PUBLIC DOCUMENT No. 25. 67 



provements were largely directed toward the construction of 

 new pens of heavy creosoted material, or, whenever practica- 

 ble, of concrete. 



Martha's Vineyard Game Farm. The reservation on Mar- 

 tha's Vineyard was established pursuant to chapter 504, Acts 

 of 1907, to preserve the last remnant of the heath hen. It is a 

 sad commentary on the thoughtlessness of the American people 

 that a bird once so numerous all over the eastern States should 

 eventually have to take up its last stand on this island in the 

 Atlantic Ocean. 



The reservation, which is situated southeast of Vineyard 

 Haven, comprises 600 acres of land on which is situated a 

 modest dwelling house and a small barn, which were purchased 

 in 1908. The Commonwealth also holds under lease, expiring 

 June 1, 1917, with an option of purchase for $10,000, an addi- 

 tional tract of 1,000 acres, on which are located two houses 

 and various outbuildings. This latter tract is held pursuant to 

 chapter 271 of the Acts of 1911, at a rental of $400 per year. 



Extensive and systematic improvements are continually 

 being carried on with a view to making the area more at- 

 tractive to the birds. A large portion of this tract and prac- 

 tically all of the surrounding country is covered with a dense 

 growth of scrub oak, with a flooring of grass and plant life of 

 an inflammable nature. The first step in the development was 

 the installation of a system of fire stops by clearing long lanes 

 70 feet wide. In these lanes all trees and bushes were removed 

 and the ground turned over with a disk harrow often enough to 

 destroy the floor covering. Under Supt. William Day, who 

 took charge of the reservation in March, 1913, the farm is 

 being thoroughly cultivated. In addition, a small pond on the 

 reservation, together with a wide strip of land around it, has 

 been enclosed for geese and ducks. 



Norfolk and Sharon. - - Inasmuch as the rearing of birds was 

 still in the experimental stage in 1912, and observations were 

 necessary for the proper application of new methods, it seemed 

 advisable to establish one or more small experimental stations 

 where observations could be carried on for the f ollowin 

 poses: (1) to secure new facts of value in rearing an 

 uting birds; (2) to train persons, both men and 



