72 FISH AND GAME. 



The late Edward A. Bracket! in 1894 was the first person to 

 start the propagation of pheasants in Massachusetts, and at 

 Winchester devoted considerable time to perfecting the methods 

 of rearing this bird. In 1902 provisions were made for the 

 pheasant propagation at the Sutton hatchery, which, together 

 with Winchester, for years supplied the coverts of the State with 

 this game bird. At the present time pheasants are raised at Sut- 

 ton, Wilbraham, Norfolk and Sharon, as well as on many private 

 estates and reservations. 



Quail. 



Our native game bird, the bobwhite, is reported to be on the 

 increase in the south and southeastern sections of the State, 

 although a few are found in the northern part. Definite in- 

 formation as to the number of these birds is difficult to obtain, 

 owing to a lack of standards of comparison between different 

 localities. These valuable little birds were nearly exterminated 

 during the winter of 1903-04, and people, especially farmers, 

 now see the importance of their protection. A word of com- 

 mendation should be given for the cheerful response of citizens 

 to the call last winter to feed the quail, pheasants and other 

 birds during the period of deep snow and ice. Sportsmen's 

 clubs, bird societies, boy scouts and private citizens joined in 

 the movement, which enabled many birds to reach the breeding 

 season strong and healthy. An excellent protection is afforded 

 the birds by placing a few poles from the south side of a stone 

 wall to the ground and covering them with boughs. In such case 

 an opening should be left so that if surprised by cat or fox they 

 might have a chance to escape, and grain, grit and chaff should be 

 placed near these shelters. This fine bird is raised at the Sand- 

 wich and Sutton game farms. 



Ruffed Grouse. 



Reports indicate that these birds are on the increase in the 

 north and northwestern sections. The open season on pheas- 

 ants in 1914, in addition to the indirect protection afforded by 

 supplying another source of game, made it difficult to locate 

 the grouse. In the counties that did not have an open season 

 on pheasants substantial numbers of ruffed grouse were taken, 

 but evidently a good number survived. Comparatively few 



