FISHERIES, GAME AND FORESTS. 201 



In 1884 I rented an old mill pond in Genesee County, N. Y., posted it with a view 

 of making a trout preserve as the pond was fed by cold spring brooks, and contained 

 nothing but trout. I visited the pond on an average once in two weeks with a few 

 friends for a day's sport. Noticing that the kingfishers were quite numerous, I 

 suggested to the farmer's son residing near-by, and who also watched the ponds for 

 me, that if he would trap and shoot the kingfishers I would give him ten cents each. 

 This was followed up until I found it most too expensive, as the young man produced 

 the heads or bodies of from ten to thirty kingfishers every time I visited the place. 



The clattering notes of this bird are heard from early in the spring until cold 

 weather, and even before the spring season is open as if impatient for it to come. He 

 is never satisfied, being on the lookout from daylight until dark and is ever ready for 

 a plunge into the water at sight of his prey. He can take as many fish as the 

 average sportsman. 



In the article of Dr. Warren above referred to are some accounts of the destruction 

 wrought by the belted kingfishers. Mr. C. K. Sober, of Lewisburg, Pa., found thirteen 

 small brook trout in one of these birds which was shot on Baker Run. An acquaint- 

 ance of Dr. Warren some years ago had a large number of gold fish in a pond. Two 

 pairs of kingfishers built their nests in a sand-bank near the pond. In one summer 

 these birds destroyed nearly all the small-sized fish in the place. Out of thirty-eight 

 of these birds taken about streams and mill ponds, thirty-six contained nothing but 

 fish remains. 



Kingfishers can be successfully captured in traps fastened at the top of stakes 

 driven in the bank about trout ponds or along trout streams. The stake or pole 

 should be from ten to fifteen feet long. If the top of the stake is not sufficiently large 

 to support the steel trap, nail a small block of wood on the end of the pole. The trap 

 is set but not baited. When the trap is set the little plate that springs the trap when 

 disturbed, is the highest point of the trap. The trap must be securely fastened to the 

 stake by a cord, small wire or chain. The birds on visiting the ponds or stream will 

 invariably fly to one of these stakes, light on the highest point and be captured. I 

 have found a small round steel trap (one without the shank or tail-piece) to be best for 

 this work. One of these traps captured twenty-five kingfishers in one summer at a 

 trout preserve in Cattaraugus County. Of course the pole and trap should be set up 

 near a fishing ground where the bird may think it is a splendid spot for observation. 



Ducks. Domestic ducks as well as geese are great destroyers of fish, and should 

 never be allowed on trout waters. I have seen a tame duck capture and devour a 

 trout seven inches long. They also feed on the natural food of the fish. Wild ducks 

 of some species are equally troublesome and especially the mergansers, saw bills, 

 shelldrakes or fish-ducks. 



