FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSIONER. 31 



justified is shown by the fact that it has stopped almost entirely the pro- 

 miscuous use of guns by foreigners along our railroads, public works and 

 near populous communities. It undoubtedly has done more in a single 

 year to save song birds, birds of plumage and insectivorous birds --those 

 vital factors in the preservation of plant life - - than all the combined 

 Audubon societies have accomplished. I say this with due regard for the 

 valuable work being done by those societies. It has served materially in 

 enforcing the Hunting Law, because it gives every one a right to know and 

 find out whether the law is being violated or not. Many have taken advan- 

 tage of its provisions, availing themselves of the opportunity to find out. It 

 has yielded, without being a burden to those who use a gun, a total revenue 

 of more than $115,000. This will materially assist in furnishing means to 

 establish a farm for propagating game birds, for restocking depleted covers, 

 to provide additional protection for forests, fish and game, and to help 

 conserve all of them. 



The Hunting License Law has come to stay. It will result in great 

 benefit to all the people. After a fair trial no one would think of trying to 

 get on without it, and he who suggests doing so will be looked upon as an 

 enemy to game protection. Such is the history of the law wherever it has 

 been put in force. In the revision there were a few minor omissions which 

 were oversights, and a few objectionable things crept in because of many 

 opinions. Yet, on the whole, it undoubtedly constitutes the best code of 

 laws ever constructed for the purpose, and for which the Legislature of 

 1908 is entitled to great credit. It is the result of our experience and a 

 careful study of the laws of other States and nations. In the judgment of 

 the Department it should not be changed or amended, unless it can be very 

 clearly shown to be radically wrong. 



The forestry article, on account of proposed reorganization of the fire 

 fighting service, may need amendment. An examination of the reports of 

 the last three years will show the constant annual improvement along every 

 line of work with which the Department is charged. The service, in the 

 judgment of heads of departments within the Commission, has been radically 

 and beneficially improved. On the whole, much better service is rendered 

 by the entire complement of employees. Many changes have been made 

 in the force of protectors. The field has been divided into seven sections, 



