PUBLIC DOCUMENT No. 25. 65 



been to purchase no land until it had been thoroughly tested 

 for its suitability for the work. In 1913, 132 acres of land, 

 two houses, two barns and two sheds were purchased by the 

 Commonwealth after the estate had shown that it was es- 

 pecially suited for the propagation of game birds. In addition, 

 privately owned land adjoining the land of the Commonwealth 

 was rented. The locality in which these adjoining tracts of 

 land were situated had long been a noted hunting ground 

 comprising stretches of sandy soil intermingled with substantial 

 growths of timber and desirable swamp land, which formerly 

 furnished fine cover for ruffed grouse, quail and woodcocks. 

 This territory has been adapted for hatchery purposes by the 

 erection of buildings necessary for an up-to-date game farm. 



On Dec. 1, 1914, the buildings on the main hatchery grounds 

 consisted of a remodeled farmhouse for the superintendent and 

 his assistant, a workshop, two old barns, and other minor build- 

 ings useful on a bird farm. Joseph H. Mosher was placed in 

 charge as superintendent, and under his able direction con- 

 struction was carried to its present state of completeness, 

 through the building of a modern water system, large enclos- 

 ures, rearing pens and extensive covers. At the present time 

 four employees, viz., a superintendent, a first assistant and 

 two men who are hired by the day, carry on the routine work 

 of rearing the birds and working the farm. 



East Sandwich Game Farm. In 1914 the East Sandwich 

 game farm was established on 50 acres of leased land. Work 

 was started by Supt. Harry E. Torrey, an expert breeder of 

 quail and grouse, on land particularly adapted to the propaga- 

 tion of these two species. The necessary wild quail and grouse 

 were first trapped in order to establish native breeding birds 

 of the best quality, and thereby avoid complications by intro- 

 ducing birds from outside the State. 



While engaged in the work of trapping his brood stock 

 Superintendent Torrey was busily engaged in the construction 

 of stationary yards and movable breeding pens for the quail. 

 Ten acres of thicket and open land, with several knolls and 

 hollows, were completely enclosed by a 6-foot fence of wire 

 netting. The character of this land was such as to afford 

 shelter from the cold north and northwest winds in rough 



