10 FEATHERED GAME 
bers and in a few widely separated localities. 
In most of these places their value is recognized 
and by rigid protection it is hoped to save this 
interesting eastern race from extinction. 
Unfortunately, from various causes, their in- 
crease (if increase there be) is very slow, and 
it will be long before their numbers will war- 
rant anything less than complete protection. I 
greatly fear that this eastern race is doomed. 
Eastward of the present range of the Prairie 
Chicken probably the only colony remaining is 
that of Martha’s Vineyard, though possibly a 
few may be left on the eastern end of Long 
Island. In both places they are rigidly pro- 
tected by law, but there seems to be a complete 
understanding among the natives dwelling near 
the breeding grounds which permits any one of 
them to gather Heath Hens in perfect security, 
and makes the whole community a nest of spies 
upon the stranger who may covet a specimen. 
The market price of the Heath Hen’s skin at 
the dealer’s shop runs from twenty-five to forty 
dollars, though of course, no dealer dares quote 
the same in his published lists. The remunera- 
tion to the gunner as his portion of the spoil is 
