464 
FOREST AND STREAM. 
[Otoe 18, 1897. 
to come, as their haunts are absolutely worthless for agricul- 
ture, and do not, so far as is known, contain any economic 
minerals. 
There is something pretty about the tinkering of the 
authorities of the island of Newfoundland with its game 
laws. As most hunters know, the northwestern coast and 
desert interior of that Northern island are justly famous for 
their caribou hunting. Nowhere in the world is the rein- 
deer of so superb a growth, and nowhere, except in this poor 
land of cod and fog, does G. Tarandus grow antlers of such 
breadth and massiveness of beam, so that it is not surprising 
that "keen" men have been finding their way from this 
country and from the British Isles to far off Newfoundland. 
Those that have done so have invariably been sportsmen, 
and they have never attempted to shoot down the h^rds of 
deer that swarm on the barrens. But this has not strength- 
ened their case with the jealous nimrods who belong to the 
least progressive colony of white men on the American Con- 
tinent, aud these gentry have continued to bring pressure to 
bear upon the local legislators until finally laws have been 
passed of so slriogent a nature as to make a successful hunt 
well nigh impossible— that is, impossible for a visitor. The 
ingenuous natives may, of course, as heretofore, murder 
caribou by the thousand with their heavy sealing guns 
crammed with a four-finger load of buckshot, when the poor 
beasts are driven by the deep snows of the interior to visit 
the southern coast, something that happens each winter. 
First a limitation was put upon the number a man could 
shoot; then a heavy tax was put upon him in the way of a 
license; lastly, the open season has been so shortened that a 
hunter would have to be extremely fortunate, and be favored 
greatly by the weather to make anything of a bag. 
Chas, a. Bramble. 
CHICAGO AND THE WEST. 
Pheasants and Puppies. 
Mr. Wjsi. Weenee, of Chicago, is nothing if not a con- 
firmed enthusiast on dogs. He always has a lot of young 
ones coming on, besides a few good old ones up his sleeve. 
He divides his affection for his dogs with his Mongolian 
pheasants, of which he has a number on his farm in Indi- 
ana, as well as a few in his yard at his city home. Here he 
has a few coops and a little wired-in walk for the birds, 
which seem to do as well in their liqailed quarters as so many 
domestic chickens. The other day Mr. Werner was awak- 
ened at about 5 o'clock in the morning by a disturbance in 
his fowl yard, which he guards as the apple of his eye, and 
upon going downstairs and into the back yard, he saw a pe- 
culiar and interesting sight. Two of his young dogs, a 
setter puppy only ten weeks old aud a pointer puppy ten 
months of age, had in some manner escaped from their ken- 
nel and gotten out into the yard, where they had scented or 
seen the pheasants in their coop. The puppies were standing 
on a little platform leading from the barn door, about 5ft. 
above the pheasant coops, and both were at full point all by 
themselves, and apparently oblivious of the rest of the world. 
Mr. Werner says it was one of the prettiest sights he ever 
witnessed, and he went back into the house and woke up his 
son, calhng him to come out and see the puppies at work. 
The son arose and went out to the yard in time to see the 
little fellows still holding their point, and he declared it was 
the only thing which could have reconciled him to getting up 
80 early in the morning. 
Mr. Werner expects two hens to come off their nests to- 
morrow with at least twenty or twenty-five chicks of 
pheasants. ' His experiments with the birds, here in 
the heart of the city, have more than usual intei'est, and 
suggest the possibilities of the industry of raising these beau- 
tiful and valuable birds. Mr. Werner's friend, E H. Shorb, 
of Ohio, writes him that he has now 800 young birds hatched 
at^his place, and 2,200 eggs hatching. There seems to be no 
btnit to the fecundity of the Mongolian pheasant, and it is no 
bold hope to expect to see these birds common la our covers 
at no very distant time. 
The Velvet Scoter. 
Mr. John Townson, of .Toronto, is good enough to add 
still a little more to the accumulating fund of information re- 
garding the black duck or velvet scoter, and goes on to say: 
"Observing a flock of velvet scoters flying over the harbor 
on the 19th of the present month made me think of some 
correspondence I read under the head of 'Chicago and the 
West' in Foeest and Stream last winter regarding this 
duck. 1 was surprised on reading the article to find that 
they are comparatively rare about Chicago and Lake Michi- 
gan, as they pass along the northern shore of Lake Ontario 
during the month of May in great numbers, although they 
are not nearly so plentiful during the fall migration. 
