42 The Wilson Bulletin — No. S2. 



SPECIAL RESERVATIONS FOR WILD BIRDS. 



It is gratifying to see that the U. S. Goverument is finally 

 awakening to the fact that it is policy to give more attention to 

 the preservation of wild birds. Such a course is directly in line 

 with tlie so-much-talked-of conservation of our natural resources. 



The part that birds play in the economy of nature by their de- 

 struction of insects is of more importance than has been, or is 

 even now, generally realized. In the protection and consequent 

 increase of our birds we utilize a great natural power in the war 

 against noxious insects — pests that are making havoc with our crops 

 to the extent of many millions of dollars yearly. 



The agitation of bird protection is .bringing tangible results. 

 Laws lor their welfare are being extended, made more rigid and 

 perhaps better enforced. A more wholesome observance of the 

 game laws is noticeable. 



Reservations are being get apart by tlie government for the es- 

 pecial benefit of the birds — places where they can resort to breed, 

 or can stop to rest when migrating, unmolested by hunters. These 

 reservations vary greatly in character, some being rocky and al- 

 most barren islands, while others are vast areas of marshy waste, 

 grown up to ranli vegetation — tempting resorts for waterfowl and 

 the waders. If properly policed these will have a powerful influ- 

 ence for good. 



We have these bird reservations not only in the United States 

 proper, but also in Alaska, in the Dry Tortugas islands south of Flor- 

 ida, and at Hawaii. At the latter place several whole islands have 

 been thus set apart, and they constitute one of the largest and most 

 successful breeding places for sea birds to be found anywliere in 

 the world. 



Four years ago we had but sixteen of these reserves. During the 

 next year they were increased to 51. