1884] 
_ Itis well known that the larger game of the far West has been 
long diminishing in numbers. This is especially true of the 
bison, an animal which is unable to escape from its pursuers, and 
which can hardly be called a game animal. The once huge 
Southern herd has been reduced to a few individuals in North- 
western Texas. The Dakota herd numbers only some 75,000 
head, a number which will soon be reduced to zero if the present 
rate of extermination continues. The Montana herd is now the 
object of relentless slaughter, and will soon follow the course of 
the other two herds. When scattered individuals represent these 
herds, a few hunters will one day pick them off, and the species 
will be extinct. 
: Let the Government place a small herd in each of the national 
__ Parks, and let the number be maintained at a definite figure. Let 
the excess escape into the surrounding country, so as to preserve 
the species for the hunters. Let herds of moose, elk, big-horn, 
kand white-tailed deer, and antelope, be maintained in the 
| same way. Let the Carnivora roam at will; and in a word pro- 
‘ tect nature from the destructive outlawry of men whose prehis- 
: toric instincts are not yet dead. Let the newer instinct of admi- 
_ fation for nature's wonders have scope. Let the desire for knowl- 
edge of nature’s greatest mystery, life, have some opportunity. 
Let there be kept a source of supply for zodlogical societies and 
museums, so that science may ever have material for its investi- 
Recent Literature. 709 
i 
ae 
ee Le as Pe ge ee ee Se eet ee ene eee a eM hE ss Ht 
ss ar oe 
Sations, By securing the preservation of these noblest of nature’s 
3 orks, Congress will be but extending the work it has so grandly 
r sustained in the past, in the support of scientific research and the 
Sducation of the people. 
_ > carry this plan into effect it will be necessary to have an 
_~*" Corps of foresters and gamekeepers. Any poaching on 
E ag must be punished with exemplary severity by the Uni- 
ie State urts. 
a 
€S CO 
10: 
RECENT LITERATURE. 
— ZOOLOGICAL RECORD For 1882!—This volume is sixteen 
and. lo nger than its predecessor. The number of new genera 
ú 915, as against 1438 of Vol. xvir. The editor adds that 
os the Protozoa, which in the latter comprised 483 from a 
logical (gi cal Record for 1882; being volume nineteenth of the Record of Zod- 
K ure. Edited by E. C. RYE London, John Van Voorst, 1883. 
