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Forest Fires.

WING to the frequent rains in the early spring, it was thought that the annuallyrecurring spring forest fires might be limited in number and severity, but during the latter part of April and early in May serious forest fires occurred in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and other States, doing immense damage, destroying valuable property and timber, and also the forest cover, injuring the trees, etc., which were not destroyed. Thousands of acres of forests were burned in various sections of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the statement being made in the press that a stretch of 100 miles in a nearly continuous strip had been burned over in the southern portion of the latter State. The losses in the oil regions of Pennsylvania from forest fires are said to have been over $1,000,000.

Some excerpts are given below from the daily press which show the tremendous loss from forest fires, which, if they cannot be prevented, should, at least, be lessened, and those causing them promptly punished.

Bradford, Pa., April 30.-The worst forest fires in the history of this section of Pennsylvania raged to-night, and $1,000,000 worth of property has been destroyed.

In the district where the fire raged a large number of oil-wells were located. On both sides of the railway the woods were a mass of flames, which swept over an area of 2 miles, taking everything in their path. The people of the town were rescued by a special train being run as far as Davis City. Several buildings were burned.

Fires were reported from all sections, and a number of lumber camps and chemical factories were reported as being in ashes.

The hills surrounding Mount Jewett were on fire, and the smoke was so dense and the heat so intense in the town that people walking about the streets were obliged to wear dampened cloths over their faces.

At Campbelltown, on the B. R. & P. Railroad, a barn was burned and many rigs destroyed. There was a big fire west of Marshburg.

At Simpson, in the heart of the oil-field, the fire destroyed hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of property. It covered an area of 2 miles and spread so rapidly that scarcely anything in its path escaped. Oil-derricks, tanks and

steam-boxes all went.

Punxsutawney, April 30.-Forest fires raged in the vicinity of Cortez, a lumbering town near here, and nearly 1000 persons were employed fighting the fire.

The first fire was caused by sparks from a sawmill a mile from Cortez. Clark, Kizer & Kipp's big sawmill, 200 feet away, was also burnt.

Stroudsburg, Pa., April 30.-Forest fires were burning on the timber tract on the mountain back of Tannersville.

Oil City, April 30.-Forest fires raged in Venango County at several points. A portion of the Oil City Fair and Trotting Association buildings were destroyed to-day.

Coudersport, Pa., May 1.-Over a million dollars' worth of property has been destroyed, at least one life has been lost, as a result of awful forest fires moved by a terrific wind. The large saw and planing-mill of the Lackawanna Lumber Company has been burned, together with a quantity of lumber, entailing a loss of $1,000,000.

There were 14,000,000 feet of sawed hemlock and pine lumber in the yards, all of which was destroyed. So rapid was the advance of the fire that a force of men who had remained near the mill were hemmed in and narrowly escaped with their lives.

Among the property burned were 30 cars of the Buffalo & Susquehanna Railroad Company loaded with lumber, and 30 empty cars. Several miles of track are destroyed.

The

Williamsport, Pa., May 1.-The forest fires raging in this and adjoining counties did inestimable damage. A sawmill on Lawshe's Run was burned this morning, as was also a large quantity of sawed lumber and 60,000,000 feet of logs. loss is estimated at $50,000. The flames were driven by a terrific wind that rendered the work of the fire fighters useless. Fire swept the territory between Big and Little Pine Creeks. There was a continuous band of fire from Waterville to Jersey Mills, the flames traveling as fast as a race horse. In the vicinity of Stokesdale 1,000,000 feet of logs were destroyed to-day.

Pottsville, Pa., May 1.-Immense forest fires destroyed $75,000 worth of timber here to-day. The leaves and old timber were piled five feet high, and the flames from this inflammable material leaped 60 feet in the air and swept all before it.

The section foremen and all their gangs on the Minehill division of the Philadelphia & Reading Railway were summoned out to fight the fire at Beckville. Foxes, rabbits and other game were also forced from cover.

