22 FISH AND GAME. 



are limited by law to an annual report, special reports when 

 authorized by the Legislature, and the publication of small 

 pamphlets on game laws and bird rearing. During the past 

 year we have published : - 



(1) Triennial report for 1912, 1913 and 1914. 



(2) Annual Report for 1915, including a special report upon the clam 



fishery. 



(3) Special pamphlets upon rearing quail and mallard ducks. 



(4) Digest of new game laws. 



(5) Report upon an investigation of the fisheries of Buzzards Bay. 



(6) A special poster to hunters. During the ensuing year this will be 

 followed by other posters, such as (a) to the fishermen, (6) on the control 

 of the feral house cat, (c) on winter feeding of birds and constructing bird 

 shelters. 



(7) Circular letters relative to fish and game conditions. 



While much has been accomplished as far as laws permit, 

 more must be done before this Commission can attain its full 

 and normal sphere of usefulness to the citizens of the Com- 

 monwealth. There is a distinct need for a quarterly bulletin 

 containing popular articles on natural history, educational facts 

 relative to fish and game life, and the progress Massachusetts is 

 making in fish and game propagation and protection. It is 

 through this type of educational publications that the true 

 facts concerning the custodianship of our wild life can be 

 brought to the attention of the people. The publication of 

 such a bulletin will require a special legislative act, which will 

 be asked for at the next session of the General Court. It 

 should meet with the hearty approval of all persons interested 

 in our natural resources. 



In addition, special bulletins on various subjects should be 

 published from time to time and distributed where they will 

 accomplish most good. Educational pamphlets upon live topics 

 relative to fish and game work, for the benefit of the Boy 

 Scouts, are in process of preparation. 



The distribution of the copies of the fish and game laws in 

 convenient pocket size has always met with grateful response 

 on the part of the public, and has provided a valuable aid in 

 the enforcement of the laws. A larger number of copies and 

 wider distribution is urged. 



