THE DESCHUTES RAVEN 33 



has ever happened for American birds took place 

 on the 4th day of March, 1913, when President 

 Taft signed the Weeks-McLean bill placing all 

 our migratory game and insectivorous birds under 

 the protection of the Federal Government ; and 

 perhaps the greatest event that ever happened for 

 the birds of the world took place on the night 

 of September 3, 1913, when the United States 

 Senate passed a measure prohibiting the impor- 

 tation of the plumage of wild birds into this 

 country, except for scientific purposes. 



Neither of these bills will directly protect the 

 crow, except as they are sure to help protect all 

 birds. But the crow will be cared for. The Gov- 

 ernment's book on the crow shows past all doubt 

 that he is, in the long run, beneficial; that we are 

 tremendously in his debt, notwithstanding his toll 

 of corn ; and that he must not only be allowed to 

 dwell among us, but encouraged by every means 

 to make himself free with our fields and wood- 

 lots. 



And he will do it without encouragement. 

 All he asks is decent neighborly treatment. He 

 will meet us more than halfway. The light and 

 the laws have come too late for many of our 



