420 



that power is lodged in this or in future applications of the kind, I 

 do not think that a more reliable basis or data can be obtained than 

 that furnished by their report. 



I accompanied the appraisers in the journeys made into Hamilton 

 and Franklin counties, as did also a representative of the Everton 

 Lumber Company. While in Franklin county, we were joined by Mr. 

 S. F. Garmon, the warden of the forest commission, whose wide acquain- 

 tance with the general features, values and boundaries of the State lands 

 was of great assistance to the appraisers. We traveled into the 

 woods as far as the roads would permit, and made personal inspection 

 on foot of several of the lots appraised. Information was Sought from 

 persons acquainted with the lands which we were unable to reach, and 

 many statements, some of them sworn to, were obtained by us as to 

 the general character of such lands, and as to how they would com- 

 pare in value, and in other essential features with the lands of which 

 we had made personal inspection. Now, a word in regard to the lands, 

 and to the valuation given. This company petitions for a number of 

 lots and parts of lots in Franklin county belonging to the State, 

 containing in all about 13,300 acres and offers in exchange certain 

 lands in different part of Hamilton county. About 36,400 acres of 

 these Hamilton county lands were appraised, and from these the 

 State is privileged to select an equivalent for the 13,300 acres. The 

 Franklin county lands which are on the extreme northern border of 

 the State properties, were appraised at $23,376.47; giving an average 

 valuation of $1.82 per acre. The Hamilton county lands were 

 appraised at $47,619.40, giving an average valuation of $1.30 per acre. 

 Sou will observe that these figures do not show that marked difference 

 in value between the Franklin and Hamilton county lands which the 

 forest commission and others had supposed existed. The appraisers, 

 however, find that only about half of these lands is covered with primi- 

 tive forest, which as yet, in their opinion, constitute their chief value. 

 The other half was classified as partly lumbered (1,330) acres, lum- 

 bered, burned over, denuded, swamp, etc. To this half they attach no 

 greater value than to lands of like description in Hamilton county. 

 The 6,750 acres of primitive forest are appraised at from $2 to $4 

 per acre, depending largely upon location and accessibility, giving 

 the whole an average value of $2.78 per acre. If the State lands 

 appraised were all of this character, it would be seen that the 

 footings of the appraisal in both counties were approximate very 

 closely to the estimate of the forest commission, as shown in the 

 resolution adopted relating to this application. Nearly one-third 

 of the lands owned by the State in the Adirondack region is in 



