Conservation Commission. 131 



these splendid game birds for the benefit of the sportsment who 

 pay into the State treasury annually approximately $150,000 

 for hunting licenses. 



Chenango, Clinton, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, 

 Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida., 

 Otsego, Schenectady, St. Lawrence, Warren and Washington 

 counties have been given a close season on pheasants until the 

 year 1914. 



Duck and Snipe. 



The reports received from protectors in the different counties, 

 and especially the counties of Long Island, state that during the 

 past spring they have seen more duck, geese and snipe in the 

 northern migration than have been seen in the past few years. 



Reports received last year show that good duck shooting was 

 had thoroughout the entire State. The increase of the ducks is 

 due in a great measure to the law which prohibits spring shoot- 

 ing. This law should be continued in force. 



Quaie. 



With the exception of Long Island, quail have become very 

 scarce throughout the State, this being due partly to the fact that 

 little or no assistance has been given to aid them in their propa- 

 gation. I believe that a close season should be established on 

 quail throughout the State for a period of not less than two years. 

 If at the expiration of that time it is found that quail are multi- 

 plying, and it is deemed wise to do so, the period of the close 

 season could be extended. 



Grouse. 



Reports received in reference to grouse show beyond dispute 

 that they are becoming plentiful in their old haunts; this being 

 due to the fact that pot hunting is no more a profitable business, 

 on account of the dealers in game substituting the Scotch grouse, 

 which they may lawfully sell. 



Special Protectors. 



At the present time there are about 260 special protectors in 

 the State service, fifty of whom had one or more convictions to 



