Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1910-02-09
TELEPHONES CHECK FIRES.
Results of One Years Work In thu
Forests Of New York.

Results of One Years Work in the
Forests of New York.
New York state finds that the first year
under its new regulations for the protec-
tion Of its forest land has been profitable
one. Facts and figures that have just been
published show an enormous increase in
efficiency for the year 1909; they demon
strate that the measures adopted to safe
guard the wooded area Of the Adirondacks
and Catskills have been instrumental in
saving to the state many large tracts Of
precious woodland.
The forest, fish and game commissioner,
James s. Whipple, gives some interesting
figures in his report for last year. Dur
ing 1905, with 131 towns under the juris-
diction Of the state, the loss from fire
amounted to s644 900. In 1909, with the
new laws in effect, the loss was only G6,-
1O1.
Last year there were $50 fires. burning
over L, S67 acres; the year previous there
had been 100 Ores, burning over 17,0o0
acres. In other words, with more than
twice as much territory to care for there
YVES an increase in efficiency, based on the
number Of fire, Of $50 per cent, and an in
crease in efficiency, based on the number
Of acres burned, OF no less than l ,3os per
cent.
The new state laws provided, among
other things, for paid fire patrol and for
the construction Of observation stations
ON mountain tops, together with tele-
phone lines through the forests, connect
ing up these stations. Watchmen sta
toned at these heights sweep the entire
forest fire section with telescopes, and at
the least sign of smoke their telephones
tion with the nearest settlement.
The telephone method is the one
generally accepted for checking the
spread OF dangerous blaxes. Through it
aid ia brought to the spot within q very
short time after the start OF the fire.
Many hours would be lost il messengers
were dispatched.
Extensive systems of telephones for fire
protection are found In the national
forests OF the far West. They form part
Of the scheme Of precaution used In the
woods Of northern Maine. New Hamp-
shire has plans which involve consider
able expenditure to safeguard its White
Mountain district in this manner, and the
state Of Massachusetts, is considering the
plan for it, wooded sections.
Last year New York purchased from the
Western Electric Co, manufacturer OF the
"Bell" telephones, instruments and line
material for systems extending to the
tops Of Mount Hillayr, Mount Hunter,
Balssm Lake Mountain, Whiteface, Mount
Morris, West Mountain, Snowy Mountain
and Gore Mountain. At the crest OF
Whitefacs the telephone station il placed
ct an altitude OF nearly 5000 feet.
Speaking Of the results Of the frst year,
Mr.. Whipple says, in his report: "Aany
times, II the old system had been in use,
large condagrations would have ensued.
The point il to get ct the IRE when it
starts" This 10 one Of the chief arRu-
ments for the telephones in the forests.
The prominence Of the conservation
question ct the present time makes Com
missioner Whippie's statsmsnts Of more
than usual interest. In his lectures and
writings the state forester hes been plsa4-
ing for moro general recognition Of the
value Of New York's forest lands. The
water power developed in this state, and
dependent upon the forests for it, main
hs declares, IL about q par can't.
Of all that developed in the United States.
And than. to emphasizs the nesd Of