306 
FOREST AND STREAM. 
[Oct. i8, 190:2. 
fortunately for me I had a pair of mackintosh overalls 
on— up it all came again. As I had been for some time 
engaged in feeding this nursling-, who thus repaid me by 
"puking in his n.tirse's arms," and the fish were biting 
freely, I left him to his own devices, and away he went. 
On regaining his liberty, however, so far from appear- 
ing to resent ray compulsory kindneS'^. he rather seemed 
to wish for a repetition of the same course of treatment 
for he continued to fly backward and forward within a 
few feet of our heads, as if he thought he had been a 
fool after all. The captain of one of the Dover and 
Ostend steamers told me that he had seen a gull come 
and take of? the taftrail food which had been placed there 
for him. 
Changes of weather may be foretold with consider- 
able accuracy by observing the flight of gulls, as, after 
feeding inland, they, according to tlieir invariable cus- 
tom, wing their way homeward toward evening to their 
roosting places in the cliffs; making this transit in fine 
weather high and in comparative silence, but in bad 
blustery weather, and before rain, much more noisily 
and nearer to the ground, merely skirting the tops of 
the coverts which lie in their course. 
and fell, alighting on the antlers. He broke off three of 
the longest prongs. The short prongs near the base 
of the set caught the man in the thighs, however, and 
such was the force of his fall that the prongs entered 
the thighs to a sufficient depth to support Fisher's 
weight. The noise of the fall and the cries of Fisher 
attracted the attention of the Museum employes, and 
the man was quickly removed from his painful perch. — 
Washington Post. 
Hints and Wrinkles, 
Do Not Destroy Hornets* Nests." 
Editor *Forest and Stream: 
As the leaves are dropping from the trees and the hunt- 
ing season is approaching when mauy sharp-eyed gun- 
ners will be abroad in the woods, we wish at this time to 
take the opportunity to call attention to the error of the 
common practice of shooting through hornets' nests. 
These nests will soon be conspicuous in the forests, and 
by the close of the hunting season scarcely one of the 
many now existing will be left uninjured by the gunners. 
The fact that this is a useless, idle practice that results in 
the destruction of living things that can not be replaced 
by man, should be enough to condemn it A\ ith all thought- 
ful persons, but there is much more to be said against it 
than that it is a useless waste of amnnmition. It is a 
positive destruction of some of the most useful creatures 
which by their habits benefit mankind without his gen- 
erally being aware of the fact. 
Hornets or "white-faced wasps" have no evil traits or 
obnoxious features. It is true that they sometimes sting, 
but this is only when they are attacked in their own 
homes, or think that their young are in danger. _ Any 
brave man would do the same, and wc would despise the 
coward who would not fight for his own. 
The great value of these insects is in' their feeding 
habits. They live entirely upon insects, mostly flies, and, 
in fact, when they are near dwellings their food is gener- 
ally the common house fly. They are nature's greatest 
factor in reducing this serious pest. It is well known 
that flies carry disease germs, such as those of typhoid 
fever, and it can thus be seen that hornets have a de- 
cidedly sanitary effect as a result of their desirable m- 
sectivorous habits. Where there are more hornets there 
are fewer flies and fewer disease germs conveyed. Spare 
the hornets' nests, and add to the comforts and health- 
fulness of mankind. 
H. A. Surface, Professor of Zoology. 
The PfiNNSVLVANiA State Coi.i.EGE40ct.l6, 
Nova Scotia Bird ^Flights. 
Canso, Nova Scotia, Oct. 7— Editor Forest and 
Stream: Nearly all migratory birds were from three to 
ten days late in arriving here this spring, probably owmg 
to a very backward season. 
Hedge sparrows were here on March 17. Some robms 
stayed with us all winter, as usual. Last winter was very 
mild, the thermometer never going lower than six de- 
grees above. Bluebirds were quite a Aveek late; yellow 
warblers aboixt ten days. Swallows and sand martens 
exceptionally late. I saw two swallows on May 7. From, 
the 4th to 7th, included, were warm, Avith south to south- 
west winds, but after the 7th the weather broke and re- 
mained hot for several days. The next lot of swallows 
appeared on the 13th. I never saw one between the 
7th and 13th. 
