Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-03-07
new GAME BIRDS.
Capercai|zie and Black Game
of Old Sweden in Maine.
introduced Under the Most Ausplcious
Circumstances With Great Promise.
The Black Game Most Beautiful Songsters.
6oth Hard TO Approach.

From all the present indications, thu
capercailzic and black game birds Of oit
Norway and Sweden promise to be
great success in this country. They were
liberated last Saturday, for the first time
in Maine. in New Sweden, about mile
from Caribou, by Charles f. Oak, one o
the fish and game commissioners.
IL will be remembered that only yea
or SO ago, some OF these birds were
brought over from the continent, and 81
attempt to raise them III captivity il
Auburn, was made, but proved futile.
The circumstances attending the liberia
ton Of the birds at New Sweden. how
ever, gives every reason for believing
that the birds have had good start
anyway, it happening that the following
three days after liberation were moderate
allowing the birds to become slightly
ecclimated to the temperature of the free
air, they having beea cooped up during
their somewhat lengthy voyage across
the great pond
There is something patheticaly touch
ing about the affection which the Swede,
in this country retain for their favoritt
game birds. Mr. Oak on his trip to New
Sweden, preparatory TO the birds release
in the forest, had most interesting ex
perience with the Swedes of that vicinity
Such enthusiasm mingled with 8
lively respect Of the situation l have
never before seen. l had sent no word OF
my coming, but on my arrival, the news
that some of their county 5 birds were to
be liberated right by their homes, spread
in no time at all They flocked about
the team, aud almost cried with JOY
And many one who recalled the sweet
notes of the black game, prayed that they
might live to hear their sweet notes once
more, just as it used to be in their old
homes.''
Where were the bifds liberatets' was
asked Mr.. Oak by Journal repoI ter.
just on the Border Of the great. forest
which extends through northern Maine.
immediately on their releass, the very
Instant took the tcltfn5 the cages in
which they had 50 Long lived, the.lirds
started away with atop and whirr
which proved then, toys in the very best
of condition. They sHew some distance
into the woods, and thtGe for. Some time
L could hear them, trying to get ac-
quainted and doubtless as we should say
trying to get their feet placed Soon
they disappeared, and nothing further
has been heard from them, that 1 know
Of. You see it was, only few days ago.
How soon, providing they do multiply
fast, and prove successful, will the law
allow them to be shot?" was asked.
Five years from last January. A law
was then made fer the benefit of those
who had been In captivity, with the ex-
pectation that they would materialize.
W hen those died, the Legislature granted
the game commissioners to use what
money they might deem advisable for
having some more brought over for
Maine. The expense was about $500,
there being two pairs Of capsrcailzie and
III Of 81, Lot
four We're hens, and three cocks
''How did they Gomez" was asked.
They were brought in coops, which
were made with every precaution against
harm In order that the birds might
not crack their heads against the top
Stats, piece of burlap was hung across
the upper section of the coop, a few inches
below the top, and straw placed between
1t and the top boards to prevent the cloth
being forced upwards. In one end sort
Of basement ell was put in, provided with
u dra wer in which barley and other grains
were placed; and in crack at one side
were tucked clusters Of green leaves, and
other green food. The could not have
arrived in better condition.
The Capercailzie.
1.-The capercailizie, said Mr.. Oak, sis
a large bird, corresponding to our wild
turkey in size, the males averaging from
IA to Is pounds, and ranging from 10 tc
81 pounds. The hens average about three
pounds lighter.
s'The males are black, while the hens are
about the complexion of our cartridges.
"The birds make excellent eating and,
In the Swedish markets, command Il big
price. They are good for eating durir g
all seasons excepting the spring, when
they are too strong" on account of Their
feeding during the winter on the pine
buds. And then, by the way. lies wha;
is offered as the only possibility of theil
not being able to exist in this country,
a., ,1t &