116 COMMISSION OF CONSERVATION 
There is a growing demand, at increasingly high prices, for live 
game to supply zoological parks, and for game as food. The revenue 
which may be derived from shooting privileges and from camping 
parties who would steal away to enjoy a season with nature, in all her 
fullness, may not be inconsiderable. 
The national parks, whose value to the country cannot be over- 
estimated, are too far away for the average citizen to enjoy, but he 
may have that which will give much pleasure and profit nearer home. 
A tract of waste land of from 100 to 1,000 acres may be obtained in 
almost any section of the country, and especially in the hilly and moun- 
tainous regions, at a price within the reach of every alert farmer. The 
cost of fencing need not exceed $1 a rod for an 8-foot fence, and the 
game for stocking—birds and small game will rapidly multiply under 
protection—can be procured at a price no greater than that paid for 
domestic animals. 
One of the secrets of the success of the English race is in the 
fact that they as a people have emphasized out-of-door life. The rugged 
physique and robust health of the average Englishman are due to the 
fact that he is able to dismiss all care and enjoy a day with rod or gun. 
His large landed estates, together with the climatic conditions, offer 
favorable opportunities for all out-door sports. While we believe that 
large landed estates are a menace to the best interests of any people, 
yet, with our large acreage of waste land and democratic ideals, there 
is no possible danger that we shall ever suffer by the establishment of 
game preserves in this country. These game preserves may not only 
be centres from which the surrounding covers will be stocked, but they 
may be object lessons in forestry, of which this country stands in vital 
need, to say nothing of making rural life more beautiful and attractive. 
