J34 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



Educational Woek. 

 - The educational work of the year has consisted largely of 

 lectures delivered before farmers' institutes, granges and 

 other organizations. Twenty-eight of these lectures were 

 given during the spring and summer, but an accident which 

 temporarily disabled tlie ornithologist prevented the continua- 

 tion of this Avork during the fall. 



Publications. 

 In June three publications of the ornithologist were re- 

 vised and reprinted. These were: (1) "Birds as protectors 

 of orchards," from a bulletin of the State Board of Agricul- 

 ture, issued first in July, 1895, third edition; (2) "Two 

 years with the birds on a farm," a lecture delivered at the 

 public winter meeting of the said Board at ISTorth Adams, 

 Dec. 2, 1902, second edition; and (3) "The decrease of 

 birds, and its causes, with suggestions for bird protection," 

 second edition. The demand for these bulletins has justified 

 their publication. The special report on " Useful birds and 

 their protection," first published in 1907, passed through two 

 editions in that year, and, as the second edition was nearly 

 exhausted early in the present year, a third edition was issued. 



Investigations. 

 The evident need of better protection for the game birds, 

 wild fowl and shore birds made necessary a further and more 

 exhaustive investigation of the present depletion of these 

 birds, and the causes of their decrease in numbers; this was 

 begun early in the spring by correspondence with naturalists 

 and sportsmen, and by personal interviews with experienced 

 gunners, particularly along the shore. This investigation 

 was continued throughout the summer, and in October a cir- 

 cular letter, requesting information regarding these birds, 

 was printed. This circular is still being sent out to people 

 having a knowledge of the subject. It is hoped that even- 

 tually a report may be prepared which will set forth the most 

 effectual methods of conservation, and serve as a basis for 

 legislation. 



