Conservation Commission. 51 



of nearly all of our tree diseases, the agencies by which they are 

 spread and methods of control, are almost unknown. The great 

 forest wealth of this State may, at any time, become subject to 

 ravages of other diseases. The millions of shade trees on our 

 lawns and along the streets are an asset that cannot be measured 

 in cash, and they too are a prey to these fungi. The appointment 

 of a competent pathologist to study our tree diseases is an absolute 

 necessity and no wiser expenditure of money could be made. 



State Institutions. 

 A forester was detailed at the request of the Fiscal Supervisor 

 of State Charities, Superintendent of Prisons and State Board of 

 Lunacy, to make an examination of lands under their various 

 charges and report as to proper forest management. The examina- 

 tion has already been completed at thirty-eight institutions, em- 

 bracing 29,000 acres, and reports will be ready for transmittal at 

 an early date. The proper management of these forest areas will 

 not only result in greater profit to the State, but will afford 

 excellent object lessons in their localities. 



Private Co-operation. 

 The requests for examination of private forests have greatly 

 increased this year and a very large number of such inspections 

 have been made and advice given. These are excellent examples 

 of the demand for technical advice and the application of rational 

 forest management. We have also been requested by a large num- 

 ber of companies to give them advice in regard to the practice of 

 forestry on their holdings. In order to give proper advice, it will 

 be necessary to make studies to determine the rate of growth of 

 various species and this work should be done at once. 



Extension and Education. 

 The demand for lectures on forestry has been satisfied as far 

 as our time would permit, consistent with other duties. A for- 

 ester will be assigned to lecture work during a portion of the win- 



