weather of winter and come about our homes searching 

 for food. 



Hosts of birds may be attracted about our country homes 

 at all seasons of the year by offering food, shelter, and suit- 

 able lodgings, and the author in following the precepts of 

 the Massachusetts Fish and Game Protective Association, 

 has endeavored to set forth in a manner both clear and 

 comprehensive, methods by which this may be accom- 

 plished. 



In this important work of protecting and conserving 

 our wild life we are confronted with a situation that de- 

 mands instant and careful consideration. The author refers 

 to the antagonistic points of view held by the bird pro- 

 tectionist and the sportsman. The former adheres to the 

 theory that the shooting of all birds and quadrupeds for 

 mere sport should be absolutely abolished, while the latter 

 argues that game birds and quadrupeds exist for the pur- 

 pose of providing a source of legitimate recreation. We 

 do not wish to criticise the exponents of these doctrines, 

 each has a right to his own beliefs. Therefore let us 

 strive to create a spirit of goodwill and cooperation, such 

 as will inspire both parties to devote their energies unceas- 

 ingly to the cause of wild life protection and propagation. 

 Our game birds afford recreation to many that delight in 

 shooting, a legitimate pastime when tempered with 

 moderation, and one to be encouraged as an incentive to 

 become better acquainted with nature, and to render the 

 young mind keen by training the powers of observation. 



Savage man however, hunted not for the mere sport of 

 the chase, but to supply himself with the necessities of 



[8] 



