266 ANNUAL EEPOKTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



waterfowl conform with the open seasons under the Federal regu- 

 lations; in 6 other States legislation was enacted to unify the hiAvs, 

 and practical uniformity with the regulations was thus secured. 



A treaty between the United States and Great Britain for the 

 protection of migratory birds was concluded at Washington August 

 16, 1916, and was ratified by the Senate August 29 and by Great 

 Britain October 20; ratifications thereof were exchanged December 

 7 and it was proclaimed by the President December 8, 1916. A bill 

 to give effect to this treaty was introduced in the short session of 

 the Sixty-fourth Congress and was reintroduced at the extra session 

 of the Sixty-fifth Congress, where it is now pending. 



That the necessity of Federal protection of migratory birds is now 

 generally recognized and that the results accomplished under the law 

 and regulations have been highly satisfactory are demonstrated by 

 the action of the National Association of Game and Fish Commis- 

 sioners in endorsing unanimously the bill to give effect to the treaty 

 and in urging its immediate passage by Congress. 



These results following so soon after the enactment of the law 

 have proved the efficacy of Federal protection of migratory birds 

 and serve to show what may be accomplished under a law, such as the 

 treaty enabling act, conferring the additional powers necessary to its 

 effective enforcement. 



