No. 123.] RErORT OF COMMISSIONER. 23 



advisable for these farms to use in their work. In tliese sup- 

 plies have been included drenching outfits, with which to give 

 the bluestone treatment, shearing machinery both hand and 

 gasoline engine power, dipping tanks, docking pincers and a 

 variety of other equipment, all to be used by the managers and 

 to be loaned to interested parties with the expectation that in 

 this way a better standard of sheep husbandry may be ob- 

 tained. Although the demonstration farms have been in opera- 

 tion only a short time, some very interesting reports of service 

 rendered have been received. Dipping demonstrations have 

 been held, and not only has the dipping tank been liberally 

 used in one case for fall dipping, but it is also being engaged for 

 next spring's work. The shearing outfits, especially the power 

 shearers, which have been located where the greatest number of 

 sheep are at the present time, will without doubt be kept very 

 busy next spring. 



State Ornithologist. 

 The State Ornithologist has published his annual report, a 

 leaflet for distribution in schools of the Commonwealth on 

 Arbor and Bird Day, two circulars on methods of attracting 

 birds, one on the English sparrow and means of controlling it, 

 and' one on bird study for beginners. A part of his time has 

 been given to an experiment in attracting birds by means of 

 nesting boxes. Many data have been collected and recorded on 

 the distribution and migration of birds in Massachusetts. 

 These data were obtained largely by correspondence with about 

 four hundred observers, continued through the year. Much 

 material has been collected for a bulletin on the utility of birds. 

 An investigation has been made regarding the causes of the 

 periodical decrease of the ruffed grouse, and an inquiry made 

 regarding the destruction of bird life by the severe cold wave 

 and storm of March 28. Also, the Ornithologist has assisted in 

 the development of several reservations for the protection of 

 bird life, has taken a census of the heath hen, has visited and 

 inspected the principal colonies of sea birds along the Massa- 

 chusetts coast, has made recommendations to the Massachu- 

 setts Commission on Fisheries and Game regarding additional 

 protection to these birds, and has lectured on the conservation 

 of birds. 



