Report of the Forestry Commission appointed by the Legislature, July, 1881. The Commission consisted of Governor Hale, Messrs. Henry G. Jesup, Joseph B. Walker, William H. Hills, Joseph Barnard, William S. Ladd, Ithiel E. Clay and William F. Flint. They served without any expense to the State, except $300 for clerical assistance.

Like all these Commissions, and efforts by States, in connection with the Forestry question, this has resulted more in a collection of facts bearing on the subject, than as formulating any comprehensive plan on which the Legislature can act. Indeed, the commissioners themselves say that the chief result hoped for from their work is, that "it may provoke discussion and elicit opinions" as to what can be done. As to opinion, the report itself shows how little help can be had from that source. A number of letters appear from " old inhabitants," who very well know that there has been a decrease in rainfall since the forests have been cut away; but when we turn to another part of the report, to the records of the rain guages, we find that there has been an increase rather than a decrease of rainfall, since the "oldest inhabitant" takes his retrospective view. If springs have dried, or rivers show less water in their courses, it will be from other causes than a deficiency of rainfall.

A very useful feature of this report is, the full list of the woody plants of New Hampshire, by William F. Flint.

It is evident from this and other reports, that the great drawback to Forestry planting in our country is the liability to forest fires. A complete and exhaustive chapter is given to this topic here. The usual recommendations are repeated here, that "laws" prescribing penalties, and fixing liabilities should be established. A sort of police to put out fires, and hunt for incendiaries is recommended. As to fixing liability, that is surely clear enough by the common law now, but we all know what it is for a poor fellow to undertake to sue a rich corporation for damages. Five, ten, or even twenty years are taken, before "Justice" renders her decision; and when she does, the legal costs take all the damages one may be awarded.

After a careful study of this able report, we are still of opinion that our plan is the best - to make it the duty of the public prosecutor, not to fine people who accidentally start fires, but those who leave dry brush around for people to fire; and to imprison (fines and damages being nonsense) those through whose negligence in these matters, loss of life or damage to others ensues.