PUBLIC DOCUMENT --No. 25. 45 



GAME. 



INCREASE OF GAME. 



It is a pleasure to report the beneficial effect of the migra- 

 tory bird law upon the number of waterfowl frequenting our 

 shores, and even breeding here. We believe that more black 

 ducks have bred in the State during the past season than for 

 many a year. Deer and pheasants are holding their own in spite 

 of open seasons. Quail have done well except in the severe 

 weather of last March, but the ruffed grouse have apparently 

 suffered. The history of bird life is the same in every State 

 where rigorous winter weather is experienced. The birds in- 

 crease substantially for a time, then undergo a killing period of 

 short duration during which their numbers are much decreased. 

 The evil effects of this may be partially offset by the measures 

 described in this report for preserving the quail through the 

 winter. The cold and very wet spring and summer took an 

 unusuallv heavv toll. 



t/ i/ 



The sanctuary or reservation is a logical method of bird 

 preservation. A small piece of land sown with small grains for 

 the purpose of feeding birds through the deep snows of winter 

 would greatly add to the value of the work accomplished in 

 such cases. Here wild birds are given every assistance in 

 multiplying under a natural environment. The Commissioners 

 are extending this work to game farms and posted reservations, 

 and expect that the birds raised and protected under such 

 favorable natural conditions will increase rapidly, and gradually 

 work into more depleted territories. 



INSECTIVOROUS BIRDS. 



The protection of insectivorous birds is a matter of vital 

 importance to the agricultural interests of this country. New 

 pests are continually arising to accomplish considerable damage 

 before they can be exterminated or even subdued. The de- 

 crease in bird life has shown itself in a corresponding increase 

 in these pests. Throughout this report will be found state- 

 ments directed toward the systematic protection of the birds. 



