32 CIVIC BIOLOGY 



Other more general topics, like the following, are suitable as 

 assio'uments for different members of the class to work out and 

 report upon toward the close of tlie year : 



The Enuiisli Sparrow in the Locality inav be subdivided into : Re- 



latioiis to Native Birds ; Damage caused by ; Methods of ExtHrniination. 



The Life and Work of the Bhiebird. (Substitute the name of any 

 other common bird, if desired. It would be well if each member of the 

 class could devote special attention to working up the life of some 

 important species.) 



By a free interchange of notes these reports may be made 

 more complete, and in this way each is made the summary of 

 the Avork of the whole class upon the topic. AVe may vary and 

 enliven the reports by casting them in the form of debates 

 about bird problems that are in dispute in the neigliborhood. 

 For example : 



Resolved, that the roljiu merits protection. (Substitute other birds.) 



Resolved, that the crow should be exterminated. 



Resolved, that there should be a bounty on hawks and owls. 



Resolved, that the bobwhite should be placed on the protected list for 

 a [)eriod of ten years. 



Resolved, that spring shooting of waterfowl ought to be pr()hil)ite(l 

 by law in all states. 



Resolved, that active lueasures be taken to establish a preserve for 

 the breeding of grouse and waterfowl in this township. 



Resolved, that it is better policy to preserve native species than to 

 import grouse from other countries. 



Resolved, that the killing of song and insectivorous l)irds for milli- 

 nery purposes is legitimate. 



Resolved, that a person who allows his cats to kill birds should be 

 sul)ject to the same fine as if he killed them himself. 



Resolved, that a law be passed making owners of cats responsible for 

 the birds they kill. 



Resolved, that it is an unwarranted waste of bird life to make i^^^ 

 collections. 



This list might be extended indefinitely. 

 Birds are divided popularly into '' soft-billed," eating nuiiuly 

 worms, insects, and berries ; and '' hard-billed," feeding upon 



