14 FISH AND GAME. 



such associations that the best results in the enforcement of the 

 fish and game laws, the most effective distribution of the annual 

 output of fish and game, and the education of the rank and file 

 to more advanced ideas of conservation can be achieved. 



Migratory Bird Law. - - The Federal regulations for the pro- 

 tection of migratory birds, approved by the President Oct. 1, 

 1914, marks a decided advance in bird protection. The pro- 

 visions of this act apply in Massachusetts except when the 

 Massachusetts laws are more limited, i.e., a shorter season. In 

 such instances the Massachusetts law takes precedence. In 

 another year we may be able to report the effects of this law 

 upon Massachusetts birds. 



Heath Hen. Marked improvements have been made during 

 the past two years on the reservation on Martha's Vineyard, 

 and up-to-date facilities, particularly in fire prevention, are at 

 hand for caring for the heath hen, which, ten years ago number- 

 ing less than fifty, have increased to over one thousand. 



Hunters' Licenses. The great increase in the number of 

 licenses issued during 1914, producing a revenue of $64,966.85 

 to the Commonwealth, as compared with $50,497.30 for 1912, 

 speaks well for the system. The money derived from this source 

 should rightly be invested in the propagation of game. 



Educational Exhibitions. 



Your commissioners have endeavored to interest the public in 

 fish and game conservation by exhibiting live birds and fish as 

 reared at the hatcheries at the agricultural fairs and at other 

 exhibitions at Boston, Barnstable, North Adams, Mansfield, 

 Northampton, Fitchburg, Palmer and Worcester, where live 

 trout, salmon, perch, ducks and pheasants proved centers of 

 attraction. In addition, a number of stereopticon lectures have 

 been given in different parts of the State. 



Organization. 



In addition to the three commissioners, on Nov. 30, 1914, the 

 department had 87 officials and employees who were organized 

 into an office force and thirteen other groups or divisions, each 

 of which was in charge of an official directly responsible to* the 



