530 



BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



Precipitation in Inches for the Years 1911, 1912, 1913, and 1914, 

 WITH December of Previous Year. 



Our comparative tables on page 529 are very interesting, showing 

 comparative fire losses for the past five years, comparative causes for the 

 past three years, the number of forest fires by months, and the rainfall by 

 months during the past year. Nearly 2,000 of our fires, classed as "un- 

 known," "hunters" and "children," can be attributed to carelessness. 

 It is certainly unfortunate in this enlightened age that pleasure seekers 

 who are allowed the free use of the thousands of acres of forested area in 

 the State will not use at least a little precaution when traveling through 

 the woods, and not throw down lighted matches, cigarette stubs and cigar 

 butts. We have had many prosecutions and convictions for violations of 

 the fire laws, but it is almost impossible to convict the person who is trav- 

 ehng through the woods alone, as while we are satisfied in our own mind 

 that he is the cause of the fire we have no evidence whatever that will 

 convict him. 



The permit law has been enforced quite generally throughout the State 

 and is giving general satisfaction. Over 20,000 permits have been issued. 

 While a few towais have not accepted this act I am in hopes that legislation 

 may be enacted bringing all towns under its provisions. 



Twelve thousand copies of the following fire notice, quoting extracts 

 from the fire laws, have been posted throughout the forested area of the 

 State: — 



