The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1907-08-04
SAVING THE HEATH HEN.
h the state OF Massachusetts In Doing
to Preserve Last Flock OF the Birds.


to Preserve Last Flock OF the Birds.
The island Of Martha's Vineyard has the
distinction OF being the abiding place Of q
species Of the feathered tribe which Il
found in no other place in the whole world;
and this statement. says the Boston Tran
script. il the more remarkable when IL In
considered that at one time in the countryis
history these birds were scattered thiokly
throughout the whole OF the territory
between Cape Ann and Virginia.
This almost extinct bird 10 the ~pinnated
ous or heath hen; or. as it is called for
short. the -heathern." II was from q
heath hen. said 20 have been found in vir-
ginta. hat Linneus described the prairie
hen or prairie chicken. and it was not until
long years after this distinguished natural
list nae been gathered to his fathers that
William Brewster Of Cambridge. an eminent
ornithologist, made the interesting dis
covery and v it to the world. that the
heath hen Of the Atlantic coast States and
the prairie chicken Of the range lands of
the middle West we're two distinct species.
To the ordinary observer. who only notes
the difference between the crow and the
blackbird by stating that both are black.
only the crow is larger than the blackbird.
this same answer might be given in relation
to the prairie chicken and the heath hen,
for they seem alike in color. but the former
10 larger than the latter. But when they
are examined carefully there are many dis
tinguishing differences which are accurately
noted in all modern bird books to which
the student or those particularly interested
can readily refer.
In a little reservation which these birds
seem to have picked out a. q place where
they may quietly end their existence there
IL now about one hundred specimens.
Doubtless these would have disappeared
entirely had 1t not been for the activity Of
the Fish and Game Commission Of the
Commonwealth. Now active steps nave
been taken to stop their destruction and
to ~reestablish them among the game birds
OF the country. Even now the oommis-
sion states. the number 10 90 reduced that
the killing Of ono bird may have serious
effects"
A hundred years ago these birds were so
numerous and so common an article OF food
that in some OF the New. England States q
penalty was provided by law. to be inflicted
upon any master who should feed his APP
prentice with the flesh oftener than twice q
week; to-day 1t would cost an epicurc,
should he venture to tickle his palate with
n OF these birds. the sum OF 500. and
several other dollars o h side. DR..
George W. Field, chairman Of the commits
sion, is most enthusiastic in the efforts that
are being made to insure the perpotuation
of this species. He has studied the hen on
it's native heath, learned its little occen-
t~ricities and conceits, n has urged upon
the Legislature the necessity Of immediate
action, and from all appearances The heath
hen 10 destined TO live and become a feature
in the bird life OF the Commonwealth.
But the saving Of this bird ID not alto
gether for tho purpose OF killing him when
he gets moro numerous. II may be that
the heath hen Ia the very enemy for which
we ave been seeking to exterminate the
gypsy moth: Its food In the summer time
Is largely Of insects, and from its habit Of
perching upon the low branches Of trees
IL has a most excellent opportunity OF got
ting at these insect pests that are the un-
doing Of our shade and forest trees.
A year ago DR.. Field spent several days
among the birds studying their habits and
making notes. From these IL appears that
the bird gives one the impression OF adj
mirable adaptation to the open country-a
large. muscular. hardy, vigorous bird able
to Withstand sno and sleet, In size equal
or even exceeding the rufNed grouse In
weight. ~1nhabiting open fields and pas
lures. subsisting on insects. leaves. seeds
and wild berries. in a country where the
absence OF foxes and accoo reduces the
number OF Its enemies practically 20 cats.
men, skunks. field mice and rarely some
species OF hawks, the problem Of main
tanning and bringing back the bird to It's
former abundance seems practicable
IL the law passed a year q is complied
with. and local pride should insist upon
this. there Is no question but q few years
hence the heath hen will be q oommon
game bird and furnish abundant food for
the legitimate sportsman. II In said that
Its flesh 10 dark, OF delicate texture and
delicious favor