No. 4.] FORESTRY AND ROADS. 225 



expert knowledge, what, if anything more, can be done than 

 is being done at the present time. We seem to have no ap- 

 propriation of money with which to act in this matter, so 

 that we need not take up time in considering possible action 

 on such lines. Possibly we could institute the formation of 

 a convention somewhere in that district, upon the lines I 

 have suggested, to be addressed, under this Board's auspices, 

 by experts and local representative men, the result of which 

 convention would be action, or non-action, as would seem 

 to those assembled wisest for the preservation and pro- 

 motion of possibilities which belong to one of the most 

 interesting and unique tracts of land in Massachusetts and 

 this nation. If good came out of such action, it would 

 be to the credit of this Board, and be a guide to action else- 

 w^here. 



To protect large tracts, or small tracts, a division by road 

 ways is most helpful ; and, the more those ways can become 

 popular for driving and teaming, so much better the pro- 

 tection. 



It has been proposed, before the Legislature of a previous 

 year, that the proper State authorities be authorized to pur- 

 chase, in the name of the State, at a price perhaps not ex- 

 ceeding three dollars an acre, forest, stump or waste lands, 

 on the Cape, for example, and for the State to issue bonds 

 to pay for the same ; such lands to be divided into sec- 

 tions, by roads of simple construction, that shall allow of 

 the passage of foresters' wagons, other vehicles or persons 

 on horseback. The idea has been advanced that, by judi- 

 cious action, the State would thus in due course of time pos- 

 sess a valuable property, and do a great preventive work 

 against the present scourge of forest fires. 



We have a tree warden law that is under trial, and time 

 will prove its value and show its weak points, if the latter 

 exist. 



I am cognizant of the fact that officers of wire depart- 

 ments, with large corporate interests, have lately sought 

 advice, and publications, that would instruct their superin- 

 tendents in best methods of pruning roadside trees. This is 

 certainly a good evidence tliat results, for which this com- 

 mittee exists, are being realized, and with harmony. 



