THE BIRDS BEFORE UNCLE SAM 
Sportsmen hunt us in the springtime, 
When we wish to build our nests ; 
From the flower-fringed lakes and rivers 
They drive us to Arctic lands ; 
Northward, northward to Alaska, 
To the wilds of Labrador, 
To the dreary Musk-ox Barrens, — 
Scarcely dare our wings rest there. — 
Sportsmen, do give us a homestead, 
Let us rest in sunny climes ! 
Give us time to raise our children, 
Give them time to learn to fly! 
Boys and men, when camping, fishing ; 
When you carry guns about, 
Do not shoot at spluttering ducklings, 
Do not shoot at fishing cranes ! 
Let the laughing loon be happy, 
Let the coot play on the pool ! 
Please remember that in summer, 
When you ramble, play, and rest, 
We are also playing, resting ; 
Happy in our harmless way. 
Do not make our breasts the target 
For your deadly ball and shot ! 
Lake, and woods, and pond, and river, — 
Dearly do we love them all. 
Must we leave them sad and lonely? 
There’s no life without the birds! 
105 
