INTRODUCTION. 
It is an undisputed fact that a great many of our birds are becoming more 
scarce each year, while a few are, even now, on the verge of extinction. The de- 
crease in numbers of a few species may be attributed chiefly to the elements, such 
as a long continued period of cold Weather or ice storms in the winter, and rainy 
weather during the nesting season; however, in one way or another, and often 
unwittingly, man is chiefly responsible for the diminution in numbers. If I were 
to name the forces that work against the increase of bird life, in order of their 
importance, I should give them as:—Man; the elements; accidents; cats; other 
animals; birds of prey; and snakes. I do not take into consideration the death of 
birds from natural causes, such as old age and disease, for these should be coun- 
terbalanced by the natural increase. 
There are parts that each one of us can play in lessening the unnatural dan- 
gers that lurk along a bird’s path in life. Individually, our efforts may amount to 
but little, perhaps the saving of the lives of two or three, or more, birds during 
the year, but collectively, our efforts will scon be felt in the bird-world. 
How Can We Protect the Birds?—Nearly all states have fairly good game 
laws, which, if they could be enforced, would properly protect our birds from man, 
but they can not be; if our boys and girls are educated to realize the economic 
7 
