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6 THE AMEKICAN BISON/IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA. 



J 



I have devoted considerable thought and study as to the best means 

 of preserving these bison from total destruction, which now seems cer- 

 tain in the very near future. The result of my observation and study 

 is that the buffalo have been reduced to such small numbers, and the 

 inbreeding has become so marked and so persistent, and for such a 

 length of time, that the calves now born are weak and unable to stand 

 the rigors of our winter, and quite a number of them die at the age of 

 6 or 7 years without any apparent cause, unless it be the persistency 

 of the breeding. 



It would be possible for the Government to fence 30,000 or 40,000 

 acres near Rabbit Ear range, at probably a small expense, where these 

 buffalo could be safely confined and yet have sufficient area to graze 

 and obtain all the food and water they need. If in addition to this 

 the Government would exchange the different bulls from one herd to 

 another, I believe that a material improvement would be noticed, both 

 in the increase in the number of calves and in the vigor of the offspring 

 when born. Unless some such steps are taken, I believe that the next 

 few years will mark the passing away of the last bison. 

 Very truly, yours, 



James B. Ornran, Governor. 



Hon. E. A. Hitchcock, 



Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C. 



CONNECTICUT. 



State of Connecticut, Executive Department, 



Hartford, February 11, 1902. 

 Sir: Governor McLean has directed me to acknowledge the receipt 

 of your communication of February 3, requesting information regard- 

 ing the buffalo, or American bison. 



We understand that there are none of these animals within this 

 State, and the governor has not at present any facts concerning the 

 buffalo which would be of value to you. 



I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours, 



. John T. Robinson, Executive Secretary. 



Hon. E. A. Hitchcock, 



Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C. 



Note. — Since the receipt of the foregoing communication the following additional 

 data relative to buffalo in Connecticut has been received from the Zoological Park, 

 District of Columbia, through the Smithsonian Institution: Bridgeport, Conn., in 

 possession of private owner, ''Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show," pure-blood buffalo, 6. 



DELAWARE. 



State of Delawake, Executive Department, 



Dover \ Del. , February 6, 1902. 

 Sir: We have your communication of February 3, and in reply will 

 say there are no buffaloes in the State of Delaware, either in public 

 or private parks, that we are aware of. Hence, of course, can not 



