GAME BIRDS AND LARGER NON-GAME BIRDS 165 
of hunting so that the conditions will be favourable to the 
birds. Too often the claims of the hunter receive consid- 
eration at the expense of the quarry. True game protection 
consists in the consideration of the claims of the game, 
rather than those of the improvident pot-hunter, for no 
sportsman worthy of the name will consent to kill game at 
the risk of its continued existence. 
Sage Grouse or Sage Hen.—The range of the sage grouse, 
which is the largest of all our grouse, is very restricted in 
Canada. They may be found in small numbers in certain 
sections of southern Saskatchewan, and probably in southern 
British Columbia, near the international boundary, where 
the sage-brush (Artemisia) grows. The sage-brush country 
is their natural habitat, and, provided the permanent close 
season that they now enjoy is maintained, we may hope to 
continue to count this fine bird among our species of grouse. 
The foregoing review of our game-bird resources indicates 
the remarkable wealth of species that are included in our 
Canadian fauna. As I have pointed out, the abundance of 
many species must inevitably be adversely affected by the 
opening up and settlement of the country, which results in 
the destruction of their normal feeding and breeding-grounds. 
But, provided we legislate wisely, fixing open seasons and 
bag limits that will prevent excessive killing, prohibit the 
sale of game-birds, and make every effort to counteract the 
adverse natural factors that are beyond human control, 
there is no reason why our game-birds should not continue 
to provide the future generations of Canadians with health- 
giving sport and recreation. 
