110 YEARBOOK OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



(5) aSTotwithstanding the object lessons afforded by the English 

 sparrow in our own country, the rabbit in Australia, and the mon- 

 goose in Jamaica, no steps have been taken to prevent the repetition 

 of similar costly mistakes in the future, and at present no restriction 

 is placed on the indiscriminate importation of exotic species into the 

 United b'tates. 



(6) Recent events have given new importance to this subject. The 

 gradual increase of the starling and the efforts to introduce the kohl- 

 uieise require prompt measures to prevent species of such doubtful 

 value from gaining a foothold in this country. The acquisition of 

 new territory has also brought us face to face with new problems. 

 Not only should the mongoose be prevented from reaching the United 

 States from Hawaii and Puerto Rico, but the native fauna of these 

 islands should be preserved and all our island possessions protected 

 from ill-advised acclimatization, which has caused so much loss in 

 Australia and New Zealand. 



(7) The introduction of exotic birds and mammals should be 

 restricted by law and should be under the control of the United States 

 Department of Agriculture. Western Australia has already adopted 

 this course, and under the "Destructive birds and animals act" of 

 1893, prohibits the importation, liberation, or keeping of animals and 

 birds which the colonial bureau of agriculture considers injurious to 

 vinej'ards, orchards, or crojjs. 



