APPENDIX I. 319 



1. Game-Birds. In many States doves are universally classed 

 as game-birds,, and where the game laws cover their protection 

 during a closed season they may be so classed in Section 1 if 

 necessary. 



Reed-birds and blackbirds may have to be treated in the same 

 way in several States. Bobins, nickers, and meadow-larks, how- 

 ever, should not be permitted to be classed as game. 



2. Cage Birds. There is nothing in the law to prevent the 

 keeping of foreign cage birds, as canaries, etc. 



To keep native birds alive for study, etc., a certificate must 

 be secured as per Section 5. This is necessary to prevent traffic 

 in live birds. 



3. Other birds which may have to be excluded from pro- 

 tection : 



Hawks and Owls. The prejudice against these birds is very 

 strong, while the argument in their favor is well known and 

 conclusive. They should be protected if possible. If nothing 

 better can be done, effect a compromise by excluding Cooper's 

 hawk, goshawk, sharp-shinned hawk, and great horned owl, and 

 protect the rest. Crows may have to be denied protection ; there 

 is about as much evidence for as against them, however. Shrikes, 

 herons, gulls, and terns should by all means be protected. 



4. Where it is absolutely necessary to exclude any birds from 

 protection they may be added to Section 7, so as not to alter the 

 main text. 



5. On no account omit Sections 4, 5, and 6, as has been done in 

 some of the present laws. 



With the restrictions placed upon holders of certificates there 

 is no danger of improper persons obtaining them. A small num- 

 ber of birds are required for scientific purposes, and provision 

 should be made for obtaining them as much as for shooting game- 

 birds. The fee should be abolished, if possible, and should on 

 no account be more than one dollar. The age limit should, more- 

 over, not be raised above fifteen years. 



