Destruction of Birds' Nests and Eggs 



139 



It is obvious that the elements always have been and always will be a 

 great factor in holding in check the increase of bird population. No effort on 

 the part of man can seriously affect this item. It is equally true that there 

 are many birds and animals not listed among the agents of bird-nest destruction 

 that play their part to as great an extent as those included, or even greater. 



The most significant thing, however, is the high proportion — almost half — 

 destroyed through human agency. While from the standpoint of bird pro- 

 tectionists this may be discouraging, paradoxical as it may seem, it is also 

 most encouraging. While it is the largest factor, it is possible of control to 

 some extent. The boy problem, is of course, one of education. The schools, 

 due largely to the Audubon Societies, are taking up such work in increasing 

 numbers and certainly are exercising a repressive effect in this regard. 



The one other large factor is the use of agricultural machinery. The loss 

 in bird-life from the use of machinery has been and will continue to be severe, 

 but personal experience and talks with farmers who appreciate the value of 

 bird-life lead me to believe that this damage can be greatly reduced by proper 

 precautions. In the cornfields, I have managed to dodge many a Killdeer and 

 Horned Lark nest by keeping my eyes open, and I know many farmers who 

 follow the same practice. 



HOUSE WREN ABOUT TO FEED YOUXG 

 L. F. Brehmer, Rutland, Vt. 



