70 Fourth Annual Report of the 



An analysis of the fourteen cases reported indicates that but two 

 Lad the appearance of an attempt to steal timber. One was for 

 removal of dead material, while the remainder were through care- 

 lessness or indistinctness of boundary lines, or disputed title. A 

 particular effort has been made to prevent trespass. Numerous 

 investigations to determine location of lines and other important 

 facts were made before cutting of timber on adjacent lands began. 

 It is fair to say that we find a better public sentiment, and a gen- 

 eral opinion against trespass. We have enjoyed co-operation of 

 land owners and others in an effort to determine boundaries before 

 lumbering and an acceptance of survey lines. 



Surveys 



Our appropriations have not permitted us to adopt a compre- 

 hensive plan of forest land survey. Such a policy is necessary, 

 and would be economy. In former reports emphasis has been 

 placed upon the value of locating the boundaries of the Preserve, 

 and the further fact that delay means increased cost because the 

 old monuments are rapidly decaying. We have used our small 

 appropriation for surveys which were urgent. 



During the year we have surveyed approximately one hundred 

 and fifty miles of lines, nearly all of which were required in con- 

 nection with pending or prospective litigation. These surveys 

 have been carefully checked and lines well monumented were 

 determined. These surveys will be of permanent value, and will 

 become a part of our general survey. 



The" field notes and maps of all recent surveys have been care- 

 fully filed, indexed and made a matter of record. We have also 

 added to our collection of old maps and survey notes. This in- 

 formation has been collected, not only from the official records at 

 Albany but from many unexpected sources. We are gradually 

 developing a complete history of the numerous land grants and 

 patents, together with records as to the surveys thereof. The work 

 is slow and tedious. It can be done only when other work will 

 permit or as sheer necessity demands. The plan is to work out 

 the data so as to make it available for the future as well as the 

 present. 



I regret to say that during the year we have, on account of the 



