()(>0 

 THKIR EFFORTS WERE SUCCESSFTTL. 



These e(»UMiieiidal>leeft:oi-ts which, aspreviously staled, 

 originated aiiioug- scientitir men in West Cliester, re- 

 sulted in the abrogation, at tlie Legishitive session of 

 1887, after a most sj)irited contest, of Ihat jjorlion of 

 the act which related to Hawks and Owls. Secretary 

 Tho^. J. P^dge and tlio writer corresponded with county 

 commissioners, prominent farmers, naturalists and 

 sportsmen throughout the State, and a condensation 



of this correspondence, both for and against the re- 



jteal, follows: 



WHY IT SHOULD BE REPEALED. 



We bi'lieve the act should be repealed on account of 

 the following reasons: 



1. It causes a drain upon the treasuries of the respective 

 counties which is not warranted by the results produced. 



2. Collectively considered the Hawks and Owls by the de- 

 struction of injurious rodents and insects, confer a benefit 

 which is much more than an offset for the poultry, game and 

 small wild birds, which certain of these birds of prey destroy.' 



3. The Cooper's Hawk, the Sharp-Shinned Hawk, the Gos- 

 hawk, the Duck Hawk, the Pigeon Hawk and the Great Horned 

 are detrimental, but if a bounty should be placed on the heads 

 of these birds all species of Hawks and Owls would be destroyed 

 by scalp-hunters. 



4. The payment of all bounties should be discontinued until 

 officials can acquaint themselves with birds and mammals so 

 that premiums will not be paid for heads of Chickens, T\irkeys, 

 Pheasants-. Robins, Sparrows, etc., under the belief that they 

 are Hawks and Owls; and on the other hand officials should 

 know enough about mammals that the ears of Opossums, Red 

 Squirrels, house Cats, cur Dogs or pieces of Buffalo skins. Mule 

 hides, etc., should not be accepted by them for such detrimental 

 animals as Wolves, Wildcats. Foxes, Minks and Weasels. 



5. Increased duties are iniiiosed ui'"n munty otflceis (m- which 

 no additional compensation has lieiii provided. 



