448 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



tected from sparrows and cats, but not from grackles, crows, 

 blue jays and other wild birds. I should say that numer- 

 ically the birds were holding their own in that particular 

 locality, but that individual species fluctuated, some years 

 particular l)irds being numerous, while others which seem to 

 be subjected to about the same perils are rare." 



As an epitome of bird-life, and the contrasting conditions 

 affecting it in the city and country, Dr. Woodward's report 

 is noteworthy. The main causes of the decrease of birds in 

 the city are exhibited, and the reduction of the birds in the 

 city with their comparative abundance in the near-by coun- 

 try is made plain. In the one case the birds were subjected 

 to city influences ; in the other they were protected from 

 them, and given opportunity for breeding. The results in 

 the latter case are obvious. A notable effect of the June 

 storms of 1903 is apparent in the diminution of tree swal- 

 lows, the extermination of the martins, and, possibly, also 

 in the decrease of the whip-poor-wills, red-wings and king- 

 birds. The fluctuations of species from year to year may 

 be owing to natural causes operative everywhere, or to the 

 malign influences emanating from the city not far away. 

 He oflers no explanation, but states the facts. They form 

 the text for a treatise on bird protection. 



In the development of our civilization there have been 

 evolved or introduced certain influences destructive to bird- 

 life, such as trolley cars, improved firearms and the English 

 sparrow. Taking such forces into consideration, together 

 with the growth of cities, it is possible, perhaps, that we 

 now have fewer of the smaller native birds in the State than 

 forty years ago. Many of the larger species have been 

 decreasing steadily. Along the coasts and in the densely 

 populated regions, game birds, many shore birds and some 

 water-fowl have lessened to such an extent that they are 

 evidently doomed to extermination, unless better protected. 

 So far I must agree with those who believe that our birds 

 are being extirpated. But we must guard against too much 

 pessimism. It is quite natural to remember the times in 

 our youth Avhen birds were very numerous, and forget the 

 seasons when they were comparatively few. So one re- 



