296 CONSERVATION OF CANADIAN WILD LIFE 



and in my experience usually are, most interested in the 

 conservation of our wild life. In such associations the sel- 

 fish element, to whom the idea that the conservation of our 

 wild Ufe for the enjoyment of posterity is a duty does not 

 appeal, is fortunately becoming rarer, though its voices 

 may be heard from time to time. The majority of sports- 

 men, using the word in its real sense as excluding the game- 

 hog and pot-hunter, in Canada, are behind any movement 

 that tends to the conservation of our game and wild-life re- 

 sources. I have invariably found this to be the case, and 

 it is an attitude that one might expect. 



We need, however, a far greater number of such local 

 associations of sportsmen, naturalists, and others interested 

 in the conservation of game and wild life. There should be 

 one in every large district or county, whose chief object 

 would be to act as trustee for the wild life in his particular 

 region. Upon such associations should rest the responsi- 

 bility of securing and making effective such protective 

 measures as the wild life of their districts might require. 

 The influence that such associations, when composed of men 

 interested in the wise conservation of wild life rather than 

 its reckless destruction, regardless of the future, would have 

 on the citizens in their respective districts, is incalculable. 

 Their co-operation in the protection of the wild life in their 

 districts would be welcomed by the provincial governments; 

 through them a real public opinion on the subject could be 

 created; and a greater observance of the game laws would 

 be insured. As a means, therefore, of securing the conser- 

 vation of game and wild life, we would strongly recommend 

 the formation of local associations of all interested. There 

 is, in most districts, a sufficient number of sportsmen, 

 farmers, nature-lovers, and others who seek recreation in 

 the woods and fields, and who have a genuine interest in 

 the conservation of the wild creatures which they pursue 

 with gun, camera, or field-glass, to form such associations; 



