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, ofEer 

 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. 



