FISHERIES, GAME AND FORESTS. iSl 



Without intending to argue both sides of this question or to propose any solution 

 myself, I have submitted the facts together with the various conflicting opinions, 

 because it is a matter which demands the attention of everyone interested in our 

 Adirondack game. 



Number of Deer filled. 



In obtaining and compiling the statistics showing the number of deer killed in 

 the Xorthern Forest of New York during the season of 1S95, the utmost care 

 was exercised to prevent the same deer being included in different reports. To 

 obviate any such duplication the entire Adirondack wilderness was carefully divided 

 into districts for this purpose, each one having its distinct, clearly defined, and 

 well-known boundaries. As each correspondent made his return on a printed form 

 furnished him, which at the start defined his district exactly, beyond any chance of 

 mistake, there could be no possible reason for including deer that were killed in some 

 other or adjoining district ; and as these blanks were mailed in each case to some 

 man who either resided in the district assigned to him or was there during the hunting 

 season, there was no necessity for his making up a report from bare rumor or hearsay. 



The correspondent selected for each district was personally known to be fully 

 competent to make an estimate that would be substantially correct. One-third of 

 the Adirondack forest is owned and controlled by hunting clubs or held as private 

 preserves, the owners of which, through their game-keepers, have means of knowing 

 how many deer were killed on their property ; or, at least, that there were as many 

 killed as reported. At most of the clubhouses there is a book of record in which is 

 entered each deer killed, the date, location, weight and sex of the animal, and the name 

 of the person who killed it. It is evident, therefore, that the returns for the townships in 

 the private preserves were correct, or, at least, were not overstated. In many districts 

 reports were obtained from two or more correspondents from the same district in 

 order to guard against any possible exaggeration. Where there was any discrepancy 

 the lowest figures were used, not that there was reason for doubting the higher 

 estimate, but to avoid any possible over-statement, or a charge that the statistics 

 were those of an alarmist. While these figures may not include all the deer that 

 were killed therein 1895, they indicate beyond question that this number, at least, 

 were killed. 



If anyone thinks that the aggregate is too great let him specify the particular 

 district from which, in his opinion, too large a number is reported, after which he is 

 respectfully referred to the correspondent whose name is given in connection with 

 each item, and who can undoubtedly furnish the facts and records to substantiate his 

 figures. 



