HODGB ] NATURE-STUDY AND AMERICAN GAME FIRDS if, 7 



ferent varieties occur and where the species attain its largest size 

 and most vigorous development. The object is to learn the 

 biology of the species, including its practical propagation, in order 

 to insure its safety on the American Continent. To all who assist 

 due credit will be given in the final monograph which is in prepara- 

 tion. First, send in all unincubated eggs from nests that have 

 been accidentally broken up. Simply express to me, collect, and 

 write information about the eggs that you may have, location of 

 nest, date and address. I will reimburse all co-laborators to the 

 extent of necessary expenses in collecting, packing, and telegraph- 

 ing. In order to insure securing eggs from the entire range, I 

 may also be obliged to ask that a few nests be collected that are 

 not broken up. In case of finding a nest, before disturbing it, 

 telegraph me and await a reply. The ruffed grouse must be 

 reared away from ground contaminated by poultry, the chicks 

 require to be fed largely on insects, and it is not advisable for an 

 amateur to attempt to rear them without special instruction. 



I hope the nature-study movement will take on the preserva- 

 tion of our game birds. The work should extend to our water- 

 fowl, shore birds, doves, to all our grouse, quails, and possibly to 

 the species that have been imported as well. For American 

 nature work, however, we should first deal fairly by our native 

 species. 



I must add in closing that my own time and resources, as well 

 as knowledge, do not permit of my trying to handle species other 

 than those mentioned above, the wild turkey, bobwhite, ruffed 

 grouse and passenger pigeon and prairie chicken. In sending 

 eggs, great care should be taken to secure the necessary permits 

 and not contravene anv of the game laws of the different States. 



