FISHERIES, GAME AND FORESTS. 



327 



I heartily concur with the wise sentiments expressed by Mr. G. Hills in his 

 excellent but all too brief article on "Summer Woodcock Shooting," pp. 256-7 

 of the very admirable report of the Fisheries, Game and Forest Commission for 

 1895, in which he advocated a close season, protecting all birds from December I 

 to October I. 



However, the history of this bird is but that of all native birds of our State. 

 Protective legislation alone can not avail. If the people living in localities where birds 

 breed do not really want them preserved their ultimate absolute destruction is certain. 

 Already fifteen species of birds formerly known in Great Britain are extinct there, 

 and the native or " wild " life of America is fast following in the same course. 



It is for our legislators to make laws pro bono publico, but these laws are as useless 

 as though they were in sealed tombs, if our citizens do not unite in creating a proper 

 sentiment in favor of protecting our living creatures and enforcing the laws enacted 

 for this purpose. Also, it is important that a careful effort be made to preserve in 

 native condition as much suitable breeding and feeding territory as possible. Otherwise 

 we shall soon see the time when, in order to have any game, it will be necessary for 

 individuals or clubs to buy or lease favorite sites, place upon them competent keepers, 

 and rear and maintain the game desired with intelligence and upon scientific principles. 



ON THE TRAIL. 



