GAME PRESERVATION IN DOMINION PARKS 137 



Mr. Williamson: So far as the Dominion parks are concerned 

 we have not had very much trouble with bears. Of course, we do 

 not have many of them but last summer the Alpine Club at Banff 

 was visited by them. They pulled down the water pipes and got into 

 the cellar and ate up a quantity of provisions. The Club complained 

 and we sent up wardens who shot the bears. I believe they do destroy 

 sheep and other stock, but we have very few stock in the parks and are 

 not troubled with black bears or grizzlies. If they become too 

 mischievous, we shoot them. 



Dr. Robertson: They seem to have some boy-like Hallowe'en 

 proclivities but that is not a shootable offence. 



PROif. Prince: In the case of the Alpine Club, I think it is to the 

 credit of the bears that they found the things to eat. The bears are not 

 to be blamed, but rather the men. I regard the bear as the clown of the 

 woods, as Hornaday defines him. It is ungracious on our part to 

 unnecessarily destroy him, but, at the same time, we should prevent 

 him destroying property. 



I never saw more magnificent skins than the grizzlies, etc., that 

 were brought into Edmonton twenty years ago from the present Jasper 

 park. It is a pleasure to find such efficient protection of game. In 

 past years we have heard a great deal about the successful preservation 

 of game in the United States and I have often felt a little critical 

 about some of the published reports. I visited Yellowstone park 

 fifteen years ago, when it was alleged in the London Times that the 

 buffalo were being preserved there and that the example of the Yel- 

 lowstone Park authorities should be followed elsewhere. At that very 

 time, wholesale slaughter was going on and two fresh heads were 

 offered me at the town of Livingston on the outskirts of the park. 

 We can trust our Canadian officials and the fact that the herd of 

 buffalo has increased shows that the work is being well done. The 

 increase is marvellous and reflects great credit on the Department hav- 

 ing charge of this work. 



The reference to the prong-horn antelope touches a soft spot in 

 my heart because I have seen them, in the course of years, diminishing 

 very rapidly. It is a rare thing now to see a prong-horn on the 

 prairie at all, whereas a few years ago this beautiful, graceful animal 

 was often seen. I hope that every measure is bemg taken to preserve 

 it. It is not only a beautiful game animal but is, in many respects, 

 unique. 



When I first went to Manitoba there were tracks, just like the old 



