Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1912-06-22

Is now of not much practical
use, may soon be made to re-
turn an indirect revenue as a
feeding ground for domestic
American elk, white tailed deer,
red deer. fallow deer. roebuck or
other members of the deer fam
lily. This condition is contingent
upon the passage OF a bill by the
Maryland state legislature authorizing
the raising and selling of these deer
in enclosed preserves by the owners
of tracts Of forest land.
The idea Is to raise deer for the
market, and as there lis fine feeding
and plenty of Il on the cut-over for
est lands of the state, much of which
may readily be enclosed with wire
fences. and as the flesh is good eating
and good prices may be commanded
for 1t, there is every indication that,
If the bill passes the legislature. the
project will prove successful.
The plan originated with Mr.. VII.
liam M. Ellicott Of Baltimore who has
hunted big game in the United States.
Mexico and Canada and who has been
interested in learning of conditions in
Europe where the markets are well
supplied with venison and other game
from private preserves and breeding
establishments. He Is enthusiastically
In favor of the plan and is doing what
he can to secure the passage of the
bill.
Mr.. Ellicott In talking OF the pro
posed law said: AT first sight this
seems to be matter of only ordinary
interest, but when It is realized that
the deer as a wild animal has become
practically extinct in Maryland and
that only occasionally is venison seen
In our markets, and this at almost
prohibitive prices, 1t will be clear that
a great benefit may be conferred upon
the community and that an industry
of commercial Importance. heretofore
unknown in the state, may be estab.
lished II 1t becomes a law.
"The deprivation of the public in
the matter Of venison as q part Of the
regular dietary is altogether unneces-
sary and unreasonable. While wild
game should be amply protected and
means provided for its propagation. It
has been amply proved that large
population cannot be kept supplied
from that source, and 1t Is reasonable
and proper that states where II exists
should prohibit its export and sale, as
is the case now In all the eastern
states
The Business Would Be Profitable.
: THE sale of game bred and main.
tanned in Enclosures from stock which
has been legitimately acquired Is a to.
tally different matter and should be
encouraged to the fullest extent.
Both official and unofficial reports
60 to show that several varieties OF
deer can be proftably raised that
they require less care and subsist
upon rougher food than any of the do.
nestle animals except the goat, and
that their value for food purposes
ranks with the best beef and mutton.
Breeding stock can lbe had at pres.
emit at very low prices--$15 to $25 for
deer and $40 to- SIS for elk (wapiti)
as opportunity affords. According to
farmers bulletin No. $50, Of the Unit.
ed states department OF agriculture,
tho most available source OF supply
Is the surplus from private herds.
geological gardens and parks.
1.-THE toughest waste landF with
plentiful growth Of underbrush, weeds,
etc, and running water are best suited
to the enterprise. Deer prefer to brouse
on scrub growth and to eat the coars.
est weeds rather than the best of hay.
When pasture Is limited they do well
on corn. oats, wild hay and alfalfa.
$50 rapidly do white-tailed deer. the
common variety. increase that pre-
serves soon become overstocked I'm.
less their numbers are diminished
from time to time. A herd Of 10 bead