120 * RURAL MICHIGAN 



was estimated that the original numher had increased 

 100 per cent.^ In 1923 sixty Norway reindeer were 

 introduced into northern Michigan. 



There is said also to be a large increase in the 

 number of migratory wild ducks and geese and other 

 fowl as a consequence of the treaty for their pro- 

 tection contracted with Canada and reinforced by 

 legislation. Of particular importance to Michigan 

 agriculture is the undoubted increase in the numbers 

 of many varieties of insectivorous birds in the State, 

 the consequence of protective legislation and educa- 

 tion of the people, whose appetite for noxious in- 

 sects and weed-seeds ought to be a highly appreciated 

 contribution to the State's agricultural welfare. On 

 the other hand, the predatory fox is also reported 

 to be growing in numbers, in spite of the bounty paid 

 for its destruction; while the undoubted increase 

 in the number of wolves and coyotes, especially in 

 the northern peninsula, has caused much concern 

 to the sheepmen of the district. Squirrels, too, are 

 said to be increasing, especially in some parts of the 

 State, and make some trouble to the farmers' gran- 

 aries. Isle Eoyale, close to the extreme northern 

 boundary in Lake Superior, is remarkably well 

 stocked with moose — an animal seen only on rare 

 occasions on the mainland. The deputy of the State 

 Game, Fish and Forest Fire Conmiissioner, stationed 

 on the island, reported (1920) upwards of one thou- 



' "Rcpt. State Game, Fish and Forest Fire Commissioner," 

 li)l!)-1920, p. 15. 



