The Heath Hen 



255 



other Heath Hen's eggs failed to hatch, and only one contained a well-developed 

 embryo. After destroying the Heath Hen chick, the hen was given some pheasant 

 eggs, hatched them, and reared the chicks with all possible care. 



An injured Heath Hen was received from Martha's Vineyard, November 19, 

 but refused to feed, and, though placed in a pen with a tamed Ruffed Grouse, 

 lived only a week in the pen. 



The only nest known to the writer was found in oak woods among sprouts 

 at the base of a large stump and contained either twelve or thirteen eggs, about 

 June 10. William Brew^ster has a set of seven eggs taken July 24, 1885. 



The value of the birds as a local asset was early appreciated by many of the 

 best people, but to J. E. Howland is due the credit for initiating the action which 

 promises to prevent for all time the extermination of this bird. Mr. Howland 

 called the attention of the Massachusetts Commissioners on Fisheries and Game 

 to the conditions, and a permanent guardian was located in the midst of the region 

 inhabited by birds, to study their habits and to enforce the law. Amply supported 

 by public opinion. Representative Mayhew introduced a bill, placing under the 

 control and use of the Commission on Fisheries and Game such lands as may be 

 donated, leased, purchased or otherwise placed under temporary or permanent 

 control as a refuge and breeding area for the Heath Hen. Already $2,338 has been 

 pledged by public-spirited individuals and associations for the purpose, and about 

 1600 acres placed under special protection. In order that the expense may be 

 minimized, the legislatvire authorized the commissioners to take, "for and in the 

 name of the Commonwealth, such unimproved lands upon Martha's Vineyard, 

 not exceeding one thousand acres, as they may deem necessary for the purpose 

 of making fire-stops for the protection from fire of the feeding and breeding 

 grounds of the Pinnated Grouse, or of otherwise securing the maintenance and 

 increase of such Pinnated Grouse or of any other species of wild birds upon said 

 islands." For work "incidental to these purposes, and for an investigation and 

 reports upon the best methods and probable cost of protecting and increasing 

 the colonies of birds on the island," two thousand dollars was appropriated by 

 the last Massachusetts legislature. 



