FERRETS. 87 



ing may be killed in the manner stated above after notice of the dog's 

 proclivities, given to the owner by the landowner or by the secretary 

 of the game commission. In January, 1906, the secretary estimated 

 that about 300 dogs had been killed during the nine months' operation 

 of the law. 



FERRETS. 



The use of ferrets for hunting rabbits is of very ancient origin. 

 History records their use for such purpose in the days of the Roman 

 Empire. They were commonly used in this country till within the 

 past few years, but recent legislation in several of the States has 

 greatly restricted their employment. 



In the Eastern States particularly, where rabbits are not sufficiently 

 abundant to be a pest, they are often considered valuable game, and 

 protected rigidly. The use of ferrets in hunting rabbits has imperiled 

 the maintenance of the supply of these animals to such a degree that it 

 has become necessary to prohibit the practice. 



The usual prohibition simply extends to the use of the ferret for 

 this special purpose, but Illinois and Massachusetts prohibit its use 

 for hunting any game. Massachusetts further makes possession of a 

 ferret in any place where game may be found prima facie evidence of 

 its illegal use, and declares that ferrets used in violation of law shall 

 be confiscated. 



