8 
FOREST AND STREAM. 
office. The dog was pointing at an envelope which lay 
in the gvjftef; Dr. Pruden could not call liim off "his 
point, and so concluded that there must be a pheasant's 
feather in :the envelope. He picked up the envelope, 
and c^n the'part turned toward the ground there was a 
picture , of an English pheasant; the envelope had con- 
tained a letter from a sporting goods house addressed 
to tlie sporting editor of the Call. When Trix dies 
Ins liule is to be stuffed, and he will be placed in the 
Jial! of Fame for dogs alongside the 'coon dog who 
pejintcd a locomotive and train of cars, because the 
cnndi'ctor's name was Coon, and the dog who pointed 
a large pickerel in a stream because the pickerel had 
just dined by swallowing a quail. 
Mr. Joseph Rydings. in another column in his own 
niunitable manner, tells of his perplexity at the re- 
ceipt oi a pair of pheasants, and a number of residents 
of I'aterson wiir recognize his state of mind as similar 
to ti.eir own under similar circumstances, for the 
Allamuchy poachers have -made presents of pheasants 
to their numerous friends in Paterson. The general 
verdict of the representatives of the feminine persua- 
sion in each family is that the birds are too pretty al- 
together to be killed, and that eating them ought to be 
out of the question, if for no other reason than to 
discourage the killing of the birds. The compromise 
effected by Mr. Rydings has taken place in a number 
of families in Paterson, and a good many English 
pheasants are to be found moimted in residences in 
this city. The result of Mr. Rydings' deliberation also 
indicates that although he has lived in Paterson a good 
many years, he has not yet become imbued with the 
thorough American way of making the best of things, 
for in most instances where Patersonians had the birds 
rnn-inted, they took them to the taxidermist's and then 
insisted on a return of the edible part of the bird, 
leaving the skin and feathers to be fixed up. both for 
tlie /lelectation of others and a reminder of a good 
meal. 
There are different ways of cooking the birds, but 
the one most prevailing is to split them open like a 
sjiring chicken and broil them. Other people prefer 
them roasted; in fact, they may be cooked any of the 
many ways in which chickens are prepared for the 
talMe. One favorite way with some people is to stuff 
them full of oysters, boil them and then eat them 
cold. 
A peculiar fact in connection with English pheasants 
and of other , pheasants of Asiatic origin, is that they 
will breed in this country, the hen taking care of 
chicks very mUch like a chicken. In Europe they are 
generally raised by the eggs being placed under ordi- 
nary barn yard fowl, the pheasants in Europe, as a 
rule, declining to either hatch out a brood or to take 
care of them when they are hatched. Science has not 
as yet accounted for this anomaly. 
There are three kinds of Asiatic pheasants in this 
country^ There are a number of different varieties 
kept in aviaries and parks, but only three have been 
used for the purposes of the sportsman. The most 
numerous is the Mongolian bird which was imported 
nno this country direct from Asia and which has be- 
come very numerous in the western part of this coun- 
try. The Mongolian birds are great travelers and are 
frequeatly found fifty miles from the place where they 
were put out only a short time before. The ring- 
necked pheasant is the ideal bird, for it does not 
travel far from the locality where it is put out; it 
takes good care of its young and is a very hard fiyer. 
The English bird comes to us from England and is 
more of a domestic nature, although it also frequently 
strays a good distance from its home. How the Eng- 
lish bird got to England is a mystery, for It is indi- 
genous only ill Colchis, Asia. The general supposition 
is that it was brought to Rome and from thence to the 
British Isles during the invasion of Julius C^sar. 
Mofe Letter "Wfitingf by Main Strength. 
State of New Hampshire Fish and Game Commis- 
sion.— Lancaster, N. H., Dec. ix.— Editor Forest and 
Stream: I saw in one of your issues a letter from Mr. 
C;irleton, of Maine, saying that the letters which he re- 
ceived and the questions which were asked relative to 
the hunter's license law were somewhat confusing as well 
as ludicrous. 
I inclose one which I received from one of the citizens 
of ihig State, which you are at liberty to publish if you 
see fit. 