Hanover, Pa., May 1.-Fire started near Buena Vista, in the South Mountain, yesterday afternoon, and spread so rapidly during the night that hundreds of acres of timber were consumed.

Hammonton, N. J., April 30.-A fire, caused by sparks from a locomotive at East Hammonton, burned from East Hammonton to Nesco and on

toward Pleasant Mills, a distance of 8 miles and very grateful for anything whatever you please to 2 miles wide. give me.

Superintendent Lovell, of the West Jersey & Seashore Railroad, brought all section men from all points between Atlantic City and Hammonton to fight the fire. All available men and boys able to handle a shovel were in the woods fighting the fire.

Plattsburg, N. Y., May 1.-A heavy snowstorm set in over the Adirondacks to-day, practically checking the fierce forest fires that have spread rapidly in the last week.

The Hotel St. Armand, at Saranac Lake village, has been destroyed and the fence and buildings of the driving park were burned.

Montreal, Quebec, May 1.-Extensive forest fires raged about 50 miles north of here, between the towns of St. Jovite and La Belle. The flames reached the Canadian Pacific Railroad line and the more inhabited portion of the Laurentian district. The village of Morrison, containing a mill and about a dozen farmhouses, was entirely destroyed, and the flames were so severe on both sides of the railroad track that cars were badly scorched.

We print the following, as a sample of the extremity to which forest fires have reduced more than one family in this State. There is no excuse for such fires. They always come from ignorance, carelessness or crime, and in either case merit prompt punishment. The Forestry Department is doing all in its power to bring the offenders to justice, but too often fails to receive the support of those who know of the origin of these fires, and by whose testimony conviction could be secured. Meanwhile, what can be done to help this sufferer ?

J. T. ROTHROCK,

Department of Forestry, Harrisburg, Pa.
May 18, 1903.

Hon. Governor of the State of Pennsylvania:
Sir-I here make an appeal to the govern-
ment of this State for help on account of forest
fire. I am destroyed. I am a poor man and
trying to make an honest living. I have had 11⁄2
miles of fence burnt; the fire killed all my small
timber and I have no big timber. Neither have
I any buildings, and not $1.00 to buy a sack of
flour with.

There were men looking at my property to-day and they said my loss at least would amount to $2000. It is enough to put a man out of his mind, especially one that has tried as hard to get along as I have. I really don't know what to do if the State don't help me some. I would be

I have battled through this world so far, and now I am getting old and beg of you for God's sake and the love of man to help me out. If you want to know what for man I am, write me and I will send you a sworn statement if you want it from responsible men.

Please write me and tell me what you will or can do. I will have the satisfaction of knowing, anyhow. Just fancy in your own mind a man with a big family and everything he has got burned in a day or two. This may be the first case of this kind that ever was in this State; but I am in need badly and feel as though I ought to be helped. Yours very respectfully,

TH

Fifty Dollars Reward!

THE Commissioner of Forestry, in view of the numerous fires occurring from day to day upon State Reservation and other forest lands, desires to call attention to the reward of fifty dollars offered, under the provisions of the Act of Assembly of June 11, 1879, to the prosecutor, for the conviction of any person who shall wantonly and wilfully kindle any fire so that any woodlands, barrens or moors are thereby set on fire.

This reward is payable out of the county treasury by the commissioners of the county wherein the conviction is had.

A

J. T. ROTHROCK.

Arbor Day.

PRIL 3d and April 17th were proclaimed Arbor Days by Governor Pennypacker, being generally observed throughout the State, the day which was best suited to the locality being selected.

In Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames planted about sixty trees at Stenton, one being a slip from the old Charter Oak, of Hartford, Conn. Addresses were made by John Birkinbine, President of the Pennsylvania Forestry Association, Dr. S. J. Schmucker, of the West Chester Normal School, and Andrew Wright Crawford, Recording Secretary of the City Parks' Association.

In many of the public schools Arbor Day was observed by special exercises arranged by princi

pals and teachers, with the purpose of inculcating love of trees, plants and flowers in the hearts and minds of the pupils, and in suburban and other schools, where possible, the lesson was given a practical application by the planting of trees and vines.

