“The prairie chicken, which formerly was comparatively plentiful throughout the greater portion of the Rainy River District, has now become practically extinct in that region.  Various causes have been assigned for this, but it would seem, as usual, to have been mainly the fault of indiscriminate and excessive slaughter.” (Page 226.)

Like the United States, the various portions of Canada have their various local troubles in wild-life protection.  I think the greatest practical difficulties, and the most real opposition to adequate measures, is found in the Provinces of Quebec and Ontario.  Is it because the French-descended population is impatient of real restraint, and objects to measures that are drastic, even though they are necessary?  In Ontario, Commissioner Evans has been splendidly supported by the Government, and by all the real sportsmen of that province; but the gunners and guerrillas of destruction have successfully postponed several of the reforms that he has advocated, and which should have been carried into effect.

So far as public moral support for game protection is concerned I think that the prairie and mountain provinces have the best of it.  In Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Athabasca and British Columbia, the spirit of the people is mainly correct, and the chief thing that seems to be lacking is a Kelly Evans in each of those provinces to urge public sentiment into strong action.  For example, why should Alberta still permit the hunting and killing of prong-horned antelope, when it is so well known that that species is vanishing like a mist before the morning sun?  I think it is because no one seems to have risen up as G.O.  Shields did in the United States, to make a big fuss about it, and demand a reform.  At any rate, all the provinces of Canada that still possess antelope should immediately pass laws giving that species absolute close seasons for ten years.  Why neglect it longer, when such neglect is now so very wrong?  Whether this is done or not, I sincerely hope that hereafter no true American sportsman, will be guilty of killing one of the vanishing antelope of Canada, even though “the law doth give it.”

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THE GAME PRESERVES OF CANADA

In the creation of National parks and game preserves, some of the provinces of the Canadian nation have displayed a degree of foresight and enterprise that merits sincere admiration.  While in different provinces the exact status of these establishments may vary somewhat, the main purpose of each is the same,—­the preservation of the forests and the wild life.  In all of them a regulated amount of fishing is permitted, and in some the taking of fur-bearing animals is permitted; but I believe in all the birds and furless mammals are strictly protected.  In some parks the carrying of firearms still is permitted, but that privilege is quite out of harmony with the spirit and purposes of a game preserve, and should be abolished.  If it is necessary to carry firearms through a preserve, as often happens in the Yellowstone Park, it can be done under seals that are affixed by duly appointed officers and thus will temptation be kept out of the way of sinners.