"I have noticed one peculiarity about the velvet scoter 
which does not pertain to other wildfowl passing here in the 
spring, and that is, you may see flock after flock leave the 
lake for a few hours preceding sundown and head overland 
in a northwesterly direction, for Lac la Biche or some 
.destination in the far Northwest, where Mr. Thoma^ 
Johnston, of Winnipeg, thought he had discovered the 
breeding grounds of the black duck or dusky mallanl, which 
breeds as far west as Sault Ste. Marie, while further west 
than that point it is only an occasional visitant. 
''1 fancy that the scoters in their southerly migration may 
follow the Atlantic coast; of course, this is merely supposi- 
tion. However, the fact remains that for every one that 
passes by here in the fall there are ten in the spring." 
The question of the lines of migratory flight, north and 
south bound, is something of great interest, though open to 
considerable speculation. It is well known that the wildfo\?l 
do not always come back over the same line they take going 
north. In this part of the country we have far more birds 
of all sorts in the spring than we do in the fall, the returning 
flight appearing to go further to the west. E, Hough. 
1206 BoYCB Bdilding, Chicago. 
Pheasants in Missouri. 
The Greene County Game and Fish Club, a progressive 
organization, comprising among its oflicers and members 
many prominent business men, is preparing to stock its game 
preserve on the Sau River with English and Chinese pheas- 
ants, some of each of which were secured for that purpose 
pome months ago. The breeding pens now contain twelve 
English, pheasant hens and thirteen hens of the Chinese 
variety, with an equal number of cocks. The club has 142 
eggs setting and sixty ready for the hens. For the purpose 
Qf batching the eggs common bantam hens are used. 
GOVERNMENT GAME PRESERVES. 
St. Paul. — Editor Forest and 8f/ream: I have read over 
the article written by Mr. W. G. Van Name of New Haven, 
Conn., and while the theory he advocates would be all right 
if we could make certain conditions, otherwise I don't think 
it would be practicable. However it may be from Mr. Yan 
Name's standpoint, and the object that he sets forth may be 
accomplished, as far as the seashore is concerned. 
Mr. Van Name says fifty square miles should be set 
aside east of the Mississippi River. I think if he would just 
reverse that and say fifty square miles northwest of the 
Mississippi River, where most of our migratory birds nest, 
then I think the majority would agree with him. 
It is a well established fact that fn Alaska alone millions of 
eggs are taken and sold every year, and of necessity that 
many birds are killed annually. If the Government is going 
into the business of protecting bur game (which I would not 
dispute would be a good thing under certain conditions) 
why not protect our game birds where they nest? 
T know that to a great many causes is attributed the scar- 
city of our duck and goose shooting in the fall of the year, 
especially here in Minnesota. Some attribute it to the 
scarceness of water, as a great number of the sloughs and 
smaller lakes have dried up during the past twenty years; 
others again to the incessant spring shooting, as our birds 
are pounded at from the time they leave the Florida coast 
until they reach here, which is the nesting-grounds for great 
numbers of them, and as a natural consequence they will 
avoid covering the same ground, for the reason they were 
shpt at during the spring. 
My own opinion in the matter is, that without doubt 
spring shooting is vicious, and I also think that if we could 
induce the Governments of Canada and the United Slates to 
protect all breeding-grounds of our ducks and geese, there 
would be far better shooting in the spring and fall, and the 
game would be more abundant. 
In conversation with a gentleman a few weeks ago, who 
is well posted on such matters pertaining to Alaska, he told 
me he could not begin to compute the amount of eggs that 
were taken from there annually and sold for different pur- 
poses. He was unable to furnish me with the details in 
regard to what they were used for at that time, but promised 
to look the matter up and furnish me with a statement when 
he returned to Alaska, detailing the purposes they were em- 
ployed for and about how many were annually destroyed. 
I think that this is the very foundation of protecting our 
migratory birds, and if we could accomplish this, then have 
the different States along the Mississip; i Valley pass laws 
prohibiting spring shooting, when the birds are going to 
nest, then I think there would be no need of setting aside 
fifty square miles east of the Mississippi River. 
Of course I am not opposed to any and every kind of game 
protection that is at all practicable, but it is my firm convic- 
tion that the power to protect our game should be reposed in 
the different States, in order to achieve the best possible 
resu! ts. 
1 am thoroughly m favor, however, of the United States 
controlling the shipment of game and making the Interstate 
Commerce Act apply to game shipped out of one State into 
another, when it is unlawful! to make such shipment by the 
laws of that State. 