The principals of the five special schools for truant and backward children arranged for the planting of trees, vines or seeds by the pupils, in tree-boxes or in the playgrounds where this was possible, and stated that perhaps no public school children more thoroughly enjoyed or entered with greater spirit into the work.

The following letter from Newtown, Bucks Co., gives a description of the Arbor Day exercises there :

"The Arbor Day exercises, at the Newtown Public School,' reflected great credit on the Principal, Mr. Hoffman, and his assistants.

"The essays, songs and recitations of the pupils were replete with knowledge of the variety, utility, beauty and sentiment of trees.

"The information thus gained in youth will do much towards retaining their interest in the future preservation of our woodlands, and form a strong link in the successful work of Forestry.'

"The scholars contributed a fine specimen of Norway Maple, which was planted in the name of Roosevelt.'

At Doylestown, Pa., the fifth annual memorial service was held on the grounds of National Farm School, on May 1st.

The special feature of the ceremony was the consecrating of trees in memory of departed friends and supporters of the school, addresses being made by a number of prominent speakers. These are only a few notices which might be indefinitely increased.

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leased or sold, but should be held for the use of the public and for individuals who should be allowed to occupy such sites free of charge, but who should be restricted in their occupancy to the use of tents.

2. That where the timber along the shores of a lake or traveled stream has been killed by the backflow of a State dam, these dead and unsightly stubs should be removed, and that reasonable appropriations be made from time to time for such purpose.

3. That the appropriations for the protection I of the State forests from fire be increased so as to permit of the employment of patrols, and a more complete service in this respect.

4. That a liberal sum of money be granted annually to carry on the work of reforesting the burned or denuded lands in the preserve, and for the maintenance of the State nurseries in which forest tree seedlings can be propagated and furnished to carry on such work.

5. That in addition to the two expert foresters now in the employ of the commission two more be provided for in the annual appropriation or supply-bill, thereby increasing the number to four.

6. That in view of the large number of people who visit the Adirondacks each summer, and the immense revenue derived from this source, the necessity for protecting the great water-shed of northern New York, and the benefit derived from the climatic and sanitary functions of the forests, advantages which are dependent solely on preservation of wooded conditions, the policy of acquiring more land as an addition to the preserve should be continued, and that purchases of forest lands in the Adirondacks and Catskills should be promptly made whenever the property is offered at a reasonable price.

The committee also visited the College Forest of Cornell University, and in the report questions the wisdom of the course pursued. Briefly, they claim that 1500 acres have been denuded in three years, that the theory is to obliterate the forest by cutting different sections annually and replanting, but only 275 acres have been replanted, the remainder being strewn with brush and débris, making the fire risk very hazardous. They state that if it was necessary to remove the trees, in order to substitute a better class of timber, it would have been better to burn it off, thus saving the money which it is claimed is being lost in carrying out the lumber contract, requesting that the existing contract be canceled, and the work of removing the old forests be stopped, the ef forts being directed for a period to the manage ment of nurseries for seedlings and the replant

1. That the necessary legal provisions be made to enable the State to grant small leases of Adirondack land to campers and cottagers and avail itself of the large revenues obtainable from this source; that such leases should have a frontage on lakes or streams not to exceed 400 feet in length, and that the alternate sites should not being of waste-places.

It is not the purpose or desire of FOREST LEAVES | for promoting practical work by the distribution to pass upon the committee's report, but its pub of seedling trees, etc. We certainly wish the lication will evidently have the effect of bringing association every success in its endeavor. about a discussion of different methods of forest treatment, which will be to the advantage of the country.

A sure sign of the progress which forestry has made is shown in the care and attention given to this subject by the New York Legislature, and the report of the committee evidences, throughout, an intelligent appreciation of the value of forests and anxiety for their preservation and

care.

T

Forestry in Massachusetts.

