WILD LIFE PROTECTION WALKER 331 



mum benefits from all forms of wild life that mi<;ht be produced 

 on the hinds or in their watei-s. 



The relative values of the various kinds of wild life have not ordi- 

 narily been carefully considered. If the dominant group was inter- 

 ested in upland game birds or waterfowl these forms were usually 

 given fair protection and other forms of life ignored, while sucli 

 interesting and valualde fur bearers as raccoons, skunks, and minks 

 were termed vermin and campaigns of extermination waged against 

 them. If big game was the principal object of concern, other forms 

 were neglected. 



As the scientific man observes the policies and work of the game 

 administrators, his frank, unprejudiced commendation as well as 

 criticism will be of value and will encourage adherence to sound 

 policies. The custom of human nature to be silent when matters are 

 satisfactory and to speak oidy when displeased often makes it dif- 

 ficult for public officials to adhere to the course that is best for the 

 greatest number of people. While the masses are satisfied and silent 

 the selfish interests are criticising, and attacking, and exerting every 

 effort to gain their ends. More frequent expressions of approbation 

 might assist the officials in following the correct path. 



"Wild-animal husbandry is a field almost as novel as the term itself 

 and offers problems comparable to those being worked out by stock 

 raisers and farmers who are assisted by technical advisors and 

 experiment stations. As a whole, the basic problem is that of 

 obtaining the maximum continuous production under wild con- 

 ditions. 



The relatively new industry of fur farming shows that animals 

 at one time scarcely considered can be raised at a profit. The pro- 

 duction of wild animals might be compared with the ranging of 

 cattle, sheep, and horses on the western stock ranges of the United 

 States. As tracts are inclosed a more intensive and better controlled 

 production can be obtained, which would be comparable to some of 

 the modern fur farms. Figuratively speaking, the minks and 

 martens may play about the feet of the deer in the forests, while 

 young muskrats and baby ducks romp in the marshy edge of the 

 lake and watch the fish jumping in deeper water. 



In addition to the general work needed by the county. State, and 

 Federal agencies concerned with wild-life protection, there is a 

 field for the biologist conservationist (bio-conservationist) in assist- 

 ing clubs and landowners to make their tracts yield properly. Such 

 positions may be termed consulting naturalists or technical wild- 

 life advisors. 



There are innumerable wild-life administration problems to be 

 solved. Among the outstanding of these are the determination of 

 the maximum numbers of various species that can be produced on 



