52 Hodge, The Passenger Pigeon Investigation. [jan. 



Thus what on the surface appear to be the most encouraging 

 reports, in which flocks of hundreds or even thousands of the 

 pigeons have been seen, forfeit all credence on account of their 

 isolation. If, as one report states, the pigeons were nesting in 

 "almost countless numbers" — somewhere in northern United 

 States or Canada (I do not wish to know where until informant is 

 able to report occupied nestings) during the present season, it 

 seems utterly incredible that, in flying to or from their roost, 

 either in feeding or in migrations, they should not have been seen 

 by many others. Another discouraging feature of this year's 

 work is the total absence of reports from the Southern States. 

 If flocks of pigeons are in existence, they ought to be most easily 

 and frequently observed in their southern winter range. Except 

 for unlikely reports from the mountains of western Texas, the 

 Southland has been one vast silence the entire season. 



It now looks as if the worst fears of American naturalists were 

 about to be confirmed and that we are "in at the death" of the 

 finest race of pigeons the world has produced. 



In the campaign of next season it is proposed to appeal especially 

 to the students and school children, college and university, high 

 school and public school, of this country and Canada, making it 

 thus distinctively educational. Then the awakening to the prob- 

 lem, the bird study necessary to enable one to identify pigeons, 

 if discovered, the wholesome field work will each be worth vastly 

 more to the country at large than the mere cost of this investiga- 

 tion, even if no pigeons are discovered. A number of other 

 valuable species demand united and effective protection, if they 

 are to be saved from extermination. 



My own personal expense for postage, printing, office supplies 

 and stationary and for trips to investigate claims has been a little 

 over $100. I said a year ago that I would willingly give this 

 amount to see a live Wild Pigeon or even to be practically assured 

 that the species is extinct. I am willing to renew this sacrifice 

 for one more season. The only other men who have been put to 

 serious expense in this work are Charles K. and Chester A. Reed 

 of Worcester, who have spent $400 on the colored plate and 

 leaflet which has been widely circulated. My grateful acknowl- 

 edgments are also due to Mr. Dutcher and the National Associa- 



