however, has sadly changed during the past twenty-five years. The 

 bison or buffalo, which formerly roamed over the broad plains beyond the 

 Mississippi in countless numbers, now exists (on the public domains) only 

 within the limits of Yellowstone Park, where a small band of two or three 

 hundred has been preserved, though a few wanton hide hunters have, dur- 

 ing the past winter, attempted to destroy the last remnant of this distinctive 

 species of American game. 



The destruction of the buffalo is but an indication of the coming fate 

 of the moose, the elk, and other valuable species of game, unless strict 

 protective laws are enacted and enforced. Unfortunately, the propagation 

 of game can not be successfully undertaken on a large scale for the public 

 benefit, as is done with the better varieties of American game fish. 

 Twenty years ago the annual flight of the migratory pigeons darkened the 

 air in spring-time, but at present the species seems to be practically annihi- 

 lated. This result has been reached by indiscriminate slaughter, princi- 

 pally for the markets and for trap-shooting tournaments. 



It will be seen that while American sportsmen have been blessed with 

 privileges and opportunities in the line of field sports equalled by no other 

 nation, the time is not far distant when none but wealthy sportsmen, or 

 clubs owning large game preserves, can hope to find good sport in any of 

 the states, except perhaps those bordering on the Pacific Coast. The, 



