﻿236 Bird - Lore 



mian Sandpiper may have an opportunity to replete its wasted ranks, a close 

 season of ten years is recommended. 



The Eskimo Curlew. — Ornithologists of national reputation are of the 

 opinion that this Curlew is on the verge of extinction. It is therefore the 

 duty of this Association to secure for the species a close season of not less 

 than ten years, in order to prevent it from being added to the list of birds that 

 are known only by specimens in museums. Too many species of game-birds 

 are approaching this dangerous point, and, if we do not do all we can to pre- 

 vent it, we are not carrying out the objects of the Association. 



The Wood Duck. — This is by far the most beautiful of the North Amer- 

 ican Ducks, and is also one of the most interesting in its habits. Its splendid 

 plumage is probably one of the causes of its rapid decrease, as it is in great 

 demand for mounting for ornamental purposes. The gorgeously colored 

 male birds are never allowed to escape the man with the gun, whether it is 

 the open or closed season. In consequence of this continual persecution, the 

 Wood Duck is becoming exceedingly scarce and, unless a long closed season 

 is prescribed, it, too, will join the ranks of the extinct species of birds, and 

 this great attraction to the fresh-water streams and ponds will be missing. 



Recently a circular letter was sent to 46 game commissions in the 

 United States and the British North American provinces, enquiring whether 

 they approved of legislation removing the small shore-birds from the game- 

 bird class to the class for which there is no open season, and also to make a 

 ten years closed season for the Bartramian Sandpiper, Eskimo Curlew and 

 the Wood Duck. Replies were received from thirty-five of the Commissions, 

 nearly all of which were in the affirmative. 



Spring Shooting. — A very large proportion of the Commissioners above 

 mentioned were also in favor of abolishing spring shooting of all kinds, 

 together with the prohibition of sale of game. Some of the replies were so 

 emphatic and reasonable that a few of them are quoted here to show the 

 trend of official opinion regarding the importance of placing every legal 

 barrier in the way of game and bird destruction before it is too late to take 

 such action. 



Mr. John A. Wheeler, Game Commissioner of Illinois, writes: "I am in 

 favor of abolishing spring shooting of all kinds, without exceptions, if a uni- 

 form law can be passed by every state in the Union ; otherwise I am not in 

 favor of such a law." 



This opinion from a game officer of one of the largest states shows how 

 very important it is that there shall be some Association that will work 

 persistently and continuously for a uniform law in all parts of North America 

 to prohibit spring shooting of every description. An opinion regarding game 

 protection from Minnesota is valuable for the reason that this state is in the 

 van in such matters; therefore the following statement of Mr. Fullerton, 

 Executive Agent of the Board of Game and Fish Commissioners, is of interest. 



