xxii WTRODUCTIOM. 



than any other country of the globe, and even in the 

 recollection of some livin^, the birds came down from 

 the Northland during the autumn in numbers that were 

 incredible, promising a continuance of the race forever. 

 I have myself seen great masses of Ducks, and also of 

 Geese, rise at one time from the water in so dense a cloud 

 as to obscure the sky, and every suitable water-covered 

 spot held some member of the Family throughout our 

 limits. But those great armies of Wild Fowl will be 

 seen no more in our land, only the survivors of their 

 broken ranks. Let these, then, have the protection which 

 is their due, and our advantage and profit to accord; stop 

 all spring shooting within our borders, a time when the 

 birds not only are usually poor in flesh, but are mated 

 and journeying northward in obedience to the command, 

 "be fruitful and multiply"; frown down all such bar- 

 barous customs as " killing for count," and then, with the 

 impartial enforcement of the laws upon all the people, a 

 remnant at least of our noble Water Fowl may be pre- 

 served to future generations. 



