The Present Status of the Heath Hen 



353 



In the summer of iqio and winter of iqio and 191 1 there was a notable 

 decrease in the birds. Numerous skeletons were found, some plainly indica- 

 ting the work of Hawks, others of cats, and some were without obvious clue 

 to the source of their destruction, so that in June, 191 1, probably not more 



STROKING A SITTING HEATH HEN 



than one hundred and fifty birds were in existence. Since then, however, the 

 increase has been rapid. In 191 2, there were estimated three hundred birds, 

 and at present the number is probably between four and five hundred. They 

 are found over a wider area and in larger numbers than for a generation. 



The work on Martha's Vineyard was undertaken under very inauspicious 

 circumstances. The birds were too far reduced to secure immediate and 

 rapid increase. Stray cats from summer resorts three miles away, are a per- 

 sistent menace, and their destruction can be accomplished only with the com- 

 ing of the snow, when tracking and trapping become relatively easy. Prob- 

 ably as a result of forest fires, as will be indicated later, the number of male 

 birds is largely in excess of the hens. From observations, April, 1910, we believe 

 that there were approximately ten males to every hen. On this account, the 

 breeding increase has been relatively slow. However, the results have been 

 sufficient to indicate that the reservation method is practicable, and necessary 

 for the maintenance of all species of Grouse, notably the Ruffed Grouse, the 

 Sage Hen and other western species. 



The most important factors in the destruction of the Heath Hen may be 

 noted as follows: 