It is no exaggeration to state thai the sea ducks ot 
nearly every description pass this cape in thousands on 
their southern migration. The flight is now on prmci- 
pally coots and eiders. Any one anxious to add to his 
collection would do well to try Canso. _ 
Horse mackerel are very numerous m our bay. Ihe 
man from Halifax does not know much about the Nova 
ScStia fisherman when he states they would not fish for 
horse mackerel. Two-thirds of Gloucester vessels are 
manned by men from this Province. That ought to be 
guarantee sufficient. They will dare anything m a^og- 
The Raffed Grouse's Drinking* 
Brookline, Mass., Oct. 11.— Editor E or est and Stream: 
In answer to W. W. Brown's question m the Forest and 
Stream for Oct. n, I would say that at the last sports- 
men's show at Boston I saw the ruffed grouse drink from 
a nan of water like common barnj^ard fowl. 
Daem. 
Raffed Grouse in Confinement. 
Last week I saw four ruffed grcaise under wire at 
Blooming Grove Park which were raised from eggs cov- 
ered by a domestic hen, and they walked out to the end 
of a perch and pecked cabbage leaves from my fingers 
through the m eshes. Charle s Hallock. 
The figure of a man impaled on a set of magnificent 
elk antlers hanging on the walls of the National Museum 
startled visitors to that institution. The screams of the 
unfortunate man quickly brought assistance and he was 
relieved from his perch after hanging only a few mo- 
ments The man was John Fisher, forty years old, a 
workman employed at the Museum. The prongs of the 
antlers had entered his thighs to a considerable depth. 
The man was conveyed to the Emergency Hospital, 
where his wounds were dressed. 
Fisher was employed in the mam hall of the Museum, 
makin<^ some repairs about fifteen or twenty feet from 
the floor Below him, attached to a heavy shield, hung 
ft set of elk antlers. Fisher slipped from his position 
Readers are invited lo send for p,^blicati&n under this 
head hints and wrinkles drawn from practical expetieQce> 
and pertaining to shooting, fishing, camping and outdoor life. 
No. J— A Home-Made Rifle Cover, 
Years ago I enjoyed the companionship of C. M. Wil- 
cox, a venerable gentleman, in many one-day excursions 
after small game and prairie dogs in the sandhills of the 
West. Mr. Wilcox was very fond of small-bore rifle 
shooting, and as prairie dogs were numerous everywhere, 
it was natural that we should practice on them. Mr. 
Wilcox always carried a small take-down rifle wrapped 
in a sheet of stout paper, and one who observed him as 
he sat in a trolley car with this neat package lying 
across his knees would never suspect the nature of its 
contents, or that his pockets were stuffed with sand- 
wiches, cartridges, cleaning material, etc. Arrived at 
our destination — generally a couple of miles from a dog 
town — he took the rifle out, put it together, folded the 
paper and put it in a pocket until night, when, in re- 
turning home, the rifle again reposed inside its wrapper. 
No bullvy canvas case for him to lug around all day, and 
to attract attention and queries as to his luck. 
It is a nuisance to the man who goes out thus for a 
day afield to carry a stiff case with him, but a better 
substitute than the wrapping paper is a cover of light 
brown duck, which may be folded almost as small as 
a handkerchief. If the rifle has swivels and a sling strap, 
the handiest sort of cover may be made in a few minutes 
on any sewing machine. In form it should be similar to 
the conventional rifle cover, with a flap to button or 
buckle over the butt, and with soft leather reinforce- 
ment over muzzle, to protect the front sight. Button- 
holes should be worked at the two points where the swivel 
studs touch the cover, and by this means the cover has 
a sling strap or not, as desired. If the former, remove 
the sling before putting the rifle in the cover, then snap 
the swivels into the studs through the buttonholes in the 
cover. Nothing cquld be simpler. Six-ounce duck is 
heavy enough. 
The cover may be waterproofed by dissolving paraffin 
in turpentine and applying one coat with a brush, then 
hanging in the sunlight a short time until dry. 
Perry D. Frazer. 
'^niB §^g mtd §mu 
Shooting Along Great South Bay. 
