221 



come more and more unlike until matur- very large antennae of the male, since it 



ity. is in these organs that the sense of smell 



Breeders of moths have often noticed is located. 



that there is considerable uniformity with Although it may be very interesting to 



regard to the time of day at which cer- read about the activities of insects, a 



tain kinds of moths emerge. For Prome- much more fascinating side of the sub- 



thea this time seems to be in the fore- ject is to handle and study the insects 



noon. themselves, and there are but few better 



From an extensive series of experi- insects with which to begin a personal ac- 



ments, it has been learned that the male quaintance than these which we have 



finds his mate by means of scent and that been considering, 

 this is doubtless the explanation for the Charles Christopher Adams. 



A PLEA FOR LEGISLATIVE PROTECTION. 



In former numbers of Birds and Na- tic animals) as legitimate targets for their 

 ture we have seen how much our welfare weapons, have not been dealt with severe- 

 and happiness depends upon the birds, ly enough. Even where the laws have 

 Some hints have been given as to how we seemed prohibitive enough they have 

 may encourage the birds to become resi- often failed of their purpose because not 

 dents of our premises so that we may en- properly enforced. There are, then, two 

 list them in the constant warfare against things to be considered. First, the pas- 

 worm and weevil. If there were no great sage of laws that will be prohibitive, and, 

 and universal interest at stake in this second, machinery adequate to their en- 

 question, How much do we owe to the forcement. 



birds ? we should, perhaps, have no right The first question will then be, How 

 to go beyond simple encouragement to may we secure the passage of laws such 

 the birds to multiply and do their good as we need? Certainly not by waiting for 

 work in certain chosen places. But the the state legislatures to do it. In such 

 interests are universal and so deeply con- matters, at least, they wait for an expres- 

 cern the whole world that we have an un- sion of the people. Then agitate the 

 doubted right to say to those who would question until the time is ripe for present- 

 kill everything in sight, either for gain or ing it before the lawmakers of your state 

 for so-called "sport," Thou shalt not ! In and push it. Write to Mr. Witmer Stone, 

 other words, we have the right to make the chairman of the American Ornitholo- 

 laws forbidding anybody to kill birds ex- gists' Union, chairman of the Committee 

 cept for the best of reasons. This right on Bird Protection, for a copy of the ideal 

 has been acted upon in most states and law, and then act in line with other states, 

 in many foreign countries, where various If each state acts in accord with some 

 degrees of protection to the birds as well plan for the whole country, we shall have 

 as to other animals have been secured. practically a national protective law. But 



But in very many, if not in most cases, even this community of interest will not 

 the laws enacted have not furnished pro- accomplish the purpose for which we set 

 tection enough. Those who have put a out, even as a law, saying nothing of en- 

 price upon a bird's plumage, who furnish forcement. All this is directed against 

 the temptation for others to break the law the killing of birds. The law must pro- 

 against killing birds, have not had a hibit the sale of the bird or any part of its 

 check put upon them. And the class of plumage for any purpose. Carefully 

 "sportsmen" which regards anything liv- guarded exceptions or privileges might 

 ing (except man and some of the domes- be favorable to those who need material 



