THE BIRDS BEFORE UNCLE SAM 105 



Sportsmen hunt us in the springtime, 



When we wish to build our nests ; 



From the flower-fringed lakes and rivers 



They drive us to Arctic lands ; 



Northward, northward to Alaska, 



To the wilds of Labrador, 



To the dreary Musk-ox Barrens, 



Scarcely dare our wings rest there. 



Sportsmen, do give us a homestead, 



Let us rest in sunny climes ! 



Give us time to raise our children, 



Give them time to learn to fly ! 



Boys and men, when camping, fishing; 



When you carry guns about, 



Do not shoot at spluttering ducklings, 



Do not shoot at fishing cranes ! 



Let the laughing loon be happy, 



Let the coot play on the pool ! 



Please remember that in summer, 



When you ramble, play, and rest, 



We are also playing, resting ; 



Happy in our harmless way. 



Do not make our breasts the target 



For your deadly ball and shot ! 



Lake, and woods, and pond, and river, 



Dearly do we love them all. 



Must we leave them sad and lonely? 



There's no life without the birds ! 



