FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSIONER. 209 



they were not posted at all, or only very late in the season. I would suggest 

 that the Commission set a time for posting the fire notices and have the 

 patrolmen, supervisors and fire superintendents see that the work is started 

 in each town and continued until the whole territory is posted: 



The fire patrol by the railroads has greatly decreased the forest fires 

 from this cause. While they have not lived up to the law, very few fires 

 have been reported as extending beyond their right of way. 



A few fire extinguishers were sent to Edward Bisland, of Sullivan count}'. 

 After giving them a thorough trial he reported them a success, and on his 

 judgment L recommend that a reasonable number be bought and placed 

 with every patrolman, fire superintendent and some of the supervisors 

 who are rightly located. 



There is no question but that the use of light automobiles is prac- 

 tical for the patrolmen, as more ground can be covered in a shorter time 

 and at a less expense than otherwise. Horse hire in the Catskills in the 

 summer is very expensive. 



I find on making a personal inspection that some of the fires reported 

 are exaggerated, both as to acreage and damage. A more conservative 

 estimate should be made. 



No effort should be spared for an appropriation for the surveying of 

 State lands in the Catskills. Many of the lines cannot be located at all 

 and many others can only be found by expert woodsmen. When the 

 lines are run and plainly marked there will be very little trouble from people 

 cutting timber. It will also make certain whether or not a trespass has been 

 committed. As it is now the patrolman or game protector cannot tell 

 when he is off or on State property, unless he knows the particular lot. 



Stratton D. Todd, 



Superintendent, Fourth District. 

 Seager, N. Y., December 17, 1909. 



