Preface to Second Edition. 



In the seven years that have ehipsed since this vohime was 

 projected, many changes have taken place. Many individuals, 

 associations and States have adopted measures recommended 

 herein for the purpose of protecting and increasing game birds, 

 shore birds or wild fowl. Massachusetts has taken up most of 

 these recommendations and the Legislature has enacted laws 

 embodying many of them. Already the results of these various 

 beneficial enactments have been felt over wide areas. The Con- 

 gress of the United States, conforming to one of these recom- 

 mendations, has enacted a statute making migratory game birds 

 and insectivorous birds wards of the government. Certain 

 game birds are increasing in numbers, and the situation is much 

 more hopeful than it was in 1908. 



Appendices have been added to this edition to permit refer- 

 ence to these changes and to make room for certain records of 

 occurrences of rare birds that have been noted or published since 

 the first edition was made ready for the printer. Otherwise, 

 comparatively few changes have been made to bring the first 

 edition down to date. 



Much more information regarding the food of many species 

 might be added now from the publications of the Biological 

 Survey and from other sources, but as the first edition was elec- 

 trotyped, the cost of making numerous changes in the plates 

 would be prohibitive, and the task nuist be left for a later 

 edition. 



Edward Howe Forbush. 



August 24, 1915. 



