CHAPTER IV. 



SUPPRESSION OF THE ENEMIES OF BIRDS. 



THERE is a danger that the success due to the provision of nesting- 

 places and of food in winter may be seriously diminished, wherever 

 the numerous enemies, to which birds are exposed, are not kept down. 

 It is, therefore, not sufficient to create the necessary conditions of life 

 for birds, their enemies must also be suppressed. 



Unfortunately, man is still the worst enemy of birds. His love of 

 destruction, selfishness, or unconscious indifference or ignorance, are 

 in direct opposition to the aims of a rational protection of birds, hinder 

 its progress, or do not assist it when the opportunity or the occasion arises. 



The injurious effects caused by mankind will be dealt with in the 

 following chapter. We will first discuss the suppression of harmful 

 animals. 



Only in very rare cases is it desirable entirely to exterminate an 

 animal. On the other hand, the progress of civilization, which is the 

 work of man, gives him the right, or rather obliges him, to use those 

 means which are at his command to restore the balance of Nature, 

 destroyed by him, and to interfere with the natural development of 

 animal life. 



Of course, we are taking for granted that moderation and reflection 

 are his guides, and not the blind love of destruction. The birds of prey 

 must not be treated alike. A few species are very useful to us ; others, 

 again, have become so rare that we must cease destroying them to 

 preserve them from extermination. 



I consider Baron von Berlepsch's views on this matter of such im- 

 portance that I will reproduce his actual words, as I heard them at a 

 lecture : " Therefore I should not wish a reward to be offered by the 

 State for any animal which might possibly be exterminated by 

 energetic persecution ; but I would always maintain the right of the 



