FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSIONER. 45 



was held at the Commissioner's office December 29, 1908, and the sugges- 

 tions are as follows: 



a. " Resolved, That it is the sense of this conference that if it be necessary 

 to secure the use of oil fuel or other equally safe source of power on locomo- 

 tive engines running through the forest, legislation should be enacted or 

 executive action taken. 



b. " That the railroad companies be made to pay the whole cost of 

 patrolling their tracks under State supervision, instead of one-half, as at 

 present. 



c. " That adequate moneys be provided to the Forest, Fish and Game 

 Commission for the establishment of a more complete and systematic fire 

 patrol and signal system, and, if necessary, legislation be enacted for that 

 purpose. 



d. " That more stringent laws be enacted for the punishment of per- 

 sons through whose carelessness or negligence forest fires start. 



e. " That the Governor be empowered to suspend the hunting and 

 fishing season in case of emergency." 



Seventh — There should be a law enacted under which the State may 

 control the cutting of trees on private land and clearing up and disposal of 

 the refuse left after lumbering, to the end that danger from fires may be 

 minimized and the forest cover may be retained to protect the watershed 

 and conserve the water supply. This suggestion is based upon the 

 belief that the State has the inherent right, at least in a limited way, 

 to control the use and management of private property for the public 

 good. This principle has been asserted and established by the highest 

 court in Maine, and in at least two other States, and seems to be sound 

 doctrine. 



Eighth — The rapidly increasing business of the Department will 

 require a large office force, more foresters, and larger appropriations with 

 which to hire power boats. It also seems that the time has come when 

 the State, with the Department's greatly increased revenue, can well afford 

 to establish a modern game bird farm, from which our depleted covers 

 may be stocked. 



Ninth — Appropriations for the Department will necessarily have to 

 meet the Department's activities as new lines of work develop. 



