148 COMMISSION OF CONSERVATION 



Forestry in Nova Scotia 



During the summers of 1909 and 19 10, the Government of Nova 

 Scotia caused an examination to be made of forest conditions in that 

 Province, under the direction of Dr. B. E. Ffemow. A brief summary 

 of the situation was presented at the annual meeting a year ago, and the 

 complete report on the examination has recently been published by the 

 Commission of Conservation. 



It appears that not more than 20 per cent of the area of the Pro- 

 vince can be classed as even potentially agricultural, that 10 per cent 

 is hopelessly barren, and that 70 per cent is actual or potential forest 

 land, very much of which is now in poor condition, but is capable of 

 restoration. At the present rate of cutting, the merchantable timber 

 will be exhausted in from twenty to twenty-five years. 



The importance to the Province of conserving its forest resources 

 is clearly shown, and the recommendation is made that the Government 

 appoint a technically educated Provincial Forester, to study the situa- 

 tion in the various localities and act as public adviser or instructor — • 

 a wandering teacher. It is recommended that the Commission endorse 

 this recommendation and urge its adoption by the Government of 

 Nova Scotia. 



Similar action should undoubtedly be taken, also, with regard to 

 New Brunswick. 



Summary of Conclusions 



It is recommended : 



1. That the Commission approve the principle of co-operation 

 between the Board of Railway Commissioners and the fire protective 

 organizations of the Dominion and Provincial Governments in the 

 administration and enforcement of the fire regulations of the Railway 

 Commission, along the lines now in effect in the West and as proposed 

 in the East. 



2. That representations be made to the Dominion Government 

 looking toward the establishment of a fire-protective service along the 

 Intercolonial and National Transcontinental railways similar to that 

 provided for in Order 16,570 of the Board of Railway Commissioners. 



3. That the Governments of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia 

 be urged to organize separate branches devoted especially to forest 

 fire work, including all lines of railway fire inspection, as well as the han- 

 dling of fire-ranging thi'oughout the Provinces at large. Also that 

 control be definitely taken over with I'egard to fire-protection along 



