Vl PREFACE. 



thologists of the nineteenth century exhibit the great decrease 

 in numbers of many species, and estimates summarized in 

 this volume indicate that the majority of the best informed 

 gunners themselves now admit that the decrease of these 

 birds has continued during the past thirty years, and that it 

 is due largely to overshooting; therefore, the report will serve 

 as a basis for both restrictive and constructive legislation for 

 the protection and propagation of game birds. 



The descriptions in Part I, written mainly in language 

 understood by the people, and the cuts which have been made 

 to show the form and markings of the species, taken together, 

 will answer the second purpose for which the book is written. 

 Prominent markings which readily may be recognized in the 

 field, and w^hich will help in identifying the birds, are given 

 under the head of "field marks." The representations of the 

 notes and calls of birds are taken mainly from the writings of 

 others. Attempts to suggest bird notes on paper almost 

 always are inadequate. My own always have been unsatis- 

 factory, but it is hoped that those given may be of some assist- 

 ance to the beginner. Brief descriptions of the nests and eggs 

 of the species now nesting in Massachusetts or near-by States, 

 or which are believed to have nested here formerly are given 

 as a possible help to identification. 



An attempt has been made to interest the reader in these 

 much-persecuted birds for their own sake. For this reason 

 the range, migration and habits of each bird are touched 

 upon in nearly all cases. 



In the introduction an attempt is made to narrate briefly 

 the history of the decrease of resident and migratory game 

 birds along the Atlantic seaboard. Part I continues this his- 

 tory, but particularizes and localizes by taking up separately 

 each individual species that has been recorded from Massa- 

 chusetts and near-by States. Part II groups together the 

 histories of the species utilized as food which have disap- 

 peared from New England since the settlement of the country, 

 and exhibits the causes that brought about the destruction of 

 these species. Part III analyzes the causes of the decrease 

 of the species of game birds, wild-fowl and shore birds that 