HE Massachusetts Forestry Association endeavored to secure the passage of the following act by the Legislature of that State : An Act to Establish the Office of State Forester. SECTION 1. Be it enacted, etc., That a State Forester shall be appointed by the Governor and Council to serve for three years, or until his successor be chosen and qualified.

Sec. 2. The State Forester shall have full power and authority to do all acts that in his judgment may assist in the promotion of woodland and roadside tree-growth, and in the protection and improvement of the forests of the Commonwealth, whether owned by the State or by individuals; but in no event shall he have power to interfere with any other State or town officer, or do any act which shall affect the rights of any individual.

Sec. 3. Said Forester shall receive a salary of one hundred dollars a month and his actual expenses.

Sec. 4. To carry out the purposes of this act there may be expended annually a sum not exceed ing five thousand dollars.

Sec. 5. The State Forester shall annually, on or before the 1st of January, make a written report to the Governor of his doings in respect to the duties herein assigned to him, together with a detailed statement of the expenses incurred in carrying out these duties, and such recommendations as may be deemed proper.

Sec. 6. The State Forester shall be subject in all matters to the control of that division of the State Board of Agriculture which has charge of forestry interests.

Sec. 7. This act shall take effect on its passage. Unfortunately, the bill was not passed, although this is hoped for next year. In the meantime, the Massachusetts Forestry Association is trying to raise a fund of $3000 for the purpose of employing a forester to work under the direction of the executive committee during the coming year, and

President Roosevelt on Forest Preservation.

IN

N April, President Roosevelt spent several weeks in the Yellowstone National Park, and when he left on April 24th made an address in which the national wonders of the park were mentioned, as well as the necessity of preserving the forests and its denizens. The following extract in regard to forest preservation is of interest :

"The preservation of the forests is, of course, the matter of prime importance in maintaining a preserve of this character. Congress has not in recent years done anything more important than passing the Irrigation bill, and nothing more essential to the preservation of the water-supply that they make is the preservation of the forests. Montana has in its water-power a source of development which has hardly been touched. This water-power will be seriously impaired if ample protection is not given the forests. Therefore, this park, like the forest reserves generally, is of the utmost advantage to the country around, from the merely utilitarian side. But, of course, this park also, because of its peculiar features, is to be reserved as a beautiful playground.

"Here all the wild creatures of the old days are being preserved, and their overflow into the surrounding country means that the people of the surrounding country, so long as they see that the laws are observed by all, will be able to insure to themselves and to their children and to their children's children much of the old time pleasure of the hardy life of the wilderness and of the hunter in the wilderness."

The South Spring Ranch and Cattle Company, which owns a big ranch near Roswell, in the Pecos River Valley, New Mexico, wants to raise trees on a part of its irrigated lands, both for fenceposts and for shade and ornamental purposes. The Bureau of Foresty made a plan for 450 acres. The trees to be planted for fence-posts will be hardy catalpa; those to be planted for shade and ornament will be hardwoods, such as black walnut, pecan, green ash, basswood, horse-chestnut, white elm and sycamore. There is no timber in this part of New Mexico except the cottonwoods that are planted there. Fence-posts of sabine cedar, from the canyons of western Texas, are shipped in, and cost 15 cents to 20 cents apiece.

Forest Growth at Wildwood, N. J.

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ILDWOOD forest, using a dignified term for a remarkable growth of trees and shrubs, is part of the thicket-formation on Five-mile Beach, constituted by the association of the following arborescent species: Juniperus Virginiana, L.;* Prunus maritima, Wang.; Quercus minor (Marsh), Sarg.; Quercus alba, L.; Quercus minor (Marsh), Sarg.; Myrica cerifera, L.; Sassafras Sassafras (L.), Karst.; Nyssa sylvatica, Marsh; Magnolia Virginiana, L.; Acer rubrum, L.; Prunus serotina, Ehrh.; Quercus digitata (Marsh), Sudw., and Vitis Labrusca, L. The grapevines which grow here reach a foot in diameter, and are true lianes. Upon the ground, usually in the sandy open places, abound Cassia chamæcrista, L.; Strophostyles helvola (L.), Britton; Solidago odora, Ait.; Solidago fistulosa, Solidago fistulosa, Mill.; Panicum amarum, Ell.; Eupatorium hyssopifolium, L.; Willughbwa (Mikania) scandens (L.), Kuntze; Lespedeza capitata, Michx.; Lycopus sinuatus, Ell.; Lippia lanceolata, Michx.; Ambrosia artemisiafolia, L.; near the railroad, Helianthus giganteus, L.; Meibomia paniculata (L.), Kuntze, with many other other species, most native, some introduced.

