BY executive order, signed by President Wilson on May 

 14, 1915, Spirit Island, a small rocky islet in Mille Lacs, 

 was set aside as a Federal Bird Reserve. This action 

 was taken on account of the island's being of value for no 

 other purpose than as a nesting place for several varieties, of 

 gulls and terns which resort to the island in great numbers. 

 It is a small heap of rock projecting above the surface of the 

 lake, is treeless, and worthless for any other purpose. 



This action by the President is appreciated by all people 

 interested in the preservation of the bird life of that vicinity 

 and insures safety of the nesting place of thousands of birds. 



Spirit Island is the first Federal Bird Reserve to be estab- 

 lished in Minnesota, but there are several other islands which 

 would serve the same purpose equally well and which may be 

 recommended for reservation also. 



As provided for by apropriation by the recent legislature, 71 

 acres of additional lands have been purchased for the Detroit 

 Hatchery and work will commence immediately thereon ex- 

 cavation for additional bass ponds. It is planned to have sev- 

 eral acres of new ponds completed this year. 



Pins, Feathers and Fur. 



THE distribution of trout fry from the Minnesota state fish 

 hatcheries commenced about the middle of February, 

 an early start being necessary on account of the large 

 hatch of trout eggs this season in order to make room for the 

 fry remaining in the hatcheries as they develop. 



An exceptionally good hatch has been secured this season 

 and the total output of trout will approximate seven million 

 fry, advanced fry and fingerlings, but even with this abundant 

 supply it will be difficult to fill all applications, and supply all 

 legitimate demands. 



29 



