CHAPTER XLII 



THE CONSERVATION OF OUR NATURAL RESOURCES 



IN the preceding chapters the principal groups of animals in 

 the animal kingdom have been considered from several stand- 

 points. We have learned that animals all need certain things, 

 such as protection from physical injury and from their enemies, 

 food for furnishing the power to carry on activities and to grow, 

 air for the oxygen necessary to release this power by oxidation, 

 and the ability to reproduce others of their kind to prevent the 

 race from dying out. We have also learned the methods used 

 by different kinds of animals in satisfying these needs and the 

 structures and physiology of the organs employed. This 

 knowledge is necessary before we can understand the relations 

 of animals to man and how we can eliminate harmful species 

 and encourage beneficial species. Throughout our studies this 

 economic or applied phase of our subject has been emphasized. 

 Still another viewpoint is possible, however, and that is the 

 relations between animals and the community in which we live, or 

 between animals and the state or nation. This is a part of our 

 subject that has also been emphasized in the preceding chap- 

 ters. 



The problems presented by one city in most cases differ some- 

 what from those of other cities. A seacoast community may 

 be vitally interested in the fishing industry ; in a cattle raising 

 country a detailed knowledge of animal parasites and their 

 control is essential ; and birds and insects are important every- 

 where, but the species differ and must be dealt with accordingly. 

 What groups of animals should be studied in detail depends 



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