40 
Roosevelt ll^ild Life Bulletin 
knowledge of the rat increases every year in spite of the extensive 
investigations made during recent years. When, therefore, we 
compare what is known of these animals with that of our Eastern 
game and fur-bearers the contrast is very marked indeed. In 
spite of all we know there is urgent need of further investigation. 
Proposals for Western Big Game 
The large amount of big game in the \\'est very naturally calls 
for suggestions for that region. Here also several are made : 
1. Big Game of the National Parks. This might be a study of 
the life history of the big game in some Western National Park, 
such as the Yellowstone, Glacier National Park or Rocky Mountain 
National Park. 
2. Life History of the Mountain Sheep and Goats of Glacier 
National Park. Study of the detailed life history of the ]Moun- 
tain Sheep and Goats of Glacier National Park. 
3. Relation o£ Beavers to Conservation of Water and Soil. An 
important study should be made of the relation of beavers to soil, 
water and fish conservation in the Rocky Mountain region, includ- 
ing a careful measurement of the areas flooded (made with the 
assistance of a civil engineer), depth of soil accumulated by dams, 
and influence of these dams upon fish. W ith all that is known about 
the beaver, there is no recent detailed work along these lines since 
conservation became a live issue. 
4. Game Vermin. A detailed study should be made of the game 
vermin of a limited area in order to get a better understanding of 
the character of the " balance of nature " existing between game and 
game vermin. No careful detailed study of this problem has ever 
been made in America. 
This study could be made in a National Forest or Park. By 
means of systematic trapping of the live animals, and extensive 
field observations much important scientific and practical informa- 
tion could be acquired which would bear upon the " struggle for 
existence " of game. It should be made a study of their dynamic 
relations. 
The coyote, bear and mountain lion are being destroyed at a 
rapid rate because of their relation to grazing, but the relation of 
these animals to game has not received much attention as a scientific 
problem. 
