REV. W. 0. B. PEABODY'S REPORT. 



To G. B. Emerson, Esq. 



Sir: — To ascertain the names and habits of our common birds, and 

 to collect the information concerning them required by the present 

 survey, would be a work of no great labor or time. But the great 

 proportion of our birds are visiters ; some regular, some occasional, 

 and others accidental. To distinguish accurately between these 

 classes, especially to ascertain which belong to the last, requires 

 more than a single season : and as the purpose of those engaged in 

 the survey, is to give authorities for their statements, it seems obvious 

 that the duty assigned them cannot be well performed within the 

 limits of a single year. 



An acquaintance with the birds of our State is desirable on many 

 accounts. The object of science is, not merely to satisfy curiosity, 

 but to serve the wants and comfort of men. 



One object of this survey should relate to the preservation of 

 game, if it be an object to preserve it within our bounds. But in 

 this particular, it will not be easy to contend with the order of nature, 

 which is constantly reducing their numbers. When these regions 

 were first visited by civilized men, this kind of food was abundant, 

 being evidently intended to afford resourses for subsistence until the 

 the earth should yield her increase. But, as soon as the earth was 

 subdued, and these resources became less necessary, they began 

 to diminish in numbers, leaving our woods and plains for others 

 where they were needed more ; and now, when they would be 

 rather an injury than a blessing, by encouraging habits of idleness 

 in the community, they are almost gone, and legislation will not be 

 able, even were it worth while, to preserve them. 



