516 AMERICAN GAME BIRD SHOOTING 



interest felt in their subjects by the sportsmen and field 

 naturalists of that day. Sportsmen had much to say 

 on various topics, and naturalists wished to discuss 

 many matters which could hardly be brought up in pub- 

 lications devoted strictly to science. Many sportsmen 

 were careful and accurate observers, possessed of ex- 

 perience and education, and writing delightfully. 

 Later a large crop of periodicals devoted to these 

 sports sprang up, most of which, before very long, 

 perished for lack of support, their places being taken 

 by others. 



These earliest periodicals, being directed by men of 

 foresight and experience, urged upon their readers the 

 importance of preserving the natural resources of the 

 country. They preached game protection and forest 

 protection, and while converting not a few of their 

 readers, at first made little or no impression on the 

 general public. Such educational work goes slowly at 

 first, especially when the teaching tends to limit the 

 recreation and pleasures of the public by urging them 

 to practice self-control. 



It was thus many years before any definite results 

 could be seen from these teachings, and in the mean- 

 time the works of destruction went on. Perhaps the 

 most radical and most important step ever taken in 

 game protection in this country was in the year 1894, 

 when Forest and Stream announced its platform plank, 

 "Forbid the Sale of Game." Meantime a constant, 

 though slow, improvement was taking place in the 

 game laws, and a few sportsmen, by earnest work with 



