FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSIONER. 25 



and is undoubtedly as good or better than the system in vogue in other 

 States. During July and August of this year we had an unusually dry 

 season of long duration. Very many forest fires started in the Adirondack 

 region during those months, and the danger was very great, yet under 

 our system of fire protection it was averted, and we are very glad to be 

 able to report that not a green tree on State land was destroyed by fire. 

 We find that about 90 per cent, of all the fires that are started are caused 

 by sparks from railroad engines, although spark arresters in locomotives 

 are usually of modern pattern and the best known device for that purpose. 

 Much of the danger of fire in the Adirondack region would be removed if 

 electricity could be used as power for propelling railroad engines. 



Elk, Beaver and Deer. 



The Commission obtained from the Yellowstone Park, through the 

 aid of the Department of the Interior at Washington, 17 beaver, which 

 were placed in the Adirondack country this year. They and the colonies 

 of beaver which were there are doing well and are very interesting and 

 attractive to summer visitors. During the winter of 1907 the Commission 

 caused to be put in the forest a considerable number of elk which, with 

 those already in the woods, are doing well and multiplying rapidly. 



The change in the hunting season, cutting off fifteen days in Novem- 

 ber, has resulted as the Commission expected in a large saving of the deer. 

 Not more than one-half the usual number were killed and taken out of the 

 woods during the hunting season, September 16 to October 31, inclusive. 

 With the nonhounding of deer very well observed and the compliance with 

 the law in relation to hunting, there is no doubt that the deer will rapidly 

 increase, becoming plentiful and more easily obtained by those who enjoy 

 hunting. These species of animals are great attractions and have induced 

 many of our citizens and those from other States to go to our Adirondack 

 forests greatly to the benefit of all the people there who having anything 

 to sell, either personal property or labor in that section of the State. More 

 people every year are visiting our forests, which are rapidly becoming the 

 great recreation and playground of many people. 



