FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 1 35 



interest to see that the law relating to setting forest fires is fully observed. 

 After June tenth fallows may be burned, and farmers may burn same by applying 

 to the firewarden of their town and obtaining permit. From September first to 

 November tenth no person will be allowed to burn any fallow or brush heap, and 

 they should arrange accordingly. I earnestly request all taxpayers to inform me 

 of any person who starts a fire, and to see that no fires are started on their 

 own property. By so doing they will greatly lessen their taxes and at the same 

 time contribute to the safety of our forests." 



Mr. J. W. Darbee, Roscoe, Sullivan County. — Thunder and lightning began, 

 and looking over on the mountain I saw a fire about the size of a barrel. It 

 burned rapidly, but the rain stopped it from running. Three men, about a mile 

 distant from one another, claim to have seen the lightning strike a stub where 

 I noticed this fire. 



Mr. M. O. Sergeant, Eldred, Sullivan County. — The town board has fixed the 

 price for fighting fire at one dollar per day. There is a number of men here 

 who say they will not fight fire if ordered out, claiming it is unconstitutional to 

 force a man to work for so small a sum. What will be my duty in case they 

 refuse to go when ordered out ? I do not anticipate any trouble unless fire should 

 break out on lands of some individuals who are very strict in regard to trespasses. 

 Is this town obliged to pay those men for putting out fires inside Mr. Chapin's 

 enclosure, men who also get their pay from Mr. Chapin ? The park consists of 

 several thousand acres, only a small portion of which is in this town. It is fenced 

 with barbed wire to the height of ten feet, and any man found on his grounds, 

 inside or outside, is prosecuted. His men shoot every dog that comes within 

 gunshot, so you can see why there are so many fires near his park. Of course, 

 the sympathy of all honest men is with Mr. Chapin. 



Ml. Philip Gerhardt, Fremont, Sullivan County. — On examination I found 

 that a party of hunters had passed through the woods and immediately thereafter 

 the fire was discovered. The fire was undoubtedly started by them. I wish to 

 further state that I warned out one Charles Stosser, who refused to go. This 

 has a bad effect on others, and I would recommend that something be done in 

 his case. 



Mr. Jay H. Simpson, Phoenicia, Ulster County. — Fire started, in Broadstreet 

 Hollow, May first. The wind was blowing fifty miles an hour, and the fire swept 

 towards Phoenicia. I warned out men. Fought the fire all night Friday, Satur- 

 day and Saturday night and Sunday, and held it from coming into Shandaken. 

 Walter Evans (firewarden) held it on the other side. We ditched and back-fired. 

 In places the wind would carry the fire 300 feet over our lines. 



