418 USEFUL BIRDS. 



to be capable of domestication. More attention to this sub- 

 ject might add largely to the quantity of our food supply, 

 and provide a source from which the stock of game could be 

 replenished. The restocking of the State with a plentiful 

 supply of game would keep within her borders a part at 

 least of the more than two million dollars which is annually 

 spent in other States by her sportsmen, and it would pro- 

 vide recreation at home for those who cannot afford the 

 expense of travel. 



THE MOVEMENT FOR BIRD PROTECTION. 



In setting forth the measures necessary for the protection 

 of birds, one cannot ignore the fact that a great movement for 

 bird protection is under way and has already accomplished 

 great good. The Audubon societies of the country have so 

 influenced public sentiment as to practically stop the wear- 

 ing of the feathers of useful American birds. The American 

 Ornithologists Union was enabled, through moneys raised by 

 the efforts of Mr. Abbott Thayer, to protect the sea birds on 

 many islands along the coast of the United States for several 

 years. 1 This work and the general one of protecting native 

 birds and other animals have been taken up by the National 

 Association of Audubon Societies, under the leadership of 

 Mr. William Dutcher of New York. The untiring devotion 

 of his time and means to this cause is bringing forth fruits in 

 the shape of improved legislation and aroused public senti- 

 ment in many States. Through his earnest efforts this move- 

 ment is receiving deserved endowment, which will undoubt- 

 edly result in its perpetuation. Game protection has been 

 taken up by the Biological Survey of the United States 

 Department of Agriculture, and a very efficient officer, Dr. 

 T. S. Palmer, has been placed in charge of the enforcement 

 of the Lacey act. State governments have been assisted by 

 the strong hand of the United States in enforcing advanced 

 legislation. The central government has co-operated with 

 the Audubon societies -and game protective associations of 



1 The Massachusetts colony of Terns and Gulls at Muskeget Island was saved 

 from extermination first through the efforts of Mr. William Brewster and others 

 and later by the continuous work of Mr. George H. Mackay. 