Rerun, N. H., Oct. 2, 1963.— Der sur— i ame Writing 
you a few Words to Have a kunctian satle i ame a citi- 
zen of this State i was alate as-dalagate to the connci- 
tinn and consuetian last fall But i was miride to a wadow 
and she Had one Sun and of cose he is not a citizen and 
Tie hike to Hunt and he been to a layer and the layer 
tell him the Word citizen dont mine a voter So i Would 
htke fur to have the quectian daside so i taught you he 
tlie proper man to ansur it i Enclose a postamp to have 
a nnsiir if you thing it right Hoprin to Hie from you i 
Reman your truly, — _." 
'Jhe translation of this letter follows: 
"1 am' writing you a few .words to hare a question set- 
tled. I am a citizen of this State. I was elected 
as<lelegale to the constitutional convention last fall. But 
I was married to a widow and she had one son and of 
course he is not a citizen; awd he likes to hunt, and he 
has been to a lawyer and the lawyer told him that the 
word 'citizen' doesn't mean a veter. So I would like to 
have the question decided, and I thought you the proper 
mnn to answer it. I inclose a postage stamp for an 
answer, if you think it proper. Hoping to hear from you, 
1 remain, etc." 
'I bis is the worst one I received, but many of them 
were very ludicrous. Merwll Shurtleff. 
Maryland Quail. 
FREnF-RirK:, l^d.—In Frederick county qnai! are very 
scarce, aiid: most' of them are very small This is thought 
to be caused by the floods in Frederick county, as the first 
liatchings are thought to have been washed away by the 
floods, arid the small ones are of the second hatchings. Rab- 
bits aRe'\':©ry pltvtXiM^ a§ gr^at numbers of them are being 
liiped;f ■.:„'/ "-".'. ' - J- B. 
Vetmont Game Interest* 
Barre, Vt.^Editor Forest and Stream: Stanstead, 
under the above heading in the Forest and Stream of 
November 28, suggested a law fbr the better protection 
of deer which to me seems to be heaping "fuel on the 
burning fire." That a sixty day open season would re- 
duce the number of deer killed is hardly probable. It is 
true the ten-day open season was made a gala occasion, 
for the hills were covered with all kinds of hunters in 
pursuit of deer. However, if the present law were 
strictly adhered to the deer supply would greatly in- 
crease. Wanton slaughter of does was reported from 
nearly every county, but the evidence to convict was 
lacking. 
What Vermont needs is better enforced laws. The 
warden system is weak in every joint. The appointing 
of wardens by the selectmen of towns is a farce. What 
is needed is State wardens that will work in sections of 
the State most needed for the protection of game, and 
men who are fearless and above reproach to fill the posi- 
tion. That we shall need the protection of a non-resident 
license law there is no doubt, for with New Hampshire 
and Maine now both having license laws many hunters 
are coming to Vermont in preference to visiting the 
States referred to. 
I visited with many deer hunters during the open ten 
days, and it is a lamentable fact that the majority of 
hunters kill their deer, then investigate for horns. I 
saw four deer, two hanging in public view; one had to 
make close examination to find their horns. To be sure, 
they were bucks. What hunter ' could have told until 
shot. 
I venture to say, under our present warden system, 
eight out of ten of the. complaints or arrests for breaking 
our game laws are to 'even up some old score. 
Our game laws are ignored by many in this vicinity, 
streams are depleted of trout of all lengths, song birds 
are shot and netted without stint. Send a State warden 
to this or any other locality where poachers abound, 
make a few arrests and convictions, and yon will curb 
• these lawless acts. 
In conclusion, I do not believe deer should be offered 
for sale. There are many who hunt for the profit to be 
gained in selling their deer; twenty dollars is quite a 
speck for the "lawless fellows" referred to by Stan- 
stead. B. A. E. 
Mayor Bergman Clears his Record. 
Cedarville, 111., Dec. 21.— Editor Forest and Stream: 
Noticing the article, "Illicit Wisconsin Deer Shipments" 
in last week's Forest and Stream, and believing that the 
: gentlemen from Illinois should not be convicted of un- 
sportsmanlike conduct before being given a chance to 
persent their evidence, I inclose clipping from the Free- 
port Bulletin of December 3. Wm. Reiniger. 
