58 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



named, with small clearings interspersed, planted to large- seeded grasses 

 and the weeds mentioned, would be ideal coverts for attracting numerous 

 species of birds. The day will undoubtedly come when bird societies will 

 own preserves of this kind and plant them with the principal object of 

 attracting great numbers of their feathered friends. 



Water supply. Birds are more numerous during the summer where 

 there is convenient access to water for baths and drinking. When no pond 

 or stream is close at hand, an artificial bath or drinking fountain will add 

 to the attractiveness of the preserves from the birds' viewpoint. Where 

 more elaborate provision is impracticable, a shallow tray filled with clear 

 water to the depth of one to two inches, will serve the purpose. 



BIRD REFUGES 



For many years the author has had a growing belief in the efficacy 

 of refuges or preserves, not only of trees and flowers, but for the purpose 

 of preserving our varied and interesting bird life. The Audubon Society 

 and the national government have demonstrated already the great impor- 

 tance of large preserves in saving species of birds and animals from exter- 

 mination. Several foreign governments have also accomplished the same 

 purpose. It seems that there is especial need in this State for the establish- 

 ment of several well-distributed preserves, in order to save to future 

 generations such species as the Wood duck, Woodcock, Ruffed grouse and 

 many of the woodland song birds that naturally disappear with the culti- 

 vation of the country. 



One hundred fifty thousand dollars are collected annually by the 

 State in gun taxes. Since the principal object of gun licensing is the 

 protection of game and wild birds, it seems that one of the most rational 

 expenditures of this sum would be in the establishment of bird and animal 

 preserves in various parts of the State, which could be under the control 

 of the nearest game protectors, and be dedicated to the preservation of 

 plants and animals which are in danger of extermination, and to act as 

 centers of dispersal for the surrounding region. By judicious control of 



