32 CIVIC BIOLOGY 



Other more general topics, like the following, are suitable as 

 assignments for different members of the class to work out and 

 report upon toward the close of the year : 



The English Sparrow in the Locality may be subdivided into : Re- 

 lations to Native Birds ; Damage caused by; Methods of Extermination. 



The Life and Work of the Bluebird. (Substitute the name of am 

 other common bird, if desired. It would be well if each member of the 

 class could devote special attention to working up the life of some 

 important species.) 



By a free interchange of notes these reports may be made 

 more complete, and in this way each is made the summary of 

 the work of the whole class upon the topic. We may vary and 

 enliven the reports by casting them in the form of debates 

 about bird problems that are in dispute in the neighborhood. 

 For example : 



Resolved, that the robin merits protection. (Substitute other birds.) 



Resolved, that the crow should be exterminated. 



Resolved, that there should be a bounty on hawks and owls. 



Resolved, that the bobwhite should be placed on the protected list for 

 a period of ten years. 



Resolved, that spring shooting of waterfowl ought to bo prohibited 

 by law in all states. 



Resolved, that active measures be taken to establish a preserve for 

 the breeding of grouse and waterfowl in this township. 



Resolved, that it is better policy to preserve native species than to 

 import grouse from other countries. 



Resolved, that the killing of song and insectivorous birds for milli- 

 nery purposes is legitimate. 



Resolved, that a person who allows his cats to kill birds should be 

 subject to the same fine as if he killed them himself. 



Resolved, that a law be passed making owners of cats responsible for 

 the birds they kill. 



Resolved, that it is an unwarranted waste of bird life to make egg 

 collections. 



This list might be extended indefinitely. 

 Birds are divided popularly into " soft-billed," eating mainly 

 worms, insects, and berries ; and " hard-billed," feeding upon 



