108 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
REEORTS ON THE DESTRUCTION OF BIRDS AND 
MAMMALS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES. 
E-xplanation.—The following comprise all the reports received 
up to the date of going to press, but doubtless others will arrive too 
late for publication. Only a brief summary of each is offered, 
but as far as possible the observer’s language is quoted. The 
states and territories are grouped in geographical sections, to 
facilitate generalization as to large areas. For the sake of brev- 
ity and clearness, the causes of decrease stated in answer to 
question No. 4, are recorded in figures, which refer to the serial 
numbers of the following list of causes : 
1. Sportsmen ; and ‘‘so-called sportsmen.’’ 
2. Boys who shoot. 
3. Market hunters, and “‘ pot-hunters.’’ 
4. ‘‘ Plume hunters,’’ and milliner’s hunters. 
5. ‘‘Shooters generally ;’’ farmers. 
6. Egg collecting, chiefly by boys. 
7. The English sparrow. 
8. Clearing off timber ; development of towns and cities. 
9. Italians and others who devour song birds. 
10. Cheap firearms. 
11. Drainage of marshes. 
12. Non-enforcement of game laws. 
‘ 
3. Gun clubs; hunting contests, or ‘‘ side hunts.’’ 
14. Trapping birds for sale alive. 
15. Prospectors, miners and range riders. 
16. Collectors (ornithologists and taxidermists ). 
17. Colored population. 
18. Indians (for decrease of game animals). 
