70 
FOREST AND STREAM. 
[Jan. 26, igor. 
also the tips of most of the evergreen species, when the 
branches of these trees were cut oS and thus placed 
within their reach. It is not necessary to cut down trees 
for this purpose and thus spoil good timber, as the deer 
feed only on the tender buds and smallest twigs. In fact, 
after a yard had been found and a few branches cut near 
by, the deer would come around as soon as they heard the 
sound of the axe. They are partial to the maple, as the 
sap in that species is sweeter than in the birch or beech, 
and in the soft maples the sap starts earlier than any other 
kind of trees. It is at this very time of the year, when the 
sap is starting, that the deer are in the poorest condition 
and in greatest need of the assistance we are able to 
render them by providing them Avith some kind of browse. 
I fully realize, as the result of an experience in the 
North Woods, covering a period of twenty years, with 
many of the best guides in that region, that I have in this 
letter merely set forth what the members of Brown's 
Tract Guides' Association know as well or better than I 
do. Your inquiries have led me to submit these matters as 
I view them, and if the presentation of them to the meet- 
ing of yoixr Association adds anything to the interest of 
the occasion, I will be greatly pleased. 
Very sincerely yours, 
Timothy L. Woodruff. 
Work of the Cuviers 
In his report to the Cuvier Club for the year that has 
just closed, President Alex. Starbuck says : 
We are reliably informed from various quarters where 
the song and game birds were wont to thrive, that they 
are rapidly diminishing. This is attributable, as regards 
the game birds, in a measure, to the non-export laws of the 
dififerent States, in connection with the Lacey Federal 
act, passed by the last Congress, which is also sweepingly 
prohibitive. You have only to turn to the prices in our 
principal game markets during the open season to realize 
this important fact. Quail were then worth nearly $3 a 
dozen, mallard duck $4.50 to $5, canvasback $9 to $10, 
prairie chickens $5.50 to ?6, and in New York prices were 
still higher, fine canvasback dticks, for instance, selling at 
$2.50 to $.5 a pair. We only mention this as an instance 
that the game laws, and particularly the non-export laws, 
are beginning to have a wholesome effect. 
We unquestionably desire a law which should prevent 
the spring shooting of fowl, and one that should place 
a penalty of $25 for each illegal bird, and no more, and 
confiscation of same; and still another that will give the 
deputy warden a reasonable salary, in addition to the fines 
. and costs he now receives. This would, doubtless, result 
in more efficient service. Then let the concession or 
unities of the game laws be accomplished in the Middle 
States, and it would be some balm for the fiasco of our 
past Legislature. 
We, however, blush for our State game laws, which are 
really nothing more than a travesty, if not a downright 
burlesque, and which we have to endure for the present 
year before they can be repealed. In many instances the 
laws conflict. As per example of idiotic legislation, I 
will here state that the Mongolian pheasants are pro- 
tected until Nov. 15, 1900, but Section 6964 makes it a 
misdemeanor to have one in possession until Nov. 10, 
1903. You can now kill these birds, but you must not 
pick them up until three years hence. 
Doves are entirely without protection, though Section 
6964 makes it a fine of $25 to have one in possession 
between Dec, 15 and July 4. As to the section relating to 
season for killing duck, an inve'stigation as to its intent 
was made by the Attorney-General of the State, who de- 
cided that the word "or" was a clerical error, although 
the member who presented the bill stated that the para- 
graph containing the significant "or" was made for the 
protection of the ducks, and that it meant just what it 
signified. But, nevertheless, the Attorney-General's de- 
cision stood, and now you can have your salmi of wild 
duck without fear of fracturing the law as interpreted, 
"and the sportsmen can also decimate them to their hearts' 
content, as they have been doing the past season. 
Our Fish and Game Commissioners have loyally per- 
formed the duties of their office. Mr. L. H. Reutinger, 
Secretary and Chief Warden, informs us that the year 
1900 has been a ver3^ successful one with the Commission 
in point of distribution of Mongolian and English ring- 
necked pheasants, as well as the planting of fish in public 
streams. There were distributed more than 2,200 birds 
and about. 360 settings of eggs, and, as near as possible, 
they were divided equally in the eighty-eight counties 
of the State. Since the Commission has begun the ex- 
jperiment of propagating the Mongolian and English 
ringnecked pheasants it has distributed 6,400 of these 
birds and 1,121 settings of eggs. Reports from every 
section of the State indicate a very large increase in the 
propagation of the birds, and I think they are receiving 
reasonable protection from everybody — by the farmer es- 
pecially. 
In the distribution of fish this 3'^ear there were planted 
about 300,000 marble catfish, 25,000 croppies and 80,000 
large and small-mouthed black bass. Part of these fish 
were yearlings and the balance fingerlings. 
