FEDERAL PROTECTION OF MIGRATORY BIRDS. 



'* By GEOKGE A. LAWYER, 



Chief U. 8, Game Warden, Bureau of Biological Survey. 



BIRD PROTECTION AN ECONOMIC QUESTION. 



rjlHE MYRIADS of migratory birds that fairly astounded 

 J- the early explorers of this country before its virgin 

 forests had been destroyed, its green fields trodden to dust 

 by the feet of tramping millions, or its silences broken by 

 the din of thousands of cities, have inspired the writing of 

 volumes of literature. These volumes have told of the 

 wanton and thoughtless slaughter of the birds, and have 

 given warning of their certain disappearance with the set- 

 tlement of the country and the usurpation of the forests, 

 fields, and streams that had furnished shelter, food, and 

 breeding places for these feathered hosts. Other volumes 

 have set forth the steps that should be taken to save the birds 

 from the ultimate extinction threatened by the acts of people 

 ignorant of their real economic value, and have told of 

 the annual destruction of millions of dollars' worth of for- 

 ests and crops by injurious insects formerly kept under sub- 

 jection by the birds. Yet all the while the birds were actu- 

 ally being exterminated, in spite of such protection as could 

 *be afforded by the laws of various States. 



The food value and economic importance of the migratory 

 birds of the United States, amounting to many millions of 

 dollars annually, justify the widespread interest in their 

 preservation. Not less important .is the esthetic value of 

 birds the inspiration and stimulus which they give to the 

 moral sense, and the charm and beauty which they lend to 

 the life of all our people. Researches by the Bureau of 

 Biological Survey into the economic value of insectivorous 

 birds have proved that they insure the farmer against out- 

 breaks of insect pests, a most serious menace to the agricul- 

 tural wealth of the country. Valuable in other ways are the 

 game birds, which not only furnish delightful and pleasing 

 recreation to the great army of American sportsmen, but add 

 materially to the food supply of millions of people. 



STATE PROTECTION OF BIRDS. 



The measures necessary to insure adequate protection for 

 bird life have been well known, but diversified and selfish 



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