90 Second Annual Report of the 



of this Commission who rendered an opinion to the effect that 

 provision is made in the Revised Statutes when the law requires 

 that a certain thing be done and no specific penalty is attached 

 that the failure to do so constitutes a misdemeanor, and as such 

 is punishable by fine or imprisonment. This information was dis- 

 tributed among the rangers and lumbermen within the regions 

 affected by the law. 



At the last session of the Legislature there was evidence of 

 opposition on the part of some to the Top Lopping Law, and a 

 few of the Adirondack owners have during the past few months 

 failed to lop their tops. 



In order to get competent information in regard to the efficiency 

 and protection afforded by the so-called Top Lopping Law, three 

 hearings were held by the writer at Watertown, Saranac Lake and 

 Glens Falls during the early part of October. Subsequently field 

 examinations were made by our forester in co-operation with 

 some of the lumbermen. The data secured at these hearings and 

 in the field work will be incorporated in a special report. 



RECOMMENDATIONS. 



The appropriation for forest fire protection should be not less 

 than one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars per annum. 

 Approximately eight new observation stations should be estab- 

 lished. Provision should be made for securing a quantity of tools 

 at various points which will be determined by the district rangers. 

 This will necessitate the purchase of a considerable supply of 

 tools. 



The value of a permanent force cannot be overestimated. The 

 training which a man receives in the performance of his duties 

 is of great value to the State. When men have been educated 

 along the lines of the work, such as the proper preparation of 

 necessary reports and accounts, becoming familiar with the loca- 

 tion of the State's land, and acquainted with the people of the 

 region which they have to cover, and knowing how to secure evi- 

 dence to prepare a case, their services are of great value to the 

 State. The men who prove themselves efficient and interested 

 should be retained during the winter. Provision should also be 

 made for the further training of men who are already on the force. 



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