are favorable to the birds because, if that 

 were not so, they would not have lasted nearly 

 so long." 



But even these shy birds may become un- 

 afraid of man, though it may take years to es- 

 tablish their confidence, for to what the birds 

 once were they will return. The Pelican has 

 been persecuted by man, and being a bird of 

 rare intelligence, distrust of human beings has 

 descended from generation to generation. 

 When the white man first came to the country 

 and firearms were unknown, the feathered 

 creatures were not easily alarmed. Records of 

 the early explorers show that of the large birds, 

 some already extinct, some now the shyest and 

 the rarest, showed not the slightest alarm at 

 the approach of man, some even crowded about 

 them and exhibited considerable curiosity and 

 interest in the newcomers. This confidence 

 can be regained. Individuals can do a little, 

 but without co-operation there is danger of 

 much of their work being undone. 



The sanctuaries and bird clubs together can 



readily increase the bird population and save 



from extinction those large, rare birds that are 



already going. The sanctuary will give a safe 



[225] 



