Conservation Commission. 133 



laws, and as I fully believe, in the quality and effectiveness of 

 its game protective force. Where can we find anywhere a Con- 

 servation Commission such as we have in the State of ~New York 

 to-day? Where can we find such laws as the small gilt edged 

 book placed in your hands contains ? It is a great triumph, 

 gentlemen.*' 



The Doctor said in closing, that, " In the protection of wild 

 life I believe it is impossible to be too aggressive; and in the 

 pursuit of our mutual duties in that direction, we must follow 

 the injunction of the Holy writ, ' Be constant in season and out 

 of season.' " 



Beaver. 



Beaver are rapidly increasing in the Adirondack region, and 

 the department is receiving numerous complaints stating that 

 considerable damage is being done by the beaver which cut the 

 poplar trees on private lands. This refers particularly to the 

 Fulton chain of lakes, on which there are a great many summer 

 homes, and in which territory reports show that the beaver seem 

 to be increasing very rapidly 



Hunting Licenses. 



There is no doubt that it was wise to provide for a combined 

 hunting and trapping license, as I think it will be the means of 

 increasing the sale of hunting licenses a number of thousands of 

 dollars. Formerly there was no trapping license required, and 

 a great many persons did not hunt, but did trap. Under the 

 present law it will be necessary for a person who traps to have 

 a license, and the combination of the hunting and trapping 

 license was an excellent provision. This does not apply to a 

 minor under the age of sixteen years, who may trap without 

 having a license. 



State Game Farm. 



Although the output of the one game farm at Sherburne was 

 doubled over the former year, it was only able to fill 25 per 

 cent of the applications made for pheasants and eggs. I would 

 therefore respectfully recommend that the Commission endeavor 

 to provide for four additional game farms. 



