14 Yearbook of the Department of Agriculture. 



under the permits, the breeding and traffic in the birds is 

 carried on entirely under the supervision of the several 

 States. 



The fact that many States have enacted no laws on the 

 subject, together with lack of uniformity in the laws of 

 other States, has deterred many persons from engaging in 

 the business, but it has been demonstrated that many species 

 of waterfowl, particularly black and mallard ducks, can be 

 raised profitably on lands unsuited to agriculture and 

 also in connection with agricultural pursuits. There seems 

 to be a growing sentiment in favor of more uniform leg- 

 islation on the subject in order that domesticated birds 

 may reach the markets with the least inconvenience to the 

 breeders, while at the same time the protection of wild birds 

 may be safeguarded properly. This could be accomplished 

 in a simple and inexpensive manner if a marking and tag- 

 ging system, similar to one that has been in successful op- 

 eration in New York State for many years, were adopted. 

 Enactment of proper laws by all States, giving full recog- 

 nition to this legitimate business, would encourage persons 

 to propagate wild fowl in captivity, thus materially adding 

 to the food supply and aifording a pleasant and profitable 

 occupation for a large number of people. 



CONTROL OF BIRD DEPREDATIONS. 



Despite the almost general usefulness of birds, certain 

 species at times become seriously injurious to crops in some 

 localities. Kecognizing the importance of controlling such 

 v / depredations, the regulations make suitable provision for the 

 issuance of permits to kill any migratory birds which become 

 seriously injurious to agricultural or other interests, but the 

 birds so killed can not be shipped or sold. 



The control of the depredations of wild ducks in the rice 

 fields of California during the fall of 1918 furnishes a strik- 

 ing example of the successful operation of this provision of 

 the law. After a careful investigation of conditions in the 

 rice belt, a blanket Federal permit was issued authorizing 

 rice growers to kill wild ducks when necessary to protect the 

 rice from damage. This permit insured the rice growers 

 protection from the destruction threatening their crops, 

 while the restrictions carried in the permit regarding ship- 

 ment and sale afforded the birds ample protection. 