The sentiment of the sportsmen of Minnesota, is not that 
shooting lessens the amount of game, as long as the bag is 
limited, and as evidence of this fact we tried to pass a law 
during the session of the legislature, charging a gun license 
of $25, the same as Michigan and Wisconsin, but it could 
not even get a second in the House or Senate. 
The citizens of Minnesota welcome the citizens of other 
States to shoot and fish, as long as they obpy our laws. 
They are not allowed to catch any more than fifty fish in one 
day, nor kill more than twenty-five birds, and while the law 
is violated in this respect to some extent, still as a general 
thing the spirit of the law is respected. 
Sam F. Fullerton, Executive Agent. 
Robert B. Lawrence, Esq., chairman of the legislative 
committee of the New YorK State Association for the Pro- 
tection of Fish and Game, writes: I have read the article on 
"Government Game Reserves" with much pleasure and most 
heartily approve of the idea. There is no doubt about the 
sad truth that while the number of sportsmen is increasing 
every year, the supply of migratory birds is even more 
rapidly decreasing, and the fact that our markets are open to 
most of these birds during the entire year makes it most 
desirable that some such scheme should be tried, if we wish 
to save our migrants and particularly our seacoast visitors. 
As to the practicability of the scheme I feel somewhat in 
doubt, for so long as each State is at liberty to regulate the 
killing and marketing of game within its borders, I fear it 
would not be possible for the National Government to try 
and regulate it, even to the intent of setting aside places of 
refuge. It is a great pity that the entire question of game 
laws is not restricted to the National Government and en- 
tirely removed from State control, but that is one of the 
features of our system of government and the cry is sure to 
be "hands off" the moment the proposition is made to take 
anything away from State rights. 
If such a scheme, as the one proposed, could be started it 
would be a great thing for the preservation of migratory 
fowl of all kinds. The instance of the robin roost near R m- 
dojph, N. C, is admirable and to the lover of birds tells 
volumes. 
German Quail in Michigan. 
SAomAW, Mich., May 29. — Several years ago my friend 
Charles W. Ward brought over from Germany several pairs 
of German quail and liberated them on his mother's farm at 
Orchard Lake, Mich. They thrived remarkably well, and 
the thicket down on the old farm corner soon began to be 
filled with these birds. On Mr. Ward's visiting his mother 
at Christmas time a year ago, he made the sad discovery that 
two alleged sportsmen had been into the cover during the 
autumn and killed over forty of these birds. He felt all the 
more cut up about it, as, he said, they were two men who 
had always had a good deal to say in favor of game protec- 
tion, aud had extolled to the skies their own virtues as sports 
men. ]\lr. Ward made a pretty thorough examination of the 
wood lot and failed to find a bird left; but to day 1 have a 
letter from him in which he says that his mother has just 
written him that there are several broods of the German 
quail on the farm; so after all some have lived, and if given 
a chance will, 1 am certain, do well in Michigan While 
there is uo law protecting these birds in this State, there 
ought to be a common law of decency that would give them 
a show to multiply aud thrive. W. B, Mkrshon. 
LEAP-YEARS FOR GAME. 
CoMiiiENTiNG On our suggestion of periodical close years 
on game, as outlined in our issue of May 29, Mr. S. F. 
FuUerton, Executive Agent of the Minnesota Game and 
Fish Commission, writes; 
"I have been very much interested in your article in last, 
week's issue. In regard to the South Dakota game laws, 
they certainly meet with my hearty approval. I think if a 
scheme could be adopted in all the States that it would be a 
splendid thing to provide one close year in every five, and, 
of course, would greatly protect our game and fish. 
"But 1 believe that the only way we will ever save what 
we have n"Ow in the different States is to take it out of the 
market, adopting Forest and Stream's plan, 
"I believe we have entered the wedge, and, as I said in a 
former letter, if we cannot drive it all the way home, two years 
from now we in Minnesota will drive it a good deal further 
than it has been driven up to the present time, and if we 
can only prevent the sale of game 1 for my part would heart - 
ily enter into any arrangement whereby our game and fish 
would be protected for the citizens at large. 
' 'There is no question but what one year in every five, the 
presidential year, there is much more game killed than in 
ordinary years. I know myself last fall during the beat of 
election a great many persons neglected the greatest duty 
and privilege a citizen could perform or enjoy, the exercise 
of his franchise, simply because they wished to go out and 
hunt deer. 
