approximate amount of revenue annually derived from the forests of the state; the damages done to them from time to time by forest fires; and any other important facts relating to forest interests which may come to their knowledge. They shall also hold meetings from time to time in different parts of the state for the discussion of forestry subjects, and make an annual report to the governor and council, embracing such suggestions as to the commission seem important, fifteen hundred copies of which shall be printed by the state.

SECT. 3. The selectmen of towns in this state are hereby constituted fire wardens of their several towns, whose duty it shall be to watch the forests, and whenever a fire is observed therein to immediately summon such assistance as they may deem necessary, go at once to the scene of it, and, if possible, extinguish it. In regions where no town organizations exist, the county commissioners are empowered to appoint such fire wardens. Fire wardens and such persons as they may employ shall be paid for their services by the towns in which such fires occur, and in the absence of town organizations, by the county.

SECT. 4. Whenever any person or persons shall supply the necessary funds therefor, so that no cost or expense shall accrue to the state, the forestry commission is hereby authorized to buy any tract of land and devote the same to the purposes of a public park. If they cannot agree with the owners thereof as to the price, they may condemn the same under the powers of eminent domain, and the value shall be determined as in the case of lands taken for highways, with the same rights of appeal and jury trial. On the payment of the value as finally determined, the land so taken shall be vested in the state, and forever held for the purposes of a public park. The persons furnishing the money to buy such land shall be at liberty to lay out such roads and paths on the land, and otherwise improve the same under the direction of the forestry commission, and the tract shall at all times be open to the use of the public.

SECT. 5. This act shall take effect upon its passage. [Approved March 29, 1893.]

CHAPTER 85, LAWS OF 1895.

AN ACT FOR THE PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION OF ORNAMENTAL AND SHADE TREES IN THE HIGHWAYS.

Be it enacted by the senate and house of representatives in general court convened:

SECTION 1. The mayor and aldermen in cities and the selectmen of towns are hereby authorized, as hereinafter provided in this act, to designate and preserve trees standing and growing in the limits of the highways, for the purposes of shade or ornament, and to designate not more than one such tree in every sixty-six feet where such trees are growing and are of a diameter of one inch or more.

SECT. 2. Said mayor and aldermen and selectmen shall, at such seasons of the year as they deem proper, designate such trees as are selected by them for the purposes set forth in this act, by driving into the same, at a point not less than four nor more than six feet from the ground, and on the side toward the highway, a nail or spike with a metallic washer hung thereon, on which shall be stamped the seal of the state of New Hampshire, together with such numbers or figures as will enable said officers to keep a correct record of said trees. Said washers shall be procured by the secretary of the forestry commission, and furnished by him to said officers as may be required by them for the purposes of this act; but nothing in this act shall prevent said officers from removing said trees whenever in their opinion the public good requires it.

Said mayor and aldermen or selectmen shall, at least once each year, renew such nails or spikes and washers as shall have been destroyed or defaced, and may also designate, in the same manner as hereinbefore directed, such other trees within the limits of the highway as in their judgment should be preserved for ornament or shade.

SECT. 3. Whoever shall wantonly or intentionally injure or deface any tree thus designated, or any of said nails, spikes, or washers affixed to said trees, shall forfeit not less than five nor

more than one hundred dollars, to be recovered by complaint, one half of which fine shall go to the complainant, and one half to the city or town wherein the offense was committed.* SECT. 4. This act shall take effect on its passage. [Approved March 28, 1895.]

CHAPTER 110, LAWS OF 1895.

AN ACT FOR THE PROTECTION OF FORESTS FROM FIRE. Be it enacted by the senate and house of representatives in general court convened:

SECTION 1. It shall be the duty of the forestry commission, upon application by the owner or owners of any tract of forest land, situated in a locality where no town organization exists, to appoint a suitable number of special fire wardens for said. tract, to define their duties, to limit their term of employment, and to fix their compensation. The expense attending the employment of said special fire wardens shall be borne one half by the party or parties making the application for their appointment and one half by the county in which said tract of forest land is located.

[Approved March 29, 1895.]

PROVISIONS OF THE PUBLIC STATUTES RELATING TO FOREST FIRES.

If any person shall kindle a fire by the use of firearms, or by any other means, on land not his own, he shall be fined not exceeding ten dollars; and if such fire spreads and does any damage to the property of others, he shall be fined not exceeding one thousand dollars.-Chapter 277, section 4.

If any person, for lawful a shall kindle a fire upon purpose, his own land, or upon land which he occupies, or upon which he is laboring, at an unsuitable time, or in a careless and

* All moieties were repealed by the legislature of 1899.

imprudent manner, and shall thereby injure or destroy the property of others, he shall be fined not exceeding one thousand dollars. Chapter 277, section 5.

Whoever shall inform the prosecuting officers of the state of evidence which secures the conviction of any person who willfully, maliciously, or through criminal carelessness has caused any damage by fire in any forest, wood lot, pasture, or field, shall receive from the state a reward of one hundred dollars. The state treasurer shall pay the same to the informer upon presentation of a certificate of the attorney-general or solicitor that he is entitled thereto.-Chapter 277, section 7.