METHODS OF BIRD STUDY 39 



it seems clear, should be total prohibition of spring shooting 

 from Florida, the Gulf, and Mexico to the Arctic Ocean. 



Next, we should offer, for a period of years at least, com- 

 plete protection and every inducement for all birds of this 

 order to breed throughout the United States, wherever a pond, 

 marsh, or lake can be guaranteed as a safe and permanent 

 " preserve." All kinds of waterfowl quickly learn where they 

 are safe, and if unmolested become tame and breed in great 

 numbers even in small ponds. Is there a chance for a preserve 

 in the neighborhood ? The wood duck is already on the verge 

 of extinction and should be absolutely protected in every 

 state. Nests discovered in the neighborhood should be guarded 

 from disturbance. In New England, for a term of years, let the 

 broods go unmolested even in open season on the chance that 

 more may return to breed the following spring. On the mur- 

 derous and stupid principle, " If I don't shoot it, some one 

 else will," the last wood duck will fall to the ground and the 

 race of our most exquisite waterfowl be extinct. Extermina- 

 tion of a valuable species is not only a national calamity, but 

 a national crime, a piece of monumental stupidity and folly 

 as well. Let us change the above principle to read, " If I 

 have the decency and sense to spare, some one else may." To 

 the problem of increasing and protecting our waterfowl and 

 reestablishing them throughout their native breeding ranges 

 should be brought the best energies of the class. All members 

 of the order should be considered in the light gained from a 

 study of the following types : 



Wood duck A ix sponsa. Mallard duck Anas platyrhynclios. 



Pintail Ddfila acuta. Whistling swan Olor columbidnus. 



Canada goose Brdnta canadensis. Trumpeter swan Olor buccinator. 



Order Herodiones (herodios, " a heron ") herons, storks, etc. 

 These birds of our marshes and swamps are mainly of aesthetic 

 interest and value, and although they eat a few fishes, frogs, and 



