47 



season, and would then be in a position to know whether the 

 species required additional protection, and could give protection 

 when most needed if it had the power to do so. Legislation 

 might be enacted giving the Department of Conservation 

 the right to declare a closed season on the Ruffed Grouse 

 whenever, after due investigation of conditions throughout the 

 Commonwealth, such closed season might seem necessary to 

 protect and preserve the species. 



EDWARD HOWE FORBUSH, 



Director. • 



