ir eggs. And
the man who insists on shooting in spring may just as well go right on
and do various other things that are beyond the pale, such as shoot
quail on the ground, shoot does and fawns, and fish for trout with gang
hooks.

There are no longer two sides to what once was the spring shooting
question. Even among savages, the breeding period of the wild creatures
is under taboo. Then if ever may the beasts and birds cry "King's
excuse!" It has been positively stated in print that high-class fox
hounds have been known to refuse to chase a pregnant fox, even when in
full view.

* * * * *

CHAPTER XXXIII

BRINGING BACK THE VANISHED BIRDS AND GAME

The most charming trait of wild-life character is the alacrity and
confidence with which wild birds and mammals respond to the friendly
advances of human friends. Those who are not very familiar with the
mental traits of our wild neighbors may at first find it difficult to
comprehend the marvelous celerity with which both birds and mammals
recognize friendly overtures from man, and respond to them.

At the present juncture, this state of the wild-animal mind becomes a
factor of great importance in determining what we can do to prevent the
extermination of species, and to promote the increase and return of wild
life.

I think that there is not a single wild mammal or bird species now
living that can not, or does not, quickly recognize protection, _and
take advantage of it_. The most conspicuous of all familiar examples are
the wild animals of the Yellowstone Park. They embrace the elk, mountain
sheep, antelope, mule deer, the black bear and even the grizzly. No one
can say precisely how long those several species were in ascertaining
that it was safe to trust themselves within easy rifle-shot of man; but
I think it was about five years. Birds recognize protection far more
quickly than mammals. In a comparatively short time the naturally wild
and wary big game of the Yellowstone Park became about as tame as range
cattle. It was at least fifteen years ago that the mule deer began to
frequent the parade ground at the Mammoth Hot Springs military post, and
receive there their rations of hay.

Whenever you see a beautiful photograph of a large band of big-horn
sheep or mule deer taken at short range amid Rocky Mountain scenery, you
are safe in labeling it as having come from the Yellowstone Park. The
prong-horned antelope herd is so