INTRODUCTION. 



It is an undisputed fact that a great many of our birds are becoming more scarce 

 each year, while a few are, even now, on the verge of extinction. The decrease in 

 numbers of a few species may be attributed chiefly to the elements, such as a long 

 continued period of cold weather or ice storms in the winter, and rainy weather dur- 

 ing the nesting season; however, in one way or another, and often unwittingly, man 

 is chiefly responsible for the diminution in numbers. If I were to name the forces 

 that work against the increase of bird life, in order of their importance, I should give 

 them as: Man; the elements; accidents; cats; other animals; birds' of prey; and 

 snakes. I do not take into consideration the death of birds from natural causes, such 

 as old age and disease, for these should be counterbalanced by the natural increase. 



There are parts that each one of us can play in lessening the unnatural dangers 

 that lurk along a bird's path in life. Individually, our efforts may amount to but 

 little, perhaps the saving of the lives of two or three, or more, birds during the year, 

 but collectively, our efforts will soon be felt in the bird-world. 



How Can We Protect the Birds? Nearly all states have fairly good game laws, 

 which, if they could be enforced, would properly protect our birds from man, but they 

 can not be; if our boys and girls are educated to realize the economic value of the 