The new ponds at London, as well as the pheasantry, 
are located together, and are a decided success. The 
ponds are equal to anything of their kind in the United 
States. The Commission feels proud of what it, has ac- 
complished during the past year, and if it were not for 
the unsatisfactory laws and stinted appropriation by the 
Legislature it might have largely increased this number, 
but there are so many loopholes for the violators to crawl 
through that it is very difficult to convict. The Chief 
Game Warden, Mr. L. H. Reutinger, has been a ver>' 
earnest and efficient official, and deserves well of the 
public, as also does the Commission. 
It is saddening to realize what our naturalists tell us 
relative to the depopulation of the bird kingdom. They 
state that at least 50 per cent, of our song and insectivo- 
rous birds and 75 per cent, of our game birds have been 
destroyed by • an army of hunters, . vandals, market 
shooters and thoughtless boys, and if more efficient 
measures src not soon taken to stop tiiis indiscriminate 
slaughter they will, to a feather, be destroyed, and this 
fact I have frequently enunciated. , 
The Deputy Game Warden's report detailed at length 
pa (^jfficultiep experienced in making arrest.s and vSeGHfiHg 
convictions, and gave a detailed report of caser tried. 
The total number of offenders arrested was thirty-seven, 
of whom twenty-five were convicted and fined and two 
were committed to prison. The total fines were classified 
as follows:: Fishing law, $355; game law, $420. In addi- 
tion to this, the Warden captured 336 feet of seine, 30 
feet of trammel net and several guns, pistols and other 
paraphernalia used by the nocturnal poacher. 
Brown's Tract Guides' Association. 
Saranac Lake, N. Y., Jan. 17. — The. annual meeting 
of the Brown's Tract Guides' Association was held at 
Boonville Wednesday evening, and the following officers 
were elected for the ensuing year : President, Richard 
Crego; Vice-President, J. E. Ball; Secretary and Treas- 
urer, A. M. Church; Executive Committee, H. D. Grant, 
D. H. Smith, George Goodsel, C. M. Barrett, Garry Riggs, 
Ira H. Parsons and D. F. Sperry. The Secretary's re- 
port shows 331 members. The receipts for the year were 
$810,07 and the expenses $393.73, leaving a balance in the 
treasury of $4x6.34. A letter from Lieut.-Gov. Timothy 
Woodruff was read. 
The following resolutions were unanimously adopted : 
Whereas, An association has been organized for the purpose of 
restoring wilcj moose to the Adirondacks, and for the proper 
protection of them after having been so restored or introduced; 
therefore, be it resolved, that the Brown's Tract Guides' Associa- 
tion heartily indorse the principles and objects of said Association 
and hereby request the Legisla.ture of the State of New York to 
make a suitable .appropriatloi^-' -Jfor the restoration of wild moose 
in the Adirondacks. ■ ' l ".y;;' 
VV^hereas, During the- pa.st-jfpw -seasons several persons, mistaken 
for deer, have been kilJeii.;,.'lTierefore, be it resolved, that there 
shall be no open season for the killing of men in the State of 
New York. 
Resolved, That this Association condemn buoy or anchor fishing, 
and respectfully request the Legislature to pass a law prohibiting 
fishing at buoys or anchors in waters inhabited by trout within 
the forest preserve. 
Whereas, The present law does not define at what age a young 
deer ceases, to bp a fawn; therefore, be it resolved that this As- 
sociation reiroiVimend the passage of a law defining in its game 
laws the meaning of the word fawn. And that no deer shall be 
killed uplii it is upward of one year of age. 
Resolved, That this Association recommend that the close season 
for wild deer shall be from Nov. 1 to Aug. 31, both inclusive. 
Resolved, That this Association recommend that the game laws 
provide that no hound or dog capable of running deer to water 
can be kept or brought within the forest preserve. 
Whereas, in the past the game laws of the State have not been 
properly enforced within the forest preserve; therefore, be it re- 
solved that this Association recommend that the number of game 
protectors in the forest preserve be largelj' increased, and that the 
inefficient ones now on the force be removed, and that capable men 
be appointed in their place and stead. 
Resolved, That this Association heartily indorse the candidacy 
of John E. Ball for the appointment of State Game Protector for 
the Herkimer district. 
Whereas, The question of lumbering State lands within the forest 
preserve is now being discussed; and, whereas, in our judgment, 
this not only means the destruction of the forest, but also tlie 
cutting off of the present water supply of the State; therefore, be it 
resolved that this Association most strenuously protest again.st 
lumbering or cutting the timber from said lands. 
A banquet was then held, after which the meeting ad- 
journed. S. A. M. 
