152 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF FISHERIES, GAME AND FORESTS. 



There is a growing sentiment by the masses in favor of enforcing the fish and game 

 laws, as they fully realize that without a law for the protection, preservation and 

 propagation that the fish and game of this State would soon become exterminated. As 

 to the preservation of the forests, there is scarcely anyone but that realizes the vital 

 importance of protecting the forests as a cover for our game, and a protection to the 

 great watershed to the vast number of rivers heading therein which supply the mill 

 interests and the navigable waters of the State. 



The change occasioned by the new force of protectors was not as detrimental to the 

 public interests as many might suppose or as some tried to make it appear ; but it is 

 a fact, nevertheless, that the work of a game protector to a certain extent is a trade and 

 requires some little practice. I can say from my knowledge in the past that the break 

 in the work was scarcely perceptible and that the new force with very few exceptions 

 are men of ability and integrity and have set about to make a success of their new 

 calling. There does not seem to be any perceptible decrease in the fish and game 

 supply of the entire State, and under the present condition of things and the interest 

 taken by your Honorable Board, the public need not have any fear of the fish, game 

 and forest for all time to come. 



All of which is respectfully submitted. 



J. Warren Pond, 



Chief Protector. 



