204 FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 



assisted by myself, have been actively engaged in the inspection of the 

 lumbering operations within its boundaries as to the observation of the law 

 relative to the lopping of tops of coniferous trees, insisting upon its observ- 

 ance where violated. Between 125 and 150 inspections have been made 

 and reported to your Department. The law is being generally observed. 



I would suggest that another year additional observation stations be 

 established within this district at such points as you may deem advisable, 

 and equipped ready for service; that watchmen be supplied in time of 

 danger from drought; also the arranging of suitable equipment and tools 

 to be stored at convenient places under the supervision of representatives 

 of the Department for use in case of fire. I further recommend the appoint- 

 ment of special patrolmen only during time of the extreme danger period. 

 I believe the construction of telephone lines advisable, thus getting quick 

 and economical results by checking fires when easier to control in their 



early stages. 



Very respectfully submitted, 



A. D. Lowe, 



Superintendent, Second District. 

 North ville, December 23, 1909. 



Report on Fire District Number Three 



Mr. Austin Cary, Superintendent of State Forests: 



Dear Sir. — Out of sixty-two fires reported in the Third District 

 there was only one of any consequence. This burned over an area of 

 about 125 acres of timber land near the upper west branch of the 

 Oswegatchie river. 



Two other fires burned in from the right of way of the Mohawk and 

 Malone Division of the New York Central railroad to the amount of about 

 twenty- five acres and two acres. This was previous to the appointment of 

 fire patrol. 



The method most used in fighting fire in this section is to first trench 

 around the fire, move the decayed wood and vegetable matter for a space of 



