PINNATED GROUSE 245 
ranchmen and farmers throughout the State report 
birds more plentiful than at any time during the past 
fifteen years. 
“Tf we take care of these birds, we will have them 
for a great many years to come, as we have bound- 
less acres of territory which will never be cultivated, 
and which afford splendid breeding grounds for them.” 
Missouri is a State where in the past there have 
been many pinnated grouse, and from this State also 
we have a good report as to an abundant stock of birds 
which might easily be increased by proper care. State 
Game Warden J. H. Rodes’ account of things will be 
read with interest: 
“Tn twenty-five, if not more, of the 114 counties in 
this State, we have prairie chickens remaining in 
greater or less quantities. Originally, as you know, 
throughout the prairie districts of this State, these 
birds abounded in very liberal supply, but having had 
absolutely no protection up to and prior to the enact- 
ment of the present game and fish laws, which went 
into effect on June 15, 1905, they were industriously 
hunted almost to the point of extermination, and were 
wholly killed off in many counties where they had 
formerly been found abundant. 
“Tt was a common practice—notwithstanding we 
had a statute prohibiting it—to begin shooting these 
birds after July 1, clear on and through the hunting 
season, when and wherever they could be found. Now 
that they are protected during the entire year, except 
from November 15 to December 15, we hope they will 
