Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-01-21


as well as al duty to conserve and
hand down to future generations.
The bast forests of Maine so we'll
supplied with game comprise this
heritage and the residents of the
Pine Tree State are only beginning
to realize their Importance. These
points and many others were brought
to the foreground in a clear and
comprehensive address given by
Hon. Willis Z. Parsons. State COM
missioner of inland fisheries and
game, at the regular monthly meet
ing of All Souls Chapter of the Lay
mems League. held Friday evening
at the church parlors.
About so members were seated at
the tables and following a savory re-
past and 4 program of songs in
which all Joined, the session was
called to order by Chief Justice Les
lie c. Cornish. president of the chap
ter. He called attention to the fact
that the club had taken quite a wide
range geographically in it's speakers.
At the first meeting they had gone to
Tennessee and had spent 4 delight
full evening with Col. Cook: at the
second they viewed the Holy Lands
in the fine address given by Presi-
last meeting they had seen China
pictured in the eloquent address by
that noted Chinese orator; and at the
present meeting they were back to
the good old State of Maine. With a
graceful tribute he then introduced
the speaker of the evening.
Commissioner Parsons stated that
he was extremely gratified to know
that distinguished body of men
was interested in the great resources
of the State represented by that de-
partment. In referring to the attl-
tude of the people of Maine. he SAID
that a Statewide corporation is be-
ing formed at Portland to advertise
the attractions of Maine. and that
people everywhere re becoming more
interested in the conservation OF our
resources. He then gave an eloquent
description of the scenic beauty OF
Maine, the advantages of its great
resources. and pointed out from 1T
erature that roaming the fields or
penetrating the wilderness is past
time which makes for lofticr Ideals
than can be found in the haunts OF
men.
Its advantages from the commcrciGl
side and shown in the fact Tat this
new corporation organized at Port
land wants to bring the total number
"a
In order to satisfy these people from
ether states the people of Maine mus,
do more than ever before. The number
coming to Maine has been about 6Uo,-
600 for the past three years. WHAT
docs that mean to Maine? These peo-
pie pay money to the railroads to the
hotels. to the farmers. etc. ard those
men in turn scatter the. money
throughout the State. If each one
coming to Maine spends but SlO0-
and that is conservative estimate
,, il means s60,000.Oe0 every year. and
it costs Maine practically nothing.
From the ethical side. this great
heritage means much to Maine. Here
The speaker told of many remarkable
cures that have been effected by the
great woods of Maine. Il don't care
whether a person is we'll or sick. it
does him good to get into the woods, "
he said.
I'VE people don't appreciate Maine"
he declared. adding that they never
can unless they travel over II. I'VE
don't know what we have here AT
home and we nave to go to other
places." The speaker then told many
instances in his travels outside OF
Maine where in making comparisons
he has seen the superiority of Names
products and resources. One thing in
particular is the clearness of its wa
tiers as compared with those in many
ether parts of the country.
II have been often asked WIZ Maine
is called The Sportsmcn's Paradise.
he said. He was unable to tell what
was the best of Names attractions.
5But he stated that we do know that
our great state is accessible for we
can go right into our woods with aC-
tomobiles. And it's scenery combines
TO make Maine the Switzerland Of
America.
Yet Maine is doing practically moth
ing for the great resources of the
State. A brief synopsis of some Of the
things other states not half so rich
in it's forest resources are doing for
their preservation was then given b.
the speaker. He next brought to light
the manner in which much Of the
scenic beauty ofs the State is being
destroyed. In the cutting OF trees
often lumbcrmen are not careful that
the grounds are cleared up. and on
the edges of beautiful lakes and
streams there are left hardwoo!
stumps. dead trees which mar tie
beauty. This can be seen in the Aid
cash, Chesuncook. Eagle lake and iii
many other. regions. The lands should
be cleared up to the high water mark.
The work Of the State department
of inland fisheries and game was then
explained by the commissioner, who
stated that one of his duties is to go
over the State and that wherever he
gets an invitation to speak he ac-
cepts it and tries to create an inter-
est in the wild lands of the State. AS
the result of interest being aroused.
associations are being formed in the
interests of the forest lands.
The manner in which the woods
are being depleted of it's game up
around the border. the commissioner
illustrated, stated that -on visits
there had beensseen load after load
of game being carried on the road
that crosses the line. This, however.
has been stopped largely through the
work of the wardens placed in that