86 EIGHTH REPORT OF THE 



see the force of the argument presented by lovers of fair play, increasing the 

 number of game protectors to twenty. This broke the ice, although many protests 

 were made on account of an increase in taxes. In 1895 a more liberal act was 

 passed, increasing the number to thirty-eight, which was further increased by 

 twelve by the Legislature of 1902, making at the present time a force of fifty 

 game protectors. I must say for the benefit of persons interested, and as a 

 compliment to the Forest, Fish and Game Commission, who have taken the 

 utmost care in selecting the additional twelve men, that the State now has fifty 

 game protectors who, with scarcely an exception, are bright, intelligent men, well 

 located to carry on the work assigned them. One can see this is not a large 

 force when taking into consideration the vast tracts of land which the State has 

 in the Adirondacks and Catskills which require constant watchfulness, as against 

 trespassers, the protection of game over the entire State, the numerous rivers 

 and lakes where incessant warfare is necessary against a persistent horde of 

 net fishermen and dynamiters, together with the large interests the State and 

 individuals have in oysters, clams and lobsters in the waters over which the 

 State has jurisdiction. The entire expense for the protectors is much less than 

 many of the second-class cities of the State are paying for their police forces. 

 It is a wonder to many how such efficient men can be secured when informed 

 that the average protector only received $500 per year, with an allowance of 

 thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents per month for expenses. 



Illegal Devices $m<z(L. 



The table in the appendix will show the work of the protectors during the past 

 year as to the number of nets and other devices which, while being illegally 

 operated for the taking of fish, were seized and destroyed; also the number of 

 actions brought and concluded. 



Several cases which are commenced near the close of the year necessarily 

 go over from year to year, fail to be reached for trial, or are appealed to higher 

 courts. 



Actions Acrainsf ^qaaffers. 



Many actions for ejectment have been commenced against "squatters" on 

 State land who persist in building and otherwise trespassing. One important 

 case, known as Wells vs. Johnston & Gibby, was decided by the Court of Appeals 

 in favor of the people, which settled any further question as to the State's title 



