440 



BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



Some correspondents failed to answer these questions, 

 and others, answered rather indefinitely. The definite 

 answers received are tabulated below. Seventy-three of 

 those who regard birds generally as diminishing in num- 

 bers estimate the percentage of decrease as follows : one, 

 10 per cent; one, 12^ percent; twenty-one, 25 per cent; 

 one, 30 per cent ; six, 33^ per cent ; thirty-three, 50 per 

 cent; five, G6| per cent; three, 75 per cent; two, 90 per 

 cent. Eleven state that birds are decreasing somewhat, but 

 give no estimate of the percentage ; those also who regard 

 birds in general as increasing give no percentages. It is im- 

 possible, therefore, with the figures at hand, to arrive at the 

 average opinion as to the percentage of decrease of the birds 

 in the State, to say nothing of the facts in the case. To 

 get at even an approximation of the facts, other methods 

 must be employed. 



The table shows that a large share of the reports were 

 pessimistic, and on its face, perhaps, presents a darker 

 picture than the facts will warrant. 



A Tabulated Statement, by Counties, of the Reports regarding the 

 Decrease of Birds. 



