62 REPORT OF THE 



$2,382.13 was paid for services of attorneys, fees of justices and constables and small 

 disbursements at trials. In addition to the recoveries above reported, the sum of 

 $583 was imposed as fines or penalties on divers persons who failed to pay the same, 

 and in lieu thereof served or are serving one day in jail for each dollar which they 

 failed to pay. 



There were thirty-five cases of timber cutting on State land in the Forest Pre- 

 serve. The amount recovered for the trespasses was $2,042.21. In this connection I 

 will say that there now is very little disposition to cut timber on State land. Most 

 of the trespasses here noted were caused by people mistaking the boundary lines of 

 State lands. The majority of these lines have become very dim, owing to the long 

 lapse of time since the townships were subdivided and the lines run. It is usual 

 when such cases are discovered for the offender to settle for the timber without a 

 contest. Trespassers are invariably made to pay much more than the timber is 

 worth, -and, therefore, there is now a moral respect for the law where formerly State 

 timber was considered proper prey for everyone. The trespassers were scattered 

 o.ver a wide expanse of territory and in many instances were remote from any 

 habitation. Constant surveillance is, therefore, necessary, else the timber will 

 be removed from the place of cutting before the local Protector discovers the 

 wrongdoing. 



In this connection I wish to say that an increasing sentiment in favor of the 

 " Game Law," so-called for the sake of brevity, is observable. There is also, I am 

 pleased to report, less tendency to clear offenders by juries of the violators' neigh 

 bors than was formerly the case. It was only a short time ago when trespasses were 

 openly committed and the offenders were of a boastful and defiant spirit, relying 

 confidently on neighborhood feeling and brotherly spirit to stand together " agin 

 the game law." It was heretofore the case that cities were relied on to lend the 

 material and moral support necessary in enacting and enforcing fish, game and forest 

 legislation. Residents of rural districts, and many agricultural journals circulating 

 principally among farmers were opposed to the establishment of closed seasons 

 for fish and game. I am confident that there is an awakening among residents 

 of the country to the fact that it is for their good as well as for the good of the 

 city people that the supply of fish and game be protected, which, of course, can 

 only be done by enacting and ef^ciently enforcing the law regarding the same. 



I would respectfully call your attention to the fact that the number of Protectors 

 authorized by law is inadequate to the work of efficiently enforcing the forest, fish 

 and game laws of the State. The number provided for, in addition to myself, is 

 thirty-seven, of which three are of necessity confined to the protection of shellfish, 



