95 



A. I don't know as to their desirability; they were just as large. 



Q. Just as desirable in point of location ? 



A. I couldn't tell you that; I can give another reason if you desire. 



Q. Give it. 



A. I can give a reason which it seems to me is a very pertinent one ; 

 the Legislature has under consideration the formation of a park; we 

 have every ^reason to believe and to hope that a park will beset aside; 

 wouldn't it be a matter of prudence and justice to the State to await 

 the action of this Legislature before purchasing something that we 

 might have to turn off hereafter ? 



Q. You think the State needs a guardian, and the forest commis- 

 sion is a good guardian of the State ? 



A. That is what we were pui\ there for. 



Q. I am trying to find an explanation for your not performing -that 

 duty with the money at your disposal ? 



A. I have given the explanation. 



Q. Did J. Leslie Crary made an offer to sell 6,000 acres on the 

 Raquette river and Tupper's lake ? 



A. Yes, sir. 



Q. That is within the park ? 



A. No, sir; I don't think so. 



Q. It is in the Adirondack region ? 



A Yes, sir. 



Q. What did you do about that application ? 



A. I can't remember what action was taken in regard to that; my 

 recollection is that Mr. Crary was asked to make his proposition in 

 proper form so that we could send our men to view the land, and if 

 we thought best we could close with the bargain; I don't understand 

 that that was ever made. 



By Chairman Ryan: 



Q. Would you expect that the action you speak of with reference 

 to these propositions would be embodied in the minutes ? 



A. What proposition ? 



Q. For the sale of these lands ? 



A. Whatever action was taken certainly should be in the minutes; 

 whether it is or not I can't tell you. 



Q. Would you expect to find the action here ? 



A. It ought to be there. 



By Mr. Connelly: 

 Q. What reason or reasons do you give to the committee for the 

 strange lack of knowledge you display as "to the duties of the 