"I am satisfied if we had a close season every presidential 
year much of this wanton slaughter of game would be pre- 
vented. I shall watch with agreat deal of interest the work- 
ings of the South Dakota law." S. F, Fulleeton. 
Pennsylvania Association. 
LiGONiER, Pa., June 4. — Editor Forest and Stream: The 
thanks of the thousands of sportsmen of Pennsylvania are 
due the Legislature for passing, and Gov. Hastings for sign- 
ing the new game law, among the best provisions of which 
is the prohibition of the sale of game and its shipment 
out of the State. This is the direct work of the State Sports- 
men's Association, and is very gratifying to that body after 
so many years of hard and fruitless work, and was only ob- 
tained by everlastingly sticking at it. The Asscciation has 
been called nothing but a eet of trap shooters, has been 
accused of trying to legislate for personal ends, and has been 
maligned in a great many ways, but these accusations have 
acted as boomerangs, and sportsmen are realizing its useful- 
ness and recognizing its sincerity of purpose, "rhe Associa- 
tion has been more active the last year than ever before, and 
its work has been more systemized. It has at last convinced 
both the sportsmen at large aud our legislators, that it is in 
earnest and that it desires to be known more as the guardian 
of the interests of game and fish protection than as a set of 
trap-shooters. The protection and preservation of insec- 
tivorous and song birds, game birds and animals and game 
fish are the aim of the Association, its duty first and last, and 
the object for which it was instituted. Its highest hopes 
will be realized when every man in the State who loves 
nature, shooting and fishing, shall be united in the work of 
protecting its forests, game and fish. In this connection I 
appeal to every club, organization, society or individual in 
the State, who believes in, or has at heart the accomplish- 
ment of all or any of the above objects, to join the Associa- 
tion and send delegates to Oil City, June 22. 
J. O'H. Denmt. 
Credit for Pennsylvania's New Game Law. 
Harrisbueg, Pa., June 1. — Editor Forest and Stream; 
The Hon, Frank G. Harris, member of the House of Rvpre- 
sentalives from Clearfield, Clearfield county, and chairman 
of the Game and Fish Committee, who has successfully 
piloted the general game bill through the House, now has 
the satisfaction of knowing that it has become a law, and he 
deserves the thanks of all citizens of the State. 
Few of the friends of such legislation realize the patience, 
time and care which a bill of this nature demands from the 
member having it in charge, to harmonize the varied differ- 
ences, protect it from objectionalle amendments, etc.; it 
calls out the tact, talent and diplomacy of its champion. 
Former experience in his professional duties as an attor- 
ney had fittingly prepared him to assume a task of this 
nature, and he has accomplished the results desired in a 
most admirable and satisfactory manner. It affords me 
pleasure to publicly express my personal gratitude and 
thanks; in doing so I feel certain that I voice the sentiments 
of many thousands of the citizens of this State. 
H. M. F. WOEDEN. 
Never. 
State Game Warden Chaki.es A Sheinep, of Paterson, 
N J., sends us the Commission's new edition of the game 
laws, with a card showing the open and close seasons by a 
device of white and black spaces To the various prohibi- 
tions contained in the law Mr. Shriner has the following, 
"which, while not the subject of legal enactment, are recog- 
nized as binding laws of behavior by all reputable lovers of 
the pursuit of game and fish," 
Never violate the letter or spirit of the game laws. 
Never take more fish or game than you have convenient 
use for. 
Never be insolent or impolite to a landowner who orders 
you off his premises; for although he may not own the game 
or fish you are after, he has the right to exclusive possession 
of his property. 
Never fail to destroy a net or trap when you find one set. 
Never shoot at a game bird except on wing. 
Never kill the last quail In a covey ; leave some to breed 
next year. 
Never forget that game laws are intended to improve and 
increase sport, and not to prevent or restrict it. 
The Virginia Eastern Shore. 
Keller, Va., May 27.— Bay birds are still plentiful, giv- 
ing sportsmen very fine shooting. Trout and drumfish are 
in large quantities. Members of the respective clubs of Ac- 
comac and Revels Island are coming by 'most every train. 
We understand that the Revels Island Club are contemplat- 
ing large additions to their already handsome club building. 
Theyiave a very valuable property, well located, and alto- 
gether free from ocean incursions. T. G. E. 
The FoHEST AND STREAM is put to press each week on luesday 
Oorrespondence intended for publication should reach t4s at tJl/e 
atest by Monday, and as much earlier j»s practicable, 
