l8 TENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSIONER 



of its intention to expend at least $10,000 yearly hereafter in replanting its 

 denuded lands. With such forces at work to restore the forests, and with 

 adequate aid given the Commission to carry out its own plans in this con- 

 nection, the State of New York will as usual take the lead in a great economic 

 project, and each year that passes will see a nearer approach to the restora- 

 tion of our forests. 



General public satisfaction has been expressed with the work of the 

 hatchery system. The value of the inland fisheries of the State and of the 

 salt water fisheries as well has never been properly appreciated, and the 

 statistics presented by the Commission are intended to place these fisheries 

 properly before the public. It is believed that a due appreciation of their 

 value will ultimately result. The timely aid furnished by the legislature 

 last winter enabled the Commission to make much needed repairs to the 

 hatcheries and to inaugurate some extensions made necessary by the 

 increased demands on the part of the people for fish with which to stock 

 the lakes and streams of the State. It is regretted that the aid asked for 

 the department of shellfisheries was not also furnished, as this highly 

 important branch of the Commission's work is growing in value yearly, and 

 the demands upon the Commission in this connection grow also. A patrol 

 boat is much needed for the protection of the oyster beds, and there is great 

 need also for a renewal of the work of lobster culture. 



With reference to the game laws it may be said, as they now exist, they 

 are in much better condition than ever before. During the past year there 

 were fewer cases of violations of the law to come up for prosecution than in 

 the previous season, and it is believed that if the laws are retained in their 

 present condition, the record of the coming year will be even better. 



In conclusion, the Commission has to say that it sees no reason for recom- 

 mending any additional legislation. Its best efforts will be directed to the 

 execution of the laws enacted by the legislature, and it is hoped that such 

 legislation will be largely based on the suggestions made by those having 

 charge of the several branches of the Commission's work. 



DeWitt C. Middleton, 



Commissioner. 



