BIRDS OF PEASEMARSH 



marshes. A stout negro carries on his head an 

 open vessel supplied with burning pine knots. 

 The hunter follows the torch bearer, his eyes 

 protected by his hat from the glare of the light. 

 The birds are seen sitting about on the ground, 

 staring in dazed bewilderment, and are often 

 killed in great numbers in this illegitimate 



manner." 



The help that bird sanctuaries can give in 

 bringing back this bird is the only thing that 

 will save it from complete extermination. 

 Everyone who owns a bit of property on which 

 there are low, wet fields, marshy grounds and 

 woodland, the favorite resort of the Wood- 

 cocks, should endeavor to encourage and pro- 

 tect them. There is always a chance that some 

 may return in safety in the spring and that the 

 numbers will increase. As insect destroyers 

 they amply repay for any time and trouble 

 taken for them. Their food consists of worms 

 and several kinds of larvae which they find 

 under leaves and the debris of swampy woods. 

 But the real reward is far beyond material 

 things. It is the securing for future genera- 

 tions of a valuable wild bird that is in our 

 keeping. To secure success international inter- 

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