Suggestions for Research 39 



some member of the Club). A carefully selected area with diversi- 

 fied conditions would furnish opportunity for important results. In 

 spite of the fact that the deer has been hunted so much and has 

 been the basis for so much legislation, technical studies of it are 

 conspicuously wanting. In fact, when we compare our knowledge 

 of the Codling Moth of the apple and the Cotton Boll Weevil with 

 that of the deer, it is amazing how little we really know about the 

 deer although this is contrary to the usual impression. 



2. Game Survey of the Mt. Ktaadn Region. A game survey 

 of the Mt. Ktaadn region is desirable in order to determine the 

 amount of game, how the species influence one another, and to 

 secure detailed data on their life histories. Such a scientific study 

 is needed for many reasons, such as : 



a. There is some reason to hope that this might be made the 

 best, or one of the best, big game preserves in Eastern United States. 



b. Such a studv might aid in the establishment of a National 

 Park. 



c. Should a Park be established such an investigation would 

 aid in the intelligent management of the large game, and in stock- 

 ing the Park properly. 



d. The example of such work would stimulate other similar 

 investigations. 



3. Caribou and Moose in Eastern Canada. A study of the 

 Caribou and Moose (and possibly of other big game) in Eastern 

 Canada. Detailed field studies along lines similar to those suggested 

 for the deer. 



For the preceding Eastern investigations the following kind of 

 party is suggested : 



A naturalist, with an assistant and a camp hand. For the Ktaadn 

 problem two assistants should be provided. 



Possible objections to all these Eastern plans are very likely to 

 come mainly from those who are much influenced by the mass of 

 game literature, or who are perhaps for the time being much more 

 interested in the propagation and protection of game than in under- 

 standing it and in advancing our knowledge of it. It is hardly 

 necessary to mention that the mass of game literature is of a popu- 

 lar character and is largely pure trash, as far as science is concerned. 

 Today we probably know more about the rat and the fur seal than 

 any other wild mammals, and yet every one knows that our knowl- 

 edge of the seal is far from complete, and the urgency of a scientific 



