the Forester is to use means to prevent and to extinguish forest fires
which destroy annually thousands of dollars worth of young timber.
For this purpose there is a well established system of lockout stations.
About 600 men commissioned by the Governor as Forest Wardens are
distributed throughout the State, who are constantly upon. the watch to
discover and extinguish fires; giving particular attention during the
danger seasons in spring and fall. The laws against setting out fires
are very strict. The State and county divide the expense of extinguish-
ing fires.

The Department also administers eleven State forests, comprising
about 35,000 acres in eight different counties The main purpose of these
forests is for timber growing and watershed protection, but they also
serve as a recreation ground for the people of the State, being visited
every year by thousands for camping and other forms of recreation.
The Legislature of 1931 appropriated $25,000 for the purchase of addi-
tional State forests.

The Roadside Tree Law directs the Department of Forestry to care
for those trees growing within the right of-way of any public highway
in the State, and no tree can be cut or trimmed by a corporation or
individual without a permit from the Forestry Department, after appli-
cation to the State Forester. The same Act makes it illegal to post
commercial advertising signs within the right of way of highways, and
citizens are empowered and Forest Wardens directed to remove them.

A State forest nursery, established in 1914, furnishes trees at cost
for forest planting and for planting along roadsides.

STATE WEATHER SERVICE.

Name. Postoffice.
Edward B. Mathews, Director .. . . Baltimore
John R. Weeks, Meteorologist, U. S. Custom House . . Baltimore

The State Weather Service continues its work of compilation of local
statistics regarding climatic conditions and in the dissemination of in-
formation regarding the climatology of Maryland under the Regents of
the University of Maryland through the State Geologist as successor of
the Maryland State Weather Service Commission. The State Geologist
ex officio is Director, performing all the functions of former officers with
the exception of Meterologist, who is commissioned by the Governor and
serves as liaison officer with the United States Weather Bureau. All
activities except clerical are performed voluntarily. (Ch. 29, 1922.)

THE DEPARTMENT OF MILITIA

Name. Postoffice.

The Commanding General (the Adjutant General) . Annapolis

Brigadier General Milton A. Reckord.

Chief Clerk;
Major E. Leslie Medford Annapolis

Finance Clerk-
Major Benjamin C. Gott . . .. . . .. Annapolis

Stenographers:

Miss Elizabeth L. Gott ................ . .- Annapolis
Mrs. Gordon L. Scible Annapolis