St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1908-10-21
To Save the Deer.
Editor CALIFORNIAN {:

Editor CALIFORNIAN:
For many years | have been interested
in the protection and preservation of the
deer of our state. and have done what
could from time to time to safeguard the
interests of these dumb friends of ours
who cannot speak for themselves. At
every session of the legislature there are
renewed attacks all along the line to
break down and nullfv what little legal
protection is now given them, and the
assault this year seems more extended
and offensive than ever The only reason
given at this time for the more general
slaughter OF the innocents is that they
have grown so numerous that they are
devastating gardens and fields Of crops,
and therefore must be "thinned out" 1t
is perhaps unfortunate that a deer will
eat when it is hungry, but this is an
inherited fault from long line OF an
cestOrs. Even some humans are afflicted
the same wav. Because of this fact some
worthy agriculturists have suffered the
loss of a considerable number of windfall
apples, few heads Of cabbage and sew
eral hills of white beans. Immediately
the state is called to foot lengthy bill,
and the howl goes up for compensation
and protection" against the rayages of
these Destructive" brutes
There is no question whatever but that
the state has been swindled numerically
by these claims" many of which are
manufactured out of whole cloth. Close
investigation would establish the fact
that they are largely baseless, and in the
cases where they are not, the damage"
is comparatively trihing. So there is no
excuse whatever for the general mas
sacre contemplated. The deer are as
much a part of the beautiful natural
attractions of Vermont as are her noun
tains, valleys and forests, and live deer
feeding by the roadside is worth dozen
dead ones exploited in the village meat
market for the glorihcation of some
blood-seeking sportsman"
In this connection | am glad to em-
body in this letter received by me re-
Gently from one whom all who have the
profit and pleasure of his acquaintance
delight to honor. The language has the
right ring, and is the hearty expression
of a man whose life radiates mercy,
kindness, sympathy and friendlness for
all his fellow creatures. The letter fol-
lows:
DEAR Mr.. HARRIS
was much pleased to receive your let
ter of the first inst. in reference to the
deer slaughter in our state. | agree en-
tirely with the sentiments you express,
and shall be glad to use whatever in
fuence | may have to head off any action
that will tend to facilitate the ravage
among these beautiful creatures. No
doubt there has been graft as regards
damages for the cabbage heads, etc, and
perhaps some way may be divised to
handle that. But as tor lengthening the
open season for men who want the in
human sport" of putting a bullet be-
tween the gentle eyes of a deer | shall
welcome the privilege of showing stiff
and determined opposition.
Very truly yours,
EDWARD T. FAIRBANKS.
The time is now very short in which
effective work in behalf of our deer
friends may be done, and | would sug-
gest that all those who join in the senti-
ments expressed above write at once to
their member of the House or a senator,
to strengthen them in their efforts to pre-
vent the contemplated general massacre.
Most Hopefully,
E. HARRIS.
Danville, Oct. 10, 1908.