254 TENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 



Fish and Game Commission a record of the date such black bear was killed 

 or taken, the place where killed or taken, together with the sex and approx- 

 imate weight of said bear," through a technical mistake the penalty of $25 

 for failure to so report was dropped out when the act became effective, so 

 that at present the Commission is unable to effectually enforce the require- 

 ment. It is presumed that the legislature of 1905 will supply the omission. 

 In Essex county where a bounty is paid on bears killed, the Hon. C. C. 

 Whitney, county treasurer, reports that the total number of bounties paid 

 during 1904 was 39. 



Reaver and Offer 



With the appropriation of $500 made by the last Legislature for the 

 purchase of beaver, which Mr. Radford and other sportsmen hope to restore 

 to the Adirondacks, the Commission has been able to purchase three pairs 

 of these interesting animals and an additional male. The beaver were taken 

 to Old Forge late in December, and ordered kept there at the State hatchery 

 through the winter, as it was not deemed advisable to liberate them until 

 Spring. The Adirondack guides are taking great interest in this experiment, 

 and it is hoped that in time colonies of beaver will again be found in many 

 parts of the forest. 



The last Legislature also enacted a law forbidding the taking of any 

 otter prior to October 1st, 1906. This action on behalf of a rare and valu- 

 able animal indicates the awakening interest of the people in the more 

 important fur bearing animals of the State. To preserve, to perpetuate 

 and to restore is every year becoming more and more the wise policy of 

 the State as its citizens come more fully to understand and appreciate the 

 important position which game and forest conservation hold toward the 

 health, happiness and prosperity of the Commonwealth. 



Following are the reports and the accompanying letters relative to the 

 mortality among the deer in the Adirondacks. 



Respectfully yours, 



John D. Whish, 



Secretary. 



