196 Fourth Annual Report of the 



In some instances, complaints have been made to the Com- 

 mission that pheasants are destructive to the agricultural in- 

 terests; but this is offset by the favorable reports received of 

 the benefits the pheasants are doing, as they feed largely ujDon 

 insect life. Instances have been known where a flock of 

 pheasants has protected a potato patch from potato bugs. The 

 pheasant is the only bird that I know of which will feed upon 

 the bug that destroys the potato vine. 



Deer 



As I have stated previously, we receive nothing but good re- 

 ports of the increasing of the deer. I recommend to the Com- 

 mission the advisability of bringing about an enactment of law 

 making a short open season for the killing of buck deer in the 

 counties of the State which do not enjoy that privilege under the 

 present law. 



Ducks 



Without doubt the law which prohibits the spring shooting 

 of ducks is partly accountable for the large number which now 

 hatch and raise their broods within the borders of the State of 

 ISTew York. The department is continually receiving favorable 

 reports showing that this valuable game bird is increasing in 

 number in this State; no doubt owing to the fact that the law 

 is being rigidly enforced relative to shooting out of season, fire 

 lighting, netting, and disturbing the ducks during their breeding- 

 season. 



Quail 

 I am sorry to be obliged to state that I cannot find where 

 there is any material increase of the quail. I was encouraged to 

 believe that the placing of a five years close season on quail, 

 with the exception of Long Island, would be the means of again 

 replenishing the covers upstate with these excellent game birds ; 

 but as they are a seed-eating, ground-feeding bird, they very easily 

 winter kill, particularly during the periods of the year when 

 the ground is deeply covered with snow, as it prevents their 

 readily finding feed. That, in addition to their natural cover 



