68 FISH AND GAME. 



feeding and propagating birds; (3) to determine the compara- 

 tive advantages of small rearing plants compared with larger 

 game farms; (4) to make observations upon the value of the 

 pheasant as a farm bird; (5) to furnish a small demonstration 

 plant such as could be established on any farm without ex- 

 pensive buildings or yards; and (6) to give the public an op- 

 portunity to view the birds and the methods of handling them. 

 In no sense was it attempted to have a "model" plant, but 

 only one such as would be typical of a simple farm. The first 

 of these was started at Sharon, where it would be most con- 

 venient for the personal observation and direction of the 

 chairman of the commission, who has long had practical ex- 

 perience in bird propagation. 



The Sharon game farm, entirely distinct from the Sharon 

 reservation, was established in 1912, the reservation two years 

 later, in 1914. The pens and range occupied by the birds dur- 

 ing the breeding season cover about 10 acres. The chairman 

 of the commission has devoted considerable time to experi- 

 mental work here, furnishing, without charge, land, workshop, 

 henhouses, brooders and incubators, only the movable equip- 

 ment, such as coops, wire fences and tools, being furnished by 

 the State. In 1912 Mr. Fred R. Gushing was put in charge 

 of this game farm. A large pheasant pen, practically animal 

 proof, in which the birds could run at large when a week old, 

 was constructed in addition to 37 large and 30 small coops, 

 with the requisite equipment for rearing quail and pheasants. 



As a further extension of the general plan, it was contem- 

 plated to place at various State institutions a similar plant, 

 where the patients would have opportunities to see the work 

 carried on, and by active participation learn the methods of 

 handling and propagating birds, in the expectation that some 

 of the most capable would thereby be introduced to a new 

 aspect of life. The first of these to be established was at the 

 Norfolk State Hospital, where 1,000 acres were set aside as a 

 game farm. As a general working proposition, it is arranged 

 that the fish and game department shall furnish materials for 

 work and supervision, the labor being furnished entirely by the 

 institution. In case it seems advisable, similar plants may be 

 established at other State institutions as ways and means 

 permit. 