Editor Forest and Stream: 
In the city of the Greater New York and its immediate 
vicinity there are many sportsmen who cannot take the 
time from their business to go on a shooting trip, as 
shooting trips are generally understood. Such a trip 
almost always implies many miles of travel and consider- 
able outlay of time and money. Because such men do not 
know where to go to find good shooting near home, they 
often do not go shooting at all. 
It is generally known that there is excellent quail shoot- 
ing on Long Island, and it is easy to say go to Bay Shore, 
Islip, Bayport, and on out to the end of the island. Such 
advice, however, is vague. It implies much, but gives 
nothing definite. And this indefiniteness applies equally 
to duck shooting, rabbit shooting and all game. 
After a week of travel and careful study of the South 
Side of Long Island, I am convinced that at various 
points from Bay Shore to Good Ground one can have a 
profitable outing of one day or one week, can be well 
cared for, and need be under no heavy expense, either in 
the way of time or money. 
At Bay Shore I met Mr. Fred Dominy, of the Dominy 
House, a comfortable hotel. Mr. Dominy is a sportsman, 
•owns good dogs, and is in close touch with all the best 
guides, including Capt. Hicks, He is prepared to help 
people to duck shooting also, and by writing him a few 
days in advance, any of your readers may learn what the 
prospects are. 
Here I also met Capt. Veltman, of the sloop Madeline. 
I visited him on board and found him well prepared to 
accommodate a party of from two to six duck shooters. 
He furnishes batteries, decoys, and indeed everything ex- 
cept the ability to shoot, and ducking weather. 
If one prefers to go to Islip, the Orowoc Hotel will 
be found comfortable. Mr. Frank Buchacek is a good 
sportsman, and will take care of deer, duck and quail 
shooters, procure guides for them and fit them out with 
what they need. For the benefit of his guests he has 
built on the outer bar a substantial cabin as a refuge for 
his duck hunters, in case they are caught there by bad 
weather. Arrangements should be made in advance here 
a? in all other places. 
At Bayport, the Bayport Hotel is kept by Mr. Henry 
Stokes. The hotel is a good one, and the proprietor is 
near deer, duck and quail grounds. He can secure com- 
petent men as guides or assistants. 
Bellport is not far from Bayport. It has long been 
famous as a duck shooting ground, and the Wyandotte 
Hotel, kept by Uncle Billy Kreamer, will be remembered 
by many of the older generation. Although Mr. Kreamer 
is not as young as he used to be, his son is following in 
his footsteps, and can take charge of visiting gunners. 
Their sloop, batteries, scooters, sharpies and men are all 
in excellent condition. 
At Centre Moriches, conditions for duck shooting are 
excellent for those who can shoot there, but not for the 
general public. An old English grant covers the bay for 
about eight miles on the outer bar, and six along shore, 
and the shooting privileges are rented out to one man by 
the present generation of heirs. However, you can get off 
before you reach Centre Moriches, or can stay on the train 
and go just beyond, and may thus forget that King 
George eever existed. But this antique grant does not 
cover the adjacent land, and one may get fine quail shoot- 
ing, excellent accommodations and good guides, by writ- 
ing Mr. J. W. Rose. Long Island Hotel. I spent an en- 
joyable evening at this hotel under the palms before an 
open grate fire studying Long Island ancient history. 
The waters of Shinnecock Bay, near Good Ground, are 
well known to duck shooters, and the name calls up many 
memories, cheerful and sad. Mr. E. J. Bellows, of the 
Lighthouse Cottage, makes it his business to care for gun- 
ners. After he takes you in charge, all you need is to be 
able to shoot. Mr. Harry G. Carter is a shooter and guide 
at East Quoque, and at East Quogue also is Mr. Lew 
Morris, who has taken a comfortable cottage for the enter- 
tainment of gunners. Mr. Morris has many friends who 
will be glad to learn that he has opened this resort. 
Black ducks are now on in goodly numbers, and the 
writer got a few black ducks last week. Some broadbills 
have come, too. 
A copy of the Game Laws in Brief will post one as to 
the law regulating the taking of game and should be 
carefully studied. 