About a Bird-Hound. 
The Wheatlands. — Editor Forest and Stream: Being 
a devoted admirer of dogs all my life, I was much struck 
with a new breed I lately found in the columns of the 
New York World. In the inclosed you will find that the 
reporter speaks of a "bird-hound" and again of this 
same "hound" retrieving a snipe. 
William' Kohles risked his life yesterday in the most dangerous 
edd)' in Jamaica Bay to save liis dog, and was ne&rly drowned 
\^'hen rescued. Although he was unconscious when taken from the 
water, he still retained a firm grip on the dog, the animal being 
also imconscious. 
It was fifteen minutes after the rescue that man and dog re- 
gained consciousness. 
Kohles has a summer home at Bayswater, and visited the place 
yesterday for a day's shooting. He had his pet bird hotmd with 
him. The dog started a snipe from a marsh beside the eddy, 
where the tide was running with a strength that stirred several 
whirlpools into existence. 
The snipe flew out over the eddy, and Kohles fired, the bird 
dropping dead into the water about 20 feet from shore. The 
hoiuid gamely leaped in to retrieve the bird. 
The animal was caught in a whirlpool and was drawn beneath 
the surface. As he was sinking he turned his nose toward his 
master and set up a plaintive howl that was plainly a call for help. 
Kohles tossed aside his gun, took off his coat and jumped into 
the water. He was soon over his head, but struck out for the spot 
where his dog had sunk. He fjoised himself and dived, searching 
for his dog. He found the animal near the bottom, seized it by 
the neck and dragged it tgward the surface. He arose with the 
hound tightly clutched by the nape of the neck. But, encumbered 
as he was, he was unable to swim out of the whirlpool, and he and 
the dog were whirled round in it imtil both sank. 
A fisherman had seen their plight, and reached the spot where 
they sank in time to locate them. Then he got a boathook into 
Kohle's clothes and brought him to the surface, 
Kohles, now unconscious, was still clutching the dog, which 
gave no sign of life. The fisherman dragged both into the boat 
and took tliem to shore. He and other men worked over Kohles, 
and were almost in despair before the man regained consciovisness. 
The fisherman who saved the man and dog left without leaving 
his name. Kohles and the hound were driven home, the animal 
licking the hand of his master. 
Now as I am away out of the world in the Eastern 
Sho', will you kindly tell me whether the "bird-hound" is 
a new breed that you Greater New Yorkers have intro- 
duced, and whether the said bird-hounds are superior 
to the Chesapeakes ? (of which I have long been a 
breeder) , for if so, I would like to secure a gross or so for 
stock purposes. 
Another thing I note in the story, and that is the dan- 
gerous whirlpools that seem to lie in wait for the shooting 
fraternity in the vicinity of Greater New York. Can it be 
possible that the celebrated maelstrom which is con- 
ceded to have disappeared from the coast of Norway has 
popped up in Jamaica Bay? Seriously, is it not amusing 
often to read the reports in the great dailies about yacht- 
ing and the other sports of the field, bird-hounding in- 
cluded? SlNK-seAT, 
• Death of. a New Brunswick Guide. 
Bart W. .Reid. of St. Almo. N. B., died at Victoria 
Ho.spital, Frederieton, Jan. 11, of appendicitis. He was 
one of the best guides at Geo. E. Armstrong's camps, 
where he has guided for the last three years. He was 
a first-class hunter and a good companion and was honor- 
able, generous and kind. Everybody that knew him liked 
him. He was well known by a great many American 
sportsmen. It seems particularly sad that a life so full 
of pfOfTiise sfiQ^jld ^t\^ 81^ch ?n ^arly age. J. 
An Appeal to Theodore Roosevelt. 
Milwaukee, Jan. 16. — Editor Forest and Stream: 
Please find inclosed copy of resolution adopted in our 
last general meeting, and which was sent to our Hon. 
Vice-President this week: 
To His Excellency Theodore Roosevelt, Vice-President- 
elect of the United States. 
Dear Sir : The Wisconsin Game Protective Associa- 
tion, an organization of hunters and true sportsmen, 
organized for the protection of ganie, adopted a resolution 
at its last general meeting, which we herewith respectfully 
submit to your Execellency : 
"Whereas, The Wisconsin Game Protective Associa- 
tion observes with alarm the rapid decre.ase of our wild 
game, especially of birds; and 
"Whereas, This rapid depletion is due in a large meas- 
ure to the persistent violation of our game laws, and in 
the lax enforcement of the same, the appointed game 
wardens generally not being hunters, and poorly quali- 
fied to perform their duties, and therefore having no in^ 
terest in the protection of game; and 
"Whereas, The worst of all is the great difference of 
law in the different States for the protection of migratory 
birds; therefore, be it 
"Resolved, That the Wisconsin Gaine Protective Asso^* 
ciation begs and requests our Hon. .Vice^-President- 
elect, Theodore Roosevelt, as a great game protector and 
true sportsman, to cause such bills to be proposed to our 
Congress for tbe purpose of securing a Federal uniform 
(United States) law for the protection of our migrating 
birds, and asks His Excellency re.spectfuly to u.se his ut- 
most influence for the passage of such a law." 
