SECOND ANNUAL REPORT. 79 
In each state and territory several observers were addressed, 
and an effort was made to cover the various sections of each large 
state. Had every addressee responded with a report, the results 
would have been more voluminous, but it is doubtful if the fig- 
ures given herein would have been greatly changed. While the 
majority of the persons addressed were ornithologists, and asso- 
ciate members of the American Ornithologists’ Union, the list of 
observers was purposely made to include many well-known sports- 
men, guides, collectors of animals, and taxidermists. 
The fact that the inquiry was intended as a step in the direction 
of preservation awakened keen interest, and brought forth reports 
from nearly two hundred observers, representing all states and 
territories in our country, except three. Fully 90 per cent. of 
the reports bear unmistakable evidence of having been prepared 
with conscientious thought and care. Many are very full, and 
particularly valuable by reason of their wealth of detail. The 
closeness with which the estimates of different observers in a 
given state or region agree with each other is quite surprising, 
and this may justly be regarded as evidence of their scientific 
value. There is no longer room to doubt the possibility of 
obtaining a collection of estimates which, when combined and 
correlated, yield a true statement of conditions as they exist 
to-day. Asawhole, they constitute a mine of information which 
will undoubtedly prove of service in the organization of more 
comprehensive measures for the protection of our living creatures. 
With these reports before us, and from other data in our pos- 
session, it would be an easy matter to fill a volume with the his- 
tory of bird and mammal annihilation in North America down to 
the present year. ‘The temptation to do so is great, and particu- 
larly so when we are thus brought face to face with the fact that 
our most highly-prized species—the ‘‘ big game’’ quadrupeds, the 
fur-bearers, the gallinaceous game birds, water-birds, herons, 
shore-birds, and most beautiful song birds—are the very ones that 
are most persecuted, and that are disappearing most rapidly. 
For the present, however, a comparatively brief statement, 
embracing a concise summary and digest of ascertained facts, 
may be brought to the attention of a greater number of readers 
than could be reached by a more voluminous report. 
Without any desire to be sensational, or to be considered an 
alarmist, it may be said that the facts now established fully war- 
