Recently published Ornithological Works. 139 



''Economic Ornithology"^ in the United States. A some- 

 what similar system, if it could possibly be kept within due 

 limits, might be of advantage in England. '^ Economic 

 Ornithology " deals with birds in their relation to agriculture, 

 horticulture, trade, and sport ; it treats of species important 

 to the farmer, the fruit-grower, the game-dealer, the milliner, 

 and the sportsman — in sliort it is the practical application of 

 our knowledge of birds to the affairs of everyday life." In 

 the present treatise the history of Economic Ornithology in 

 the United States is considered under three heads: — (1) In- 

 vestigations as to the value of birds; (2) their commercial 

 uses; and (3) measures for their preservation and destruction, 

 and for the introduction of important species. Although 

 much had been done (wisely or unwisely) by previous workers 

 in all these departments before 1885, it was the selection of 

 Dr. C. Hart Merriam for appointment to what was shortly 

 afterwards named the " Division of Biological Survey " in 

 the "Department of Agriculture"" that first led to systematic 

 and continuous work on this subject. 



We cannot undertake even to mention all the numerous 

 investigations pursued by the Department since its insti- 

 tution, but will call attention to some of its principal 

 pieces of work. Researches as regards birds supposed to be 

 injurious — such as Hawks, Owls, and Crows — have been 

 largely carried out, as we know by the reports on this subject 

 frequently noticed in our Journal. The Biological Survey 

 has a collection of some 32,000 birds' stomachs, which are 

 gradually being examined and reported upon. Some birds 

 hitherto considered more or less noxious have been pro- 

 nounced " not guilty,"' even the Crow being considered to 

 do " more good than harm,"' whilst the '^ English Sparrow "" 

 is the only species that has been unreservedly condemned. 

 " Game-birds "' generally are pronounced to be useful to the 

 farmer, and their consumption in North America as food 

 seems to be enormous, some species (such as the Prairie-fowl 

 and Passenger Pigeon) having now been seriously reduced in 

 numbers by undue slaughter. 



Mr. Palmer also tells us much about the wholesale col- 



