Norwich bulletin., 1914-01-22
wiLDFowL PROBLEM
Preservation Depends Upon Pretee- ton of Northern Breeding Grounds.
UP TO CANADA

(By state OrlntholoR1Et Herbert K.
 Job)
 The practical problem in a nutshell of saving and increasing the wildfowl is that Canada should take vigorous measures to save the great northern and western breeding grounds from vandalism, and that we in turn should sustain and make effective our recent federal legislation through the Weeks Mclean law, affording to the Inigra- tory wlfdfowl while with us proper protection.
 Having recently returned from a three months stay in northwest Can ada, in the heart of the greatest breed ing ground of wild ducks in America, making special studies of the wiidfowl. l am in 6 position to be able to speak on this subject. The opening up of parts of this northwest country Is, as might be expected, bringing in certain abuses. which matter I shall take up with the proper authorities.
 It has been well known lately that the actual breeding area is not as great and ineXha1IstIble as has been supposed, and that we cannot rely upon this alone to perpetuate this splendid class of game Another important corollary fact which I have observed has perhaps not been called to atten- yion. On many still unspoiled and ideal wild breeding areas l have ob- served that the breeding wiidfowl, al though faiHlY plenty, are In no such numbers as the land could properly support and that the actual numbers are steadily decreasing.
 Killing Breeding Stock.
 The plain fact is that we are draw ing upon our capital and killing off the breeding stock far beyond the lim- its of safety or of business prudence Lax and conflicting state laws, all too poorly enforced, together with human r.- .-NL. LNaa.T T1~r everyone recognizes the fact that the recent federal legislation, putting the protection of migratory birds in the hands of the nation, is the only solu- tion. Every person in this great coun- try who cares for the birds and the wild game should take this to heart and make 1t a united clarion cry which should enter the deafest of ears, alarm the hostile, and awaken the indiffer- ent, demanding the sustaining and en- forcement of this law, which abundant legal talent of the highest sort de- clares to be in harmony with the con- stitution. If this must be tested in l. the courts, so be it. If necessary, we will amend the constitution. No legal formula must block the needs and rights of men.
 Value of Federal Regulations Meantime the great effective sys- tenn for saving the birds and game can. Tn snort of6er, De Tn operation, II every state will voluntarily adopt and carry out the federal regulations as asked, and every game official do all | in his power to cooperate with the government. This is the overwheim {! ingiy declared will of the American people. Game officials in every state of the union are not such by divine right. but are servants of the people to save and increase the desirable wild life of the states and the nation. The people demand that this shall be done and care nothing for considerations of official precedence.
 SpertsTnen of America, will you not | taks the broader ground and cooperate with the government to save the game -a ground which ir Ftatesnsnship in contrast to ward polticF? There gre some present minor inequalities in the federal regulations which will be rem e6iad in due time Meanwhile quite 8 nunher Of valuable specias of nafgrs . tory game birds are on thu verge of extiEetion, and we may lose them If VIC nulii4y the new law till the courts Tender a slow decision. Let us ali be l b4g enough men to take the urself7sh | and statssInanlike view and stand to- | aether and with our federal govern -{aent tn save the birds.