288 CONSERVATION OF CANADIAN WILD LIFE 



wide association of boyhood, himself a hunter and lover of 

 open-air pursuits, realized the moral and educational value 

 of the open air and a knowledge of woodcraft and wild life 

 as one of the essentials of this system of training. It is 

 impossible to conceive a greater opportunity than that af- 

 forded by this organization for creating a vast army of pro- 

 tectors of our wild life. We would urge those in charge of 

 this valuable work to lay special stress upon the significance 

 of our wild life, its rational use and proper conservation; by 

 so doing a work of inestimable value will be accomplished. 



The press of this country has repeatedly shown its in- 

 terest in this subject. But it can render far greater assis- 

 tance than it has afforded up to the present by taking every 

 opportunity to lead public opinion in regard to the necessity 

 of conserving our wild Hfe. It is not sufficient to chronicle 

 events, but in season and out of season the press should 

 promote the conservation of our wild life and censure such 

 acts and movements as tend to affect its interests adversely. 



One of the most valuable educational agencies of to-day 

 is the moving picture, and its influence is increasing. A 

 few years ago I was informed that educational films were 

 not popular, and that it was necessary to cater to pubUc 

 opinion. Fortunately, this does not appear to be true 

 to-day. The makers of films have realized the interest that 

 the general public takes in films depicting wild-life subjects, 

 and there are a large number of such fihns now in circulation. 

 Their preparation should be encouraged and assisted to the 

 fullest extent possible. No better means exists for placing 

 before the people the wealth of our wild life, and the neces- 

 sity of conserving it for the enjoyment of the people of to-day 

 and in the future. Scenes depicting the killing of big game 

 and other animals should be avoided, on account of their 

 undesirable effect, although hunting scenes may be so illus- 

 trated and described as to demonstrate the recreative value 

 of wild hfe to the people of our cities. 



