448 



raunications bearinj; on the economic relations of dif- 

 ferent wild animals, chief aiiioug which, so fai- as mam 

 mals are concerned, may be mentioned Foxes, Minks, 

 Weasels, Wildcats, Rabbits, Skunks, Woodchucks, 

 Muskrats and Raccoons. 



In view of the unusual interest manifested by our 

 citizens on the bounty i]uestion and also of the habits 

 in general of oui- common mammals, the writer pre- 

 pared a circular soliciting information concerning the 

 life histories of mammals attributed to the State. Tliis 

 circular, early in January, 1894, was distributed to 

 farmers, fruit growers, naturalists, sportsmen, hunters 

 and trappers in nearly every county of the Oommon 

 wealth. 



The following questions in regard to the Wildcat ap- 

 pear in said circular: 



1. Please state whether the Wildcat is found in your county, 

 and whether it is rare, common or only tolerably common. 



2. If "Wildcats occur in your neighborhood or county, state 

 whether or not their depredations to game, poultry and s-mall 

 wild birds are of a serious character? Have you ever known 

 Wildcats to attack persons? If so, give full particulars. 



3. Have you personal knowledge of one ur more cases in 

 which cattle, sheep or pigs have been killed or injured by 

 Wildcats? If so, give full particulars. 



4. Have you personal knowledge of one or more cases in 

 which Wildcats have killed or injured deer, old or young. 

 Wildcats? If so, give full particulars. 



5. Have you personal knowledge of the loss of turkeys, geese, 

 ducks, chickens or pigeons from the attacks of predatory 

 mammals? If so, how many, and what kinds were killed on 

 each occasion? In each case mention the animal by which 

 you suppose the mischief was done, and your reasons for this 

 belief. Also mention the kinds of mammals which destroy the 

 eggs of poultry, and give full particulars of cases which have 

 come under your personal observation. 



6. Do you favor the paying of bounties? If so, on what ani- 

 mals, in your opinion, should bounties be paid? .\re you in 

 favor of the bounty being paid by the counties in which tho 



