64 FISH AND GAME. 



and considerable data accumulated concerning the raising of 

 birds, for the personal guidance of the superintendents and for 

 the benefit of individuals interested in the rearing of birds. 

 The methods of bird culture, some of which are only in the 

 experimental stage, have been (developed by such experiments, 

 and it is an important duty of the State hatcheries to conduct 

 such experimental work, in order to determine the most efficient 

 and economical means of producing game birds. Directions 

 regarding the feeding and care of the birds will be sent on ap- 

 plication to persons interested. 



The Wilbraham Game Farm. --In 1912 the only station 

 operated by the State was situated on a limited area of land 

 in the town of Sutton. The need of more and larger game farms 

 was imperative to increase the production of game birds, since 

 Sutton was producing nearly its maximum yield. The solution 

 of this problem was found in the selection and establishment 

 of the Wilbraham game farm, which not only offers opportu- 

 nity for raising birds on a large scale, but possesses the advan- 

 tage of indefinite expansion in the production of game birds. 

 The game farm is located in the southwest corner of the town 

 of Wilbraham, about 2 miles from the Wilbraham post office, 

 and though easily accessible is sufficiently isolated from a large 

 population to prevent numerous visitors interfering with the 

 raising of the birds. Its location is such as to provide an ideal 

 distributing center for that part of the State. 



Since its establishment in 1912 the Wilbraham game farm 

 has been in the early stages of development and growth. The 

 main efforts of the past three years have been devoted to the 

 establishment of a firm foundation for future work, and the 

 greatest efforts have been expended on construction work, 

 with the result that at the present time the hatchery is just 

 beginning to demonstrate its productive capacity and possibil- 

 ities for future development. 



The land for the Wilbraham game farm was not purchased 

 outright, but 109 acres were leased from C. A. Atchison, John 

 H. Reader and Henry Clark for a period of five years, beginning 

 Jan. 15, 1912, and 100 acres from R. Bostick for a period of 

 three years from Nov. 11, 1912, with an option of purchase at 

 the expiration of the lease. The policy of this department has 



