AMERICA'S GREATEST PLAYGROUND 



25 



Somers Hatchery 



Club or Private Enterprise Hatcheies 



The recent tendency toward the building of hatcheries by private 

 enterprise or by local game clubs may be either a good movement or 

 may prove to be a mistake. It will be a good thing for the state if 

 such local hatcheries are under the control and management of the 

 state authorities, for then they will be run by experienced fish cultur- 

 ists in an efficient way. If, on the contrary, such hatcheries are left 

 to the management of local associations, interest will lag, buildings 

 will become out of repair, food for fry will be lacking, there will be 

 no discipline, and the operation will be a failure. The state must take 

 over and operate such hatcheries when asked so to do, and when in 

 I he judgment of the Commission the hatchery is advantageously located. 



In connection with all the hatcheries there could very well be con- 

 ducted the breeding and hatching of various suitable game bird eggs. 

 The hatchery employees have leisure for the work entailed and could 

 be interested in such a movement if once impressed with the impor- 

 tance of the results to be obtained. It is true that during the egg-taking 

 seasons all employees are busy, but that is at the time of year wheii 

 the birds require little attention. Why not discuss this and agree upon 

 plans if the move is thought to be wise and workable? 



The bird shooting in Western Montana this year is reported as 

 very good, which shows the good results of a short season. Should 

 the birds multiply in the same proportion during the next two years 

 the season could well be lengthened, so far as the section west of the 

 range is concerned. 



Yours very truly, 



W. M. BICKFORD. 



