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with his own eyes a flock of wild pigeons. Then if a flock should 

 be found nesting somewhere this spring, how the news would thrill 

 the land with hope. What a relief it would be to feel that wher- 

 ever they are, the people sense the vital problem of saving a 

 splendid species for the whole Nation and for future time. How 

 glad we should be to feel that the little flock is surrounded by a 

 living wall of absolute protection, formed by people who would 

 be quick to tar and feather any bird-skin' fiend or egger or pot 

 hunter who offered to harm a single bird. Then, no matter what 

 the laws of the different States may be, with this sort of unified 

 and nationalized protection we could, if there are any left alive, 

 in ten years time have the species restored, and again transform- 

 ing the mast which falls from our forests into beautiful and use- 

 ful life. 



After the birds had become fairly abundant again, but 

 hardly before, I should suggest undertaking seriously the arti- 

 ficial propagation of the species. This should be done by be- 

 ginning with the eggs. All previous attempts of which I can 

 learn have failed of permanent results, probably because they 

 have started with adult netted birds. 



If it could be done so carefully as not to frighten the parent 

 birds from their nests, it might be safe to begin picking up the 

 eggs or squabs that fall out of the nests and would otherwise 

 perish and try to rear these by hand or with the help of domestic 

 pigeons. Then when a thoroughly domesticated strain was 

 developed, we should aim to distribute it as widely as possible 

 over this country, and, possibly Europe, so that the present 

 danger of extinction shall not menace the species again. 



"A warhoop has been sounded against some of our western Indians for 

 killing game in the mountain region. Now if these red men are guilty of a 

 moral wrong which subjects them to punishment, I would most prayer- 

 fully ask in the name of Him who suffers not a sparrow to fall unnoticed, 

 what must be the nature of the crime and the degree of punishment await- 

 ing our white neighbors who have so wantonly butchered and driven from 

 our forests these wild pigeons, the most beautiful flowers of the animal 

 creation of North America." (Chief Pokagon, The Ckautauquan, Nov. 

 i 895, reprinted in "The Passenger Pigeon." by Mershon, p. 58). 



Another problem: The wild turkey— A number of people are 

 interested in reestablishing the wild turkey in New England, 

 where it furnished the Pilgrim Fathers with their first Thanks- 

 giving dime/. I would be willing to do the work of incubating and 



