Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-07-03

to the State alive than dead and
probably will be for many years to
come.
Bear No Longer an Outlaw
"Bruin is no longer an outlaw,
with bounty on his head, but can
be killed at any time, the same as
before the bounty was repealed, ana
will be of course, If he is found do
ing damage.
1.-THE killing of bears in the sum-
mer season when they are practically
worthless is a great waste. If shot
in cold weather when the fur is
prime and meat good they bring
good price in the market. Pennsyl-
vania and some other states are
reaping rich harvest from the
hunting of bears.
Ruled Grouse
Last fall, especially in the early
hunting season, there was consider
able complaint of the scarcity of
these birds. In some localities where
they had been plentiful for several
years they seemed to have almost
entirely disappeared and there was
some apprehension that they were
being wiped out, or greatly decimat-
ed by some disease. Some laid 1t to
blue louise that had been discover
ed in a very few instances on the
| neck of some of the ruffed grouse
taken by hunters. Others thought
it some kind of stomach worm
such as frequently attacks rabbits.
THAT anything should be destroy
ing this splendid game bird was
cause for alarm, and an investigation
! was started. reports from guides and
wardens called for, and two or three
birds infected found and sent to
Prof Alfred o. Gross, of Bowdoin
College.
THAT there was some disease
among the ruffed grouse, to very
slight degree in Maine, however, Is
shown by a report or letter from
Prof. Gross, under date of Dec. l,
1924.
I'VE do not believe as yet that it
is anything more than this specie
has gone through some seasons be-
fore and still remains in large num-
bers as the best game bird in Maine.
Beaver Are Numerous
Beaver are still on the increase
and so numerous in some sections
as to be hindrance in numbering
operations often flowing out tote
roads and doing more or less dam
age to standing growth. but wherev-
w
plant under the statute that beaver
are doing substantial damage the
territory is opened for trapping
beaver, and quite revenue derived
for the State.
Other Fur Bearing Animals
Some of the other fur bearing
| animals do not appear to be even
holding their own but are disappear
ing so rapidly that it has been sug-
gested by many that there ought to
be full close time for two or three
years on trapping fur bearing ami
mails, except beaver. The Fisher, or
black cat, is very scarce. and the
sable, or martin, is also almost ex-
tinct in this state. 1t would not be
feasible to place a close time on
these animals. however, as they
would be caught in any small trap
set for anything except beaver"
The State Museum
After speaking of the excellent
service rendered by the wardens and
guides, Commissioner Parsons makes
the following report on the State
Museum:
"The Legislature of 1925, the same
as other legislatures, beginning with
1915. has provided for the support
and maintenance of the Museum out
of the appropriation for the Depart
ment of Inland Fisheries and Game,
under the direction Of the Commits
sioner. Since the former Curator,
Thomas James, resigned a year ago
to accept a more lucrative position
at Yale, no regular taxidermist has
been employed. The museum has
been cared for by one of the Deputy
Game Wardens, Ralph Coombs, who
had some experience with Mr.. James,
serving as his assistant for some
time before he went to Connecticut.
When Mr.. Coombs has not been
needed in the museum he has done
warden work outside. We have thus
saved the salary of a curator, al
though it was not so managed solely
for economy, but in part for lack of
room to expand.
THE museum should grow, and
certainly it must be kept up and not
in any way neglected, or the oppor-
tunity missed to save rare specimens
in the interest of education and sci
ence. 1t is a great educator Of the
people, old as we'll as young, but Is
already crowded for space and some