36 REPORT OF THE 



the State was able to prove its title clearly, upon which the usual penalties were 

 imposed. The greater part of the timber stealing occurs along the southern bound- 

 ary of Hamilton and Herkimer counties. One bad feature of the timber cutting in 

 that locality is that the thieves destroy a large amount of timber in addition to that 

 which they remove. Asa rule they take the choice butt logs only — the "fiddle 

 butts," as they are termed — leaving the rest of the trees in the woods to decay, and 

 increasii>g the danger from iire. These fiddle butts, being composed largely of clear 

 stuff, free from knots, are sawed into five-eighths thickness, and shipped to the 

 factories which make sounding boards for the piano trade. The thieves also take 

 some choice hardwood butts, taking one log as usual and leaving the rest of the tree 

 on the ground. 



Another class of thieves take pine timber which they use in making shaved 

 shingles. They select the largest and most valuable trees in the forest, and cut out 

 the butt logs. I submit herewith some photographs illustrating the character of 

 their work. This trespass was discovered by Forester Grant B. Bruce, who, in com- 

 pany with Forester Bryant, measured the stumps and estimated the amount of 

 timber taken — which, in this case, amounted to 26,934 feet. Not all of it was 

 removed, as the parties were discovered soon after they commenced operations. 



The foresters have shown a commendable activity and efificiency in arresting 

 many of these depredators, but as each forester has an entire county to look after it 

 follows that as soon as he has gone the thieves resume work. This condition of 

 affairs will necessarily go on until the Legislature makes provision for the continu- 

 ous patrolling of each locality. I would therefore respectfully renew the recommen- 

 dation Avhich I made in my report of last year to the Commission, and urge the 

 importance of amending the forestry law so that provision may be made for a force 

 of at least thirty-five patrols or rangers, who should be required to live in the forest, 

 and on the township or district assigned to them. If this is done there will be no 

 more timber stealing nor violation of the game law on State lands. At present 

 there are only three foresters or rangers connected with the forestry department of 

 this State ; and one of these is a surveyor, who is necessarily employed on other 

 work. We are accordingly obliged to depend upon the services of the fish and 

 game protectors. The latter are active, efficient men, but there are only six of them 

 living within the Adirondack Park. They reside in some village, and much of their 

 time is necessarily occupied in the prosecution of suits for violation of the game law. 



The most important benefit to be derived from a well-organized force of patrols 

 would be in the prevention of forest fires. True, we have firewardens in each town; 

 but their duties are confined to the extinguishing of fires. Their work does not 



