DANGER OF AN EARLY EXTINCTION OF 

 SONG BIRDS. 



The wide-spread slaughter of the birds is a far more 

 serious matter than is generally supposed, not only in 

 its aesthetic and humane bearings, but also in its relation 

 to man's physical comfort and well-being. 



The means by which the wicked slaughter may be 

 checked is therefore a problenl that should engage the 

 attention of the practical utilitarian as well as the 

 humane naturalist. 



The preservation of the birds means not only the 

 preservation of the most charming creatures that 

 minister to man's higher enjoyments, but it means the 

 preservation of our fruits and flowers, our vines and 

 vegetables, grain fields and grassy lawns; it means 

 freedom from the most annoying insects and other 

 troublesome creatures, that, if left to multiply, would 

 render life a burden and some sections uninhabitable. 

 Neighborhoods and countries are already paying the 

 penalty of their unwise dealings with their feathered 

 friends. In France several species have already been 

 extermmated, and a failure of agricultural products 

 have followed in consequence. In Italy also, where the 

 highest ambition of the shiftless class seems to be to kill 