The outlook for quail has not been so good in years, and 
this is true also of deer. As to the ducks, they have 
always visited the South Shore in great numbers, and I 
guess they always will. T. E. B. 
New York, Oct. 18. 
[Note. — Arrangements have been made with all nearby 
advertisers to report to the Forest and Stream from time 
to time the conditions of shooting in their localities. 
These reports will be published for the benefit of our 
readers.] 
The Extirpation of Valuable Birds. 
I have read with a great deal of interest and pleasure 
the valuable article by A. K. Fisher, entitled "Two Van- 
ishing Game Birds," which was printed in Forest and 
Stream Sept. 27. It sounds a timely note of warning 
which should not pass unheeded by sportsmen and others 
who are interested in our native birds, for, that there is 
danger of the practical . annihilation of the species he 
has named there is no doubt. 
For many years I have watched the steadily increasing 
dangers which 'not only threaten these, but other species 
also, and have often wished that some concerted action 
all over the country could be brought about by which in 
the various State legislatures proper laws could be ob- 
tained. 
I have had in years past my full share of work before 
legislative committees, and I will state now, though I 
dislike to make the admission, that the time I have wasted 
in endeavoring to secure discreet and wise laws for the 
better protection of birds is among my greatest regrets. 
There are always members of these committees who 
"know it all" so far as game laws are concerned, and it 
is a wise and eloquent and thoroughly persistent man only 
who can make any impression on them. To the first 
two qualities I do not lay any claim, but the third one I 
think I possess in a fair degree. 
I suppose that if a large number of individuals in every 
State were at once to begin a crusade for the protection 
of the vanishing birds, working zealously and per- 
sistently among the legislatures, the effort might 
bear some fruit, how valuable that fruit would be is 
a question. But it is very difficult to enlist even sports- 
men — who are interested in such matters more than 
others are — in such work. I had good opportunities for 
becoming acquainted with this fact during my twenty- 
one years' term of office at the Massachusetts State House 
and in my seven years' Presidency of the Massachusetts 
Fish and Game Protective Association. 
I have also found that among the "men behind the 
gun" it is difficult to secure an unanimity of opinion. So 
that to obtain from them anything like "concerted action 
to make a strong effort to have proper laws enacted," as 
Mr. Fisher suggests, and that they will "take an unselfish 
view of the matter and work for a universal close sea- 
son," is something that I wish might be brought about, 
but I am not much of an optimist in the matter. It is 
not because they are stolid, or indifferent or even care- 
less, but legislation and legislators are things which, as 
a rule, are quite out of their line, and it is almost im- 
possible to arouse them to effort in that direction. 
But supposing that every one, not only sportsmen but 
all who are interested in our game birds, could be induced 
to take concerted action to obtain proper legislation, their 
efforts would avail not unless they were successful every- 
where, for manifestly a law obtained providing for a 
close season in one State and not obtained in an adjoin- 
ing one, would be of little benefit to species which know 
nothing of State lines and boundaries, and would be a 
rank injustice to the sportsmen of both States. 
Suppose that a close season for a term of years were 
obtained on woodcock and wood duck in Massachusetts 
and could not be obtained in Connecticut, into which State 
most of the Massachusetts-bred woodcock move when 
the moulting season begins, how long would such a law 
be supported by public opinion. 
Beside this, the work could not be done at once, but 
would have to be extended through several years at 
least for the reason that the sessions of the legislatures 
of the different States do not occur simultaneously, some 
having annual and others biennial sessions, beginning at 
varying dates and extending through longer or shorter 
terms. 
So that while it is undoubtedly most desirable that 
"sportsmen and others especially interested will take this 
matter in hand and secure proper legislation for the bet- 
ter protection of the woodcock," as Mr. Fisher again 
suggests, I believe that so far as the enactment of uniform 
State laws is concerned, there will be but little accom- 
plished. 
Now I have given this matter of bird protection a good 
deal of thought in years gone by, and have tried to devise 
ways and means "by Avhich an uniformity of protective 
].-.^\;s"_not of all, but of special species— in the several 
States could be obtained. That there was any probability 
of this being brought about by the various legislatures. I 
never believed. I am sorry to say I am not much of 3 