Hon. A. Bergman, former Mayor of Freeport, refuses 
, to rest easy under the imputation of the_ Chicago and 
Milwaukee papers that he was concerned in a violation 
of the Wisconsin game laws. He has sworn to the fol- 
lowing sweeping affidavit: 
STATE OF ILLINOIS, I „ 
County of Stephenson, f 
August Bergman, being duly sworn, on his oath, doth depose 
and say regarding the statements published in the Chicago and 
Milwaukee papers referring to his recent hunting trip in Wiscon- 
sin, that he had no trunk, gun or other property confiscated by 
any game warden or by any other person; that he paid ?25 for his 
non-resident hunter's license, the same being dated Nov. 6 1903, 
and numbered 241, as will appear from the records at Madison, 
Wis., and that he has in no way violated the game laws of the 
State of Wisconsin. A. Bergman. 
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 30th day of November, 
1903. W. N. Cronkrite, Notary Public. 
Mr. Bergman's many friends in Freeport never be- 
lieved that he wilfully violated the game laws of Wiy- 
consin. They are glad, however, to have this straight- 
forward statement, showing that he neither violated nor 
evaded them in letter or spirit, and they are also pleased 
to know that none of his property was confiscated. Mr. 
Bergman has never violated any law of any State, and h'- 
does not propose to begin at this period of his life. 
Duck Httnters' Hard Time. 
Babylon, L. L, Dec. 27.— With the thermometer about 
zero last night in this vicinity, two men were compelled 
to remain in an open 15 foot boat, and for fourteen hours 
they had to jump around in the boat to keep from freez- 
ing to death. As it is, one of them is ill from exposure. 
William Donley, a Lindenhurst hotel keeper, and John 
Lapley, of New York city, left Lindenhurst yesterday 
afternoon to go gunning. They were caught in a heavy 
squall of snow. They attempted to return, but the mast 
of the boat was blown away, and they were carried by 
the ice floes to Conklin's Point, just east of here, where 
they drifted around all night. This morning they hoisted 
a signal of distress, which was seen by Capts. Philip and 
Andrew Sammis, of this place, who rescued them and 
brought them ashore. Lapley was partially frozen from 
the cold, but Donley did not suffer to any extent. — New 
York Times. 
The Connecticut Trespass Law* 
High WOOD, Conn. — Editor Forest and Stream: I have 
not been afield with dog or gun once this year, but have 
managed to keep in touch with the success of some 
others. _ The indulging in three trips after big game in 
the Maine woods has undoubtedly weakened my taste for 
small game shooting; and desire in that line grows less 
and less. 
Perhaps, on the whole, game has been less plentiful in 
this section of Connecticut than in some former years, yet 
the success of some sportsmen would not denote a 
scarcity. Woodcock unquestionably have been scarce, 
but grouse have held their own, and quail have more 
than done so. Rabbits and squirrels are not nearly so 
plentiful as in years gone by, though in the cities this 
cannot be said of squirrels. Here the law protects them 
the year around. The growing scarcity of small four- 
footed game in the country can undeniably be attributed 
to the work of Italians more than an^ other cause. Either 
i^orantly Of intejitjonally they break the laws constaii^y, 
During the past week three of them -were captured shoot- 
mg squirrels on East Rock, which is a city park. They 
v.'ere fined, thank heaven! 
The newjtT^spass law has caused but little friction be- 
tween farilers and sportsmen. With one exception the 
law is an excellent one. It is generally conceded by 
sportsmen, and many farmers as well, that it would be 
better were there a warning clause. As the law now 
stands it innocently invites and puts a premium on black- 
mail. In putting the power to arrest without warning 
into the hands of the landowner, it makes it possible for 
evil-disposed persons who own no land to place Unsus- 
pecting persons under arrest, and then negotiate a pri- 
vate settlement on the spot. Perhaps this variety of fraud 
would not work in many instances, but there should be 
no chance for it to catch a single victim. 
William H. Avis. 
A Matabi Cltib Gift, 
Ottawa, Dec. 25.— Editor Forest and Stream: Last 
October a party of members of the Matabi Fish and 
Game Club, Ottawa, Canada, visited their preserves on 
the upper Lievre after deer. An expert from that city, 
Mr. E. R. Lafleche, captained the party, and gave such 
satisfaction that the visitors from Rochester, N. Y., pre- 
sented him with a costly silver loving cup, after partak- 
ing of a sumptuous dinner. 
