FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 1 65 



raphy but with different forest cover, as for example, a forested area with 

 one which has been heavily cut over, will yield results from which much may 

 be learned. 



There is great need of such records in order to discuss intelligently 

 the effects of forest upon river flow, for while it is generally recognized 

 that forest preservation has a beneficial influence, the extent of this influ- 

 ence has never been accurately determined, and there is wide diver- 

 sity of opinion as to how far-reaching it is. On hardly any phase 

 of forestry has there been more discussion than on this, and on 

 hardly any is there so slight a basis of known fact on which to rest the 

 argument. It is very necessary that a definite understanding be reached 

 on this point, for on the available supply of water depend many of the 

 greatest industries of the country. Particularly is this true of New York 

 State, where the canals and waterways play so large a part in the domestic 

 commerce. Furthermore, it is eminently desirable that a definite under- 

 standing be reached of the fluctuation of streams which furnish power to 

 mills or for navigation. The prospective manufacturer must know what 

 to expect of a given stream before he will invest his capital in an under- 

 taking dependent on it. 



It is important to reduce these conclusions to a definite basis, 

 expressed, if possible, in such form as to make it possible to estimate the 

 actual value to the people or to the State of the better regulation of the 

 stream. For instance, if it will cost a thousand dollars to preserve forest 

 conditions upon a given tract, it is important to know whether the benefits 

 thus derived will aggregate two thousand dollars or only five hundred. We 

 can estimate the value of the timber, but the principal unknown factor 

 is the valuation to be placed upon the improved condition of the streams. 

 This valuation, as above stated, can be reached only when a series of meas- 

 urements has been made of the outflow from forest tracts and from similar 

 areas which have been denuded. 



Raquette Lake is the only body of water of considerable size in Town- 

 ship 40, but the above statement applies to all lakes and ponds within the 

 Adirondacks. One of the first steps in preparing to formulate a scheme of 

 forest protection for the benefit of the water-supply should be a study of 

 the uses of the water, and of how the flow should be regulated to make the 

 benefit the largest possible. This work should be undertaken wherever 

 practicable on the streams of the Adirondacks, and especially at such loca- 

 tions as the proposed dam at the Outlet of Raquette Lake. These exami- 



