GAME BIRDS AND LARGER NON-GAME BIRDS 165 



of hunting so that the conditions will be favourable to the 

 birds. Too often the claims of the hunter receive consid- 

 eration at the expense of the quarry. True game protection 

 consists in the consideration of the claims of the game, 

 rather than those of the improvident pot-hunter, for no 

 sportsman worthy of the name will consent to kill game at 

 the risk of its continued existence. 



Sage Grouse or Sage Hen. — The range of the sage grouse, 

 which is the largest of all our grouse, is very restricted in 

 Canada. They may be found in small numbers in certain 

 sections of southern Saskatchewan, and probably in southern 

 British Colimibia, near the international boundary, where 

 the sage-brush {Artemisia) grows. The sage-brush country 

 is their natural habitat, and, provided the permanent close 

 season that they now enjoy is maintained, we may hope to 

 continue to count this fine bird among our species of grouse. 



The foregoing review of our game-bird resources indicates 

 the remarkable wealth of species that are included in our 

 Canadian fauna. As I have pointed out, the abundance of 

 many species must inevitably be adversely affected by the 

 opening up and settlement of the country, which results in 

 the destruction of their normal feeding and breeding-grounds. 

 But, provided we legislate wisely, fixing open seasons and 

 bag hmits that will prevent excessive killing, prohibit the 

 sale of game-birds, and make every effort to counteract the 

 adverse natural factors that are beyond human control, 

 there is no reason why our game-birds should not continue 

 to provide the future generations of Canadians with health- 

 giving sport and recreation. 



