ANIMALS OF THE PEIMITIVE FOREST. 17 



tection. They will not expose themselves to observation, 

 and on the approach of a human being they flee to the 

 woods, where they are entirely concealed from the youths 

 who destroy all sorts of small game. Birds of this 

 species continue to grow more numerous, while the red 

 thrush and the catbird are constantly diminishing in 

 numbers because they breed outside of the wood, where 

 they are more easily discovered. 



American hares multiply as the forest is cleared, in 

 spite of the unremitting persecution they suffer. The 

 clover-fields adjoining the wood yield them a forage 

 greatly superior to the scanty browsing of the shrubs and 

 herbaceous plants of the forest. Deer would be favored 

 by the same conditions, if they were not driven by the 

 hunter into the most savage regions. Attempts are con- 

 stantly made by our different State governments to pro- 

 tect these valuable birds and animals ; but their acts 

 must always be unavailing. The only means that will 

 save them from extermination must be afforded by the 

 universal establishment of forest conservatories, set apart 

 exclusively for their protection. 



