2 2 Report of Committee on Bird Protection. I , "^ 



the protection of the Terns. The work in its detail takes both 

 time and effort, and I am convinced that a relaxation of vigilance 

 would be to the decided disadvantage of the birds. The United 

 States Government during the past summer has erected a Life 

 Saving Station on Muskeget Island, the crew employed being on 

 duty except during the months of June and July, when the cap- 

 tain remains there alone. As these two months are the breeding 

 season of the Terns which annually return there, I hope, in the 

 future, to be able to arrange with the Selectmen of Nantucket or 

 the Captain of the Station, or both, to continue the protection of 

 the colony. 



"In June I visited Penikese Island, Mass., and made an exami- 

 nation of the large colony of Wilson's and Roseate Terns 

 domiciled there, estimated to number some six or seven thousand 

 birds. They have been subjected to numerous hardships, having 

 been annually robbed of their eggs up to the loth of June, after 

 which date they were left more or less undisturbed. This colony 

 of Terns appeals to the best efforts of all who are iftterested in 

 preserving bird life, especially residents of Massachusetts. 1 

 have reason to believe that before the commencement of the next 

 breeding season the owners of the island may be induced to 

 co-operate with others in extending to these Terns the fullest pro- 

 tection, and it is desirable that those interested in such a result 

 will use their influence in bringing about such an end. 



" Early in the present year I appeared several times before the 

 Fish and Game Committee at the State House in Boston, urging 

 a new law which I had assisted in formulating, advocating a 

 closer season for some of our Game Birds, and also for the pro- 

 tection of some of our Hawks and Owls. Had any legislation 

 been obtained I believe the statute advocated would have been 

 recommended by the Committee. It is very probable that I may 

 asrain offer the same bill during the coming season." 



Great Gull Island, N. Y. 



Protection was given the colony of Terns on Great Gull Island, 

 N. Y., during the past season by Capt. Henry P. Field, the State 

 Game Protector, whose salary was paid by the Linna^an Society, 

 the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 



