The Washington times., 1904-02-21


j. Bachelder, Governor Of New Hampshire
CONCORD. y. H., Feb. 2O.-The i'm
prOvemcnt OF conditions in New Hamp-
shire a regards the growth and preser-
walton Of the forest cover is one OF
the most interesting examples OF the
comparatively recent enlargement and
enlightenment or public spirit through
out this State,
Ten years ago there was hut one large
owner OF forest lands in New Hamp-
shire who operated them on scientific
economical and preservative principles
today there is but one large owner who
does no. so operate them. Taking all
the lumber concerns. large and small.
in the State, it is probable that so per
cent If the total timber crop in New
Hampshire each year Is harvested on
lines hat would meet the approval OF
AUTHORIZES on forestry.
First Forestry Law.
II WAS II, 1925 that the States first
general forestry law was enacted, au-
thorizing tie appointment OF State
forestry commission. and clothing II
with power TO study the general PROP
lem of forest protection and prsserya-
ton, with particular reference to ths
conditions existing IN New Hampshire.
to make reports. to hold public meet
/ lngs. md TO arouse an earnest and IN
telligens civic sentiment on this head.
The commissioners then appointed
were George Byron Chandler. of Man
chester: Napoleon 3. Bryant. of Aud
over. ard Prof James +. Colby, OF
| Dartmouth College. splendidly repre-
/ sentative citizens, who have been sue
ceeded BY three of equal fitness-Col.
| Henry O. Kent of Lancaster; Mar
shall g. Wentworth. OF Jackson. and
George r Bales. of wilton The sec
retary cc the commission from its es-
tablishment to the present time has
been George II. Moses. OF Concord
Private Organization.
The excellent work done by this Of
fetal body has been supplemented dur
ing the last few years by the earnest
! efforts of a private organization. the So
cfetv for the Preservation OF New Hamp-
| shire Forests formed in 1901 by large
number OF the States best people. both
her own citizens and her summer resi-
dents. Former Governor Frank w. Roi-
Inns has served as president of the so
ciety since its organization. and for two
years II has maintained in the field a
trained and jealous worker, Philip W.
Ayres.
These two agencies. working together
tremendously. quietly and effectively.
are doing a great work on both educa-
tive and legislative lines. The first gen
eraI forestry law has been amended and
added TO In succeeding years. and other
statutes have been enacted in Its sup
port and furthersnce.
Fire Protection.
Protection against fire was imperative
" demanded. for the damage TO forests
by flames has been fully as great as b.
indiserfminafe cutting. so the first law
very carefully restricted. not only the
rights Of hunters. campers. and others
10 set fires on land owned By others.
but also the right of the owner of tae
land himself to set fires which might
cause harm TO the property OF others.
This hrs since been supplemented by a
law covering the unineoTporated places
OF the State. where much OF the best
| timber is located. which gives the for
estry commission. power to appoint fire
wardens for those places. the power OK
appointment Ia towns being vested In
/ the selectmen.
! More than 900 600 shade and ornamen-
| tai trees I'm the highways have been
]
warden law. statute which provides
for the appointment I'm every city and
town OF tree warden who may mark
such trees Of the varieties named as he
thinks best With a spike with disk
head. on which the initials of the State
are printed i'm black or red Severe
penalties NAV be visited upon anyone
who harms in any way a tree so
marked
Remission of Taxes.
Reforestatiok has been promoted by
means OF a lSR enacted by the Legis-
lature OF 1903 which provides for a GER
tain remission of taxes on land planted
| 90 forest and for the furnishing of
plants and seedlings at special price
! through the agency of the State.
| Another good act OF this same Legis-
lature was the appropriation of 5000
| for a forest examination" of the
White Mountain region. The State COM