IIO REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF 



" Operator, Old Forge, N. Y. : 



"Are you having any rain at your place?" 



" Isaiah Vosburgh, Saranac Lake, N. Y. 

 " Is it raining' now at Saranac lake ? " 



"Albany, September 21, 1899. 



"Albany, September 21, 1899. 



The pay for men working at a forest fire is fixed by law at $2 per day. Out of 

 this the men have to pay for their board, which, when provided by the firewarden 

 or boarding houses, is generally deducted at the rate of fifty cents per day, leaving 

 $1.50 for the day's wage. 



It has been claimed by some persons that these wages are too high ; that fires 

 are started in order to get pay for working at them ; and that so long as the pay is 

 fixed at the present rate there will be too many fires. I notice, however, that many 

 of the people who are volunteering these suggestions are the same ones who a few 

 years ago, under the old law, were wont to declaim loudly that the price paid for 

 fighting fire was too low, and that the firewardens would never be able to get good 

 men at that rate. 



While it is conceded that fires have been started in the woods by incendiaries, 

 the evidence in each case showed that it was done for revenge ; and that the act 

 would have been committed just the same, no matter how low the rate of pay for 

 fighting fire. 



At the same time it should be understood that fighting fire is hard, dangerous 

 work. The guides who receive $3 per day and their board do not like to work at a 

 fire for less than $2 and board themselves. During the spring fires the river drivers 

 are often called upon to leave their work — which commands high wages — and go 

 to a forest fire. A reduction in price will not make this class of fire fighters any 

 more willing or efficient. The better class of men, the ones who are needed at a 

 fire, are difficult to get, even under the present arrangement. 



The law provides for compulsory service at a forest fire. A firewarden may 

 order " any person in his district " to go with him ; and any one who refuses to 

 obey such summons is liable to a fine of $10. But this is seldom enforced, for 

 the firewardens have learned by experience that the services of the unwilling 

 man are worthless. 



I have further to report that the forestry exhibit prepared by this Depart- 

 ment for the Paris Exposition is completed and awaiting shipment. This exhibit 



