146 NINTH REPORT OF THE 



ment on the part of summer tourists, many of whom have found great pleasure 

 in photographing the animals. It is probable that, as the young Elk gradually 

 take the place of the older ones, these animals will again become as truly a wild 

 denizen of the Adirondacks as naturalists tell us they were in the past. 



Without a continuation of the appropriation which lapsed last year nothing 

 further can be done toward restocking the Adirondack region with Moose. Thus 

 far the animals liberated have done well and have scattered widely through the 

 forest. Three have been shot by unknown persons, and no natural increase has 

 thus far been reported. If the experiment is to be continued, it will be necessary, 

 in the opinion of those who have given attention to the problem, to procure 

 and liberate at least fifty, or preferably one hundred, more of these animals in the 

 Adirondacks. The Commission stands ready to carry out the instructions of 

 the Legislature in the matter, and undoubtedly that body will respond to the 

 public sentiment which makes itself apparent. 



TI)e $lac^ §ear. 



The Commission has previously recommended and again suggests the passage 

 of an act giving to the Black Bear of the State some measure of protection. 

 The trend of modern sportsmanship is toward the pursuit of large game, as is 

 shown by the great number of hunters who annually visit Canada, the Rocky 

 Mountains and the Southwest, and who even cross the ocean to hunt still larger 

 and more savage game. Could the Black Bear of this State, an animal absolutely 

 harmless to human life, yet affording the keenest sport to its pursuers, enjoy for 

 a few years the protection of a close season it would be possible to introduce 

 Bear hunting as a feature of Adirondack life, even as it is now carried on as 

 a profitable sport in many parts of the West and South. The Commission 

 recommends that, as the Bear is commercially valueless during the summer 

 months, his pursuit be prohibited at this season of the year, and that suitable 

 regulations be provided as to trapping. 



Tl)e Reaver. 



This most interesting of North American fur-bearing animals, which formerly 

 existed so abundantly in this State, is on the brink of extinction within our 

 borders. " No animal," says Dr. C. Hart Merriam, "has figured more prominently 

 in the affairs of any nation than has the Beaver in the early history of the new 



