52 I'OREST FIRKS IN NORTH CAROLINA 



inches, was less than any previous record; a peculiar coincidence in this 

 connection is the fact that the four driest years of record have been at in- 

 tervals of seven years, viz: 1890, 1897, 1904, and 1911. * * * There was 

 a marked deficiency in precipitation from January to October 10th, with the 

 exception of a very slight excess in April and August, but it was somewhat 

 above normal during the remainder of the year. During the summer and 

 early fall the water supply was affected in some localities, but the distribu- 

 tion of precipitation, in slight showers, was generally sufficient for surface 

 requirements." 



These well distributed showers also served to assist in keeping down 

 the damage done by forest fires, which, gauged by precipitation alone, 

 should have been more disastrous in 1911 than ever before. As a matter 

 of fact, many counties, especially in eastern North Carolina, did suffer 

 very seriously, the newspapers reporting excessive damage in March, 

 April, June, and July. Unfortunately, figures from many of the coun- 

 ties which have suffered the most in eastern North Carolina have not 

 been secured, so that the statement for this year is decidedly incomplete. 



TABULAR STATEMENT 



From the following tables it will be seen that the returns have been 

 very incomplete, only one-third of the townships being reported on in 

 any way. The remaining townships have no doubt men in them who 

 would be willing to assist in this effort to educate the public towards 

 better treatment of our forests, but they have not offered to help and 

 their names have not been suggested by friends of the movement. 



If this is read by any who would be willing to help, it is hoped that 

 they will notify the Forester, North Carolina Geological and Economic 

 Survey, Chapel Hill, N. C, who will be only too glad to secure their 

 cooperation in the future. 



