10 FEATHERED GAME 



bers and in a few widely separated localities. 

 In most of these places their value is recognized 

 and by rigid protection it is hoped to save this 

 interesting eastern race from extinction. 



Unfortunately, from various causes, their in- 

 crease (if increase there be) is very slow, and 

 it will be long before their numbers will war- 

 rant anything less than complete protection. I 

 greatly fear that this eastern race is doomed. 



Eastward of the present range of the Prairie 

 Chicken probably the only colony remaining is 

 that of Martha's Vineyard, though possibly a 

 few may be left on the eastern end of Long 

 Island. In both places they are rigidly pro- 

 tected by law, but there seems to be a complete 

 understanding among the natives dwelling near 

 the breeding grounds which permits any one of 

 them to gather Heath Hens in perfect security, 

 and makes the whole community a nest of spies 

 upon the stranger who may covet a specimen. 



The market price of the Heath Hen's skin at 

 the dealer 's shop runs from twenty-five to forty 

 dollars, though of course, no dealer dares quote 

 the same in his published lists. The remunera- 

 tion to the gunner as his portion of the spoil is 



