Report of the Forest Commission, 109 



tion of timber by the overflow on forest lands belonging to the 

 State ; and to respectfully urge the Legislature to act favorably 

 on all measures introduced in favor of forest preservation, or the 

 extension of the Forest Preserve, through purchase of lands. 



To this end public meetings were held at which speeches were 

 made and papers on forestry matters were read and discussed. 

 Active efforts were made to arouse public opinion and stimulate 

 sentiment in favor of forest preservation. The association 

 exerted a strong influence also in securing the passage of laws 

 which greatly facilitated the work of the Forest Commission. 



At a large and enthusiastic meeting held a few years since at 

 the Museum of Natural History in New York city, under the call 

 and auspices of this association, the following resolutions, moved 

 by William Potts, and seconded by Grover Cleveland, were 

 adopted. They furnish some idea of the aims and intent of the 

 association : 



Whereas, The commercial prosperity of the State of New 

 York is largely dependent upon the free and safe navigation of 

 the Hudson river and of the Erie canal, which in turn draws its 

 water from the Black river ; and, 



Whereas, For this reason the public interests imperatively 

 demand the retention of the forest covering upon the mountain 

 slopes from which these rivers take their rise, because without 

 this covering the liability to alternate disastrous floods and low 

 water will be greatly increased ; and, 



Whereas, The preservation of these forests is generally con- 

 ceded to be almost of the utmost importance to public health ; 

 and, 



Whereas, Their removal is progressing with great rapidity, 

 and in many cases if once removed they can never be restored. 



Resolved, That pending the completion of the arrangements 

 necessary for the establishment of this absolute control, the Legis- 

 lature be urged to pass such measures as may be practicable to 

 minimize the further destruction of timber in this district. 



Resolved. That to this end we urge the passage of laws : 



1. To prohibit the building of railroads over any State 

 lands in the Adirondack region without previous consent of the 