Hoping this very important matter will have your ap- 
proval, and your Excellency will kindly take action in 
this affair, and propose a bill to our Congress as expressed 
in the above resolution, we have the honor to remain, dear 
.sir. . ■ : 
Joseph Fisher, President. 
Gust. Steppan, Vice-President. 
Val. Raeth, Secretary. 
To be successful in protecting game and singing bird.S 
we must have a uniform (United States) law for 
migratory birds, as these birds are at one hour in one 
State and the next in another. One State protects the 
ducks from the first of January, and in the other State the 
law allows the killing to the first of May. 
The States of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and 
North Dakota protect water fowl after these birds have 
left these States in the fall, and the laws of the Southern 
Scales, where they go and remain all winter, allow the 
slaughtering of these birds tmtil May, or do not protect 
them at all. These birds are really the property of .the 
entire country and not of a single State, so far as they 
are not stationary or local birds, and therefore Uncle Sam 
nmst take a hand in this business and put a stop to the 
.slaughter of our migratory game arjd singing birds, as he 
has successfully done about the transporting of dead 
bodies or skins of these birds through the Lacey bill. 
Every hunter or true sportsman, every friend of nature 
or lover of our feathered friends, should do his utmost 
to secure a Federal law through our Congress for the pro- 
tection of our migratory game and singing birds. 
Val.. Raeth. 
New York Association. 
Editor Forest and Stremn: . 
The fifty-seventh anntial meeting of the New York 
Association for the Protection of Game was held at the 
Union Club on Jan. 14, 1901. The following ofiicers. were 
elected for the ensuing year : 
President, Hon. Robert B. Roosevelt; Vice-President, 
Alfred Wagstaff; Treasurer and Cotmsel, Thomas N. 
Cuthbert ; Secretary, Robert B. Lawrence ; Executive 
Committee, Charles E. Whitehead, Simon J. Drake, Henry 
Steers ; Committee on Admissions, Charles E, Whiteheaxi, 
William Carpender, Alfred Wagstaff^ Richard PaneQast, 
Robert B. Lawrence. ■ 
A communication having been received by the counsel 
of the Association from the proprietor of the Waldorf- 
Astoria, reguesting information as to the law governing 
the serving of foreign game to guests, the following reso- 
lution was offered by Mr. John S. Wise and carried unani- 
mously, viz. : 
"Resolved, That the c6unsel of this Association sblal 
reply to the communication of the proprietor of the Wal- 
dorf-Astoria, that while the Court of Appeals has recently 
indicated that under the laws of this State and of: the 
United States, in existence when the case then considered 
arose, foreign game may be brotight into this State;- even 
in the close season, said decision was rendered on a.case 
arising before the passage by Congress of a law, known 
as the Lacey law, that in the opinion of this Association 
the Lacey law makes the State laws of New York effectual 
against the importation of foreign game during the clqse 
season ; and that this Association will so contend and will 
prosecute all importers of foreign game in the close sea- 
son until a decision holding that it is wrong , has .been 
rendered by a court of last resort." ' " ' ■ c 
The subject of the preservation of large game; ju ithe 
neighborhood of the Yellowstone National Park being 
brought up for discussion, a resolution was adopted "That 
Mr. A, A. Anderson be appointed a committee of qnc to 
go to Washington and advocate the enactment of a law 
for the extension of the Yellowstone National Park to 
include the adjacent timber reserve on the east and south." 
Robert B. Roosevelt, President.' 
The Massac.httsetts Season. 
Danvers, Mass., Jan. ly.^Editvr^ Forest Wd 'SIream: 
Here is winter half gone, and up to the loth no snow ; now 
we have not more than 3 inches. The game.-has had the 
very finest weather to live in, with lots of feed. So far 
north we cannot feel like crowing much, as I have seen 
snow 4 fept deep on April i ;. . but' everything' so far so 
good. Lots of partridges and quail left over, '.i -hear of 
them far and near. Fox hunting (or fox shooting, I 
should say) is about a thing of the past around here. I 
know of only one being killed this fall by the half-dozen 
lllin'^^F^ -yvHo bound them, Haven't heard of any pickerel. 
