THE WICHITA NATIONAL FOREST AND GAME PRESERVE 7 



In 1921 the American Bison Society donated to the Wichita Game 

 Preserve 10 antelope purchased by the society from C. J. Blazier, of 

 Alberta, Canada, whose life work in the preservation of this most 

 interesting species deserves the highest commendation. Six of the 

 10 died after their arrival. In 1922, 6 more were sent from Mr. 

 Blazier's ranch in Alberta, and of these 1 survives. Therefore, of 

 the 27 antelope shipped to the preserve but 5 are still alive. It is 

 encouraging, however, that the natural increase of these 5 brought 

 the Wichita band up to 17 head by 1924, all apparently in good health. 

 Three pairs of twins were born in 1923 and this record was repeated 

 in 1924. At the end of 1926 there was a total of 27 head. (Fig. 5.) 

 This little band of antelope constitutes one of the most appealing 



Fig. 5.— The antelope herd now numbers 27 and constitutes a most interesting feature of the Wichita 



Game Preserve 



features of the entire game preserve. Though many authorities have 

 held that it is impossible to develop a herd of this rapidly disappear- 

 ing species in captivity, there is reason to hope that the efforts being 

 made with the little Wichita band will be successful. 



EXHIBITION PASTURE 



An exhibition pasture has been set aside on the forest where several 

 animals of each species are kept and may be seen by the public. In 

 the other large pastures it is impossible at times to see the animals, as 

 they have a tendency to get away from convenient observation points. 

 Besides, many parts of the large pastures have broken and rough 

 topography, accessible only by horseback and in some instances per- 