Mr. F. C. Cutting came from Rochester to Ottawa for 
the occasion. He spoke of the happy times he had had 
with Canadians whose kind hospitality and sportsmanship 
he could_ vouch for. He was more than pleased, as well 
as his friends, with the excellent sport given to members 
of the Matabi association, and the accommodations 
available at the club house. He then handed the souvenir 
to Mr. Lafleche, who suitably replied, acknowledging he 
had fully recognized the amiable qualities of his com- 
rades from_ across the lines. 
Mr. Lemieux, secretary-treasurer of the club, proposed 
the health of Mr. Cutting and the other donors. He ex- 
pressed^ his satisfaction at the fact that sportsmen from 
the United States had joined the association; they have 
proven themselves good men in the bush and pleasant 
company, and have helped for the success of the club. 
Mr. Cutting's brother from Toronto, Mr. J. Duhamel, 
Mr. A. Pinard, and Mr. E. Huot were also present at this 
happy reunion. . 
All promised to renew the happy meeting in the 
Canadian hunting grounds when next fall comes around. 
The cup bears the following inscription : "Presented 
to Eugene R. Lafleche, in commemoration of the hunt of 
I903,_as a token of esteem, by four who admire him for 
his tireless energy, his consummate knowledge of wood 
craft, and his unselfish good fellowship." 
Then appear the donors' names: Thos. F. Adkin, 
Robert J. Shoemaker, Fred. C. Cutting, Charles S. Clark. 
Deer in Connecticut. 
North Westchester, Conn. — Editor Forest and 
Stream: There is some opposition from farmers and 
others to deer protection on the ground of damage to 
crops and danger in the shooting seasons from the long 
range rifle. According to newspaper and local reports we 
might presume that deer were becoming quite plenty, 
judging from the length of time that has passed since 
they were: -first seen here in Connecticut. So far as I 
knovv I reported the first deer that was seen in our 
vicinity. It was a buck and well I remember how aston- 
ished and pleased we all were when we recognized what 
it was. A buck was found dead in Salmon River Cove 
by Charles Murkett; the finding was reported to our 
game warden, and will be investigated. F. J. y\f. 
North Carolina Quail. 
Pinehurst, N. _C., Dec. 25. — The shooting on the Pine- 
hurst preserves is fast reaching that point known as 
prime, and a number of guests are enjoying excellent 
sport, not only close to the village, but at various other 
points as well. Dr. C. D. Jones, manager of the Pine- 
hurst Preserves, says he has never seen the birds more 
plentiful. He says that the best sport of the year will 
be found during the next three months. The non-resi- 
dent hunters' tax which imposes a fine of ten dollars, 
is meeting with approval among the sportsmen, owing to 
the fact that it permits taking birds from the State, and 
the generosity of the management in waiving charges for 
shooting privileges is eliciting much favorable comment. 
• J., 
Maine Licenses. 
Maine licenses have been sold to non-resident sports- 
men by the eighty-three agents of the Maine Commission 
according to figures just given out at Augusta. The total 
receipts of the department amounted to $33,000, derived 
from the sale of licenses, the fees of 2,004 registered 
guides, and the fines for illegal hunting. 
Interesting facts concerning the products of the lobster 
fishing in Maine the past year are at hand, but must be 
deferred till my next letter. CENtRAL. 
There has been discovered a highly favored ahd ex- 
ceptionally happy man. That is an angler whose wife 
helps him out with his fishing stories. A few nights ago 
a neighbor called to see him, and in course of conversa- 
tion asked if he had caught any big sea trout lately. 
"Yes," was the reply. "What weight?" asked the caller. 
Turning to his wife, the angler asked: "What weight 
was that big 'un, Mary?" "Nay," replied Mary, "hoo 
can I tell which thoo means, thoo's been catchin' sea 
meany big 'uns leatley." — London Fishing Gazette. 
There have been several controversies over such ques- 
tions as "Can fishes hear?" "Can fishes smell?" and so' 
on. Th«se matters could have been easily settled by the 
poet who wrote .th« following lines on the funeral of 
Queen Elizabeth : 
The Qiieen was brought by water to Whitehall, 
At every stroke the oars' did tears let fall; 
More clung about the barge. Fish under water 
^ept out their eyes of pearle, and swome WiTid ^tpf. 
