Memoranda 



STATE SENDS NEW MAN 



For the last few days rumors have 

 spread over the island that the state 

 was to follow the lead of the federation 

 and withdraw its warden here, hut in- 

 stead word came today that the divi- 

 sion of fisheries and game would send 

 another man to the island to take the 

 place of the one removed by the fed- 

 eration. 



"It Is apparent," says Dr. Gross in 

 his report, "that thus far our hopes of 

 greatly increasing the number of heath 

 hens have not be realized To the 

 contrary, from a review of my records 

 and a consideration of the conditions 

 under which the counts were made for 

 the past few years, I am inclined to 

 believe that there has been a steady 

 decrease since t^e count of 64 birds 

 made In 1924." ] 



Several statements already have be*n 

 made in an attempt to discredit Dr. 

 Gross, and in these evidence of friction 

 between members of the federation of 

 bird clubs and the state 'department 

 Is shown. Warden Edward F. McLeod,' 

 who has represented the state feder- 

 ation here, ^declares that the birds are 

 increasing In numbers. In this he is 

 supported by Clyde MaeNeil, president 

 of the Martha's Vineyard Rod and Gun 

 Club. 



On the other hand, Allan Kenniston, 

 the state warden on the reservation, 

 deolared before Dr. Gross made his cen- 

 sus that he did not believe there were 

 more than 20 birds on the island. He 

 has been in charge here for the last 

 nine years, and no criticism ot his work 

 has been offered. . 



Feeling on the island is at a high 

 pitch. Residents wish to see the pro- 

 tection of the birds go on. They are 

 fearful that eventually the state will 

 give up the fight. Many believe that 

 a. drive Is on foot to kill the remaining 

 birds for museum collections. 



