The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1905-02-11

ing the elk and deer and moose. The
natural food for these creatures in
winter consists largely of the twigs OF
certain trees and shrubs. As most Of
the. suitable twigs within reach of the
animals have already been eaten, 1t is
necessary to cut browse especially for
them. This work is now done under
the supervision of forester, who sees
that no valuable trees are cut for this
purpose, Indeed, in order to save the
trees, the elk are often fed on hay,
which is stored in different parts OF the
preserve and distributed as it is need
ed. A few nights ago, came upon
band of fifty elk in the moonlight,
quietly feeding on hay in the deserted
barnyard of what had once been a
thriving farm.
AS I said before, the moose are not
often seen, though their great tracks,
leading to and from piles OF freshly
cut browse, are frequently seen. Not
long ago, man who was working IN
the forest had still more striking evil
dence of their presence. In the course
of his wanderings he came upon a tal-
len tree, the top of which barred his
path. He was an agile fellow, and,
leaping over it, he landed almost on the
back of a big bull moose, which leaped
to its feet and charged him on the in
slant. ... ...,<. s..a.=;
He needed no further incentive to
"step lively" and lodged behind tree
after tree in his efforts to escape the
wrath of his mighty adversary, whose
rest he had unwittingly broken. 1t was
an hour befores he finally succeed
ed in escaping by strategy, and, in spite
of the low temperature, he was per-
spring from every pole. ........ 81
With the exception of the bear the
animals are usually fed early in the
day, but the wild pigs are nervous folk
(albeit they are rough customers when
wounded or cornered,l and unless ex-
tremely hungry do not like to approach
the feeding grounds until dusk. Then
it is that their food is scattered, for II
it was put out earlier, the deer would
pick it up before the arrival OF the
boars. Usually, after the wild hogs
have returned to their rests under the
spruces, there is more or less corn to
be seen upon the feeding ground and
bright and early next morning this is
| picked UP by little army Of birds,
chief among which are the ruffed
grouse and blue Jays. t..s-s
One of the most important matters
| which engage the attention Of the su,
perintendent OF the Blue Mountain.
| Forest during the winter, is the in
speetion Of the fence which incloses the
great tract Of twenty-four thousand
| acres. This fence is eight and half
feet high, and is made chiefly of stout
wire, stretched taut on posts set twelve
feet apart. In addition to the wire,
there is heavy netting reaching to the
height of six feet, and also stretched
upon the posts. As a matter of fact,
| this fence seldom breaks under any
strain which is put upon it, but as its
breaking is among the possibilities, and
might entail very serious loss, it must
be inspected at frequent intervals, es-
pecialy in winters After every severe
storm, and often during the storm it
self men are sent out to walk" this
fence each man being required. to in
| spect given section Of 1t. Simple as
this duty is it IS not unattended by
danger. II a man should fall and
break leg or stun himself, miles from
any dwelling the accident would mean
almost certain death where the
| temperature is apt to be anywhere
from twenty to fifty degrees below zero
and where the wind can search for one
in the depths Of the thickest clothing.
And this is why an anxious wife will
| sometimes call one. up on the telephone,
to find out if anything has been seen
of her man; and awfy, If a man is cut
beyond the time when he should have
been home there are dozen ready to
don their snowshoes and get out to see
what keeps him. 49,. III.
when men are men, they feel for
men who do the work Of men,
ERNEST HAROLD BAYNES.