. 



Some penalty for non-attendance might be a wise addi- 

 tion, but the Legislature probably relied upon a good neigh- 

 borly instinct to take its place. 



The value of birds and the injuries from insects are proper 

 subjects to introduce in this connection and at this place ; 

 but time will not allow of my dwelling more upon this sub- 

 ject now. 



Suffice it to say that it is for our good to protect all our 

 valuable birds, including the many delightful songsters, 

 when their habits do not warrant their destruction. 



The Chairman. There are many suggestions in this val- 

 uable paper that ought to give rise to an animated discus- 

 sion. I am sure you will all be glad to hear from Captain 

 Moore on this subject. 



Captain Moore. Mr. Slade, whom we heard with so 

 much pleasure yesterday, says I can tell all about reclaiming 

 land, whether I know it or not. I will commence by saying 

 that I have been pleased with the paper which has been read 

 here to-day. There are a good many thoughts in it that will 

 be of benefit to all of us, if we utilize the ideas that have 

 been presented. 



