24 THIRTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 



is no way of renewing the growth even partially except by planting. A 

 conifer must come from the seed while many hardwoods come from sprouts. 

 Therefore the hardwoods will reproduce themselves — the conifers very 

 seldom. 



I am pleased to say that many lumber companies are giving better 

 attention to their cutting operations, leaving many more trees than form- 

 erly, and are seriously considering the necessity of reforesting their own 

 lands. Where there were no inquiries two and one-half years ago in rela- 

 tion to how to plant trees or reforest woodlands, there are many hundreds 

 of such inquiries to-day. Many of our citizens are giving attention to this 

 subject, and if seedling trees were within their reach as to cost they would 

 plant them upon their denuded hillsides and non-agricultural lands. The 

 nursery cost to the individual, of seeding trees from private nurseries, if 

 they could be had at all in any considerable quantity is about $10.00 per 

 thousand. The State can produce them for $2.50 per thousand. Two men 

 usually plant about 1,400 trees a day. If our people could get trees at 

 cost I have no doubt that very many would commence planting imme- 

 diately. To my mind it would be practicable and very desirable to have 

 the State furnish seedling trees at cost to all who would plant, or, better 

 yet, if the way seemed clear to furnish a reasonable number free, as we 

 now furnish fish free to stock the streams. Too much consideration can- 

 not be given to this subject. I believe there is no more important business 

 proposition before our people to-day. 



Forest Fires. 



The greatest enemy to the forests is fire. The woodlands of the State 

 have suffered severely from this cause — not only public but private lands 

 all over the State. Under the law supervisors of towns throughout the 

 State are charged with the duty of protecting woodlands as far as possible 

 from fires, and yet very little attention has been given to this matter by 

 the Supervisors, although they may become personally liable for damages 

 if this duty is not performed. I call attention to the law in this report, 

 trusting that it may serve to make them more active in this regard. The 

 present firewarden system of the State is very effective in preventing fires 