There are many peculiar growths in this forest due, it seems, to a combination of causes. Vigor and density of growth are due to a mild, moist climate and a soft, moist soil, which Wildwood is known to possess. Strong winds and the work of cattle, no doubt, in part account for the close, jagged growths which are common at this seaside resort. Cattle, for many years, ran wild on this island, which, two hundred and thirty-nine years ago, Charles II. of England granted to his brother James, Duke of York, March 12, 1664. The last of these wild herds were shot only a few years ago. They, in probability, roamed unmolested since the great native chiefs, Hohan Topatrapanning, Hohan Kepanectamto, Takamony and Mothant Takomis, by deed perfected the title in the white grantees of the King, March 30, 1688. Or, they may have roamed, since the time, when fifty-two whalers lived here, one hundred and

thirty-five years ago.

However, the cattle came, they influenced, to a considerable extent, the character of the growth by trampling through the groves and eating the tops and buds of the younger treevegetation. As a result, it is not uncommon to find two hollies grown together, or a limb of one grown fast to another holly, or one limb uniting with another limb of the same tree, or joining the trunk, so as to form "jug-handles." are according to Britton's Manual of

*The names

Botany.

In one instance, two hollies are embracing and slowly killing a red cedar, several of the dead limbs of which have been surrounded by the trunks of the hollies. Here are numerous examples of tree-contention. The limbs of the hollies are matted and zigzag. The trees are full of limb-holes, favorite resting-places for flickers. The forest was at one time very dense and the underbrush a mass of green briars. Freak trees are abundant. are abundant. The "Siamese Twins," two monster hollies, grow up to a height of sixty-five feet. About fifteen feet from the ground, years ago, a branch nearly a foot in diameter grew out from one tree and into the other, solidly joining them.

"Crookedness" is a cedar tree which has assumed a most fantastic shape. "Before Columbus" is a huge red cedar nearly three feet in diameter, fifty feet high, with gnarled branches. "Methusaleh" is another huge cedar tree; "Contwisted" is a name given by painted signboard to two large trees, with trunks one and one-half feet in diameter, twisted about each other. "Laocoon" appropriately describes an oak tree supporting an enormous grapevine, Vitis Labrusca, L. The stem of this liane is as thick as a man's leg. Many of the larger trees, especially the red maples, are draped with long festoons of the lichen Usnea barbata, reminding one of the live oaks of the south draped with the gray Florida moss, Tillandsia usnevides, L.

JOHN W. HARSHBERGER.

[The two views were taken by Mr. J. B. Rich, of Philadelphia. The first one gives an idea of the general character of the forest, with a holly and two white oaks in the foreground, while other oaks and hollies appear in the distance. The second illustration of a cedar and two holly trees shows the way in which branches of the cedar run through or are surrounded by the holly trees, the branches of the cedar in some instances projecting six or eight feet from the holly tree.-ED.]

The City Parks' Association of Philadelphia has just issued its Fifteenth Annual Report, Part. II., advocating the prompt securing of numerous playgrounds, squares, circles and triangular parks,

under one acre in extent, in various sections of the city, stating where these might be located; illustrations showing the areas which are suggested for small parks or playgrounds, while still other views, taken in various cities, are pictures of what has been already accomplished there with similar areas. Quite a number of these suggested parks are located close to schools, where they could be used by the pupils as playgrounds, and in summer, when the schools are closed, by the general public.

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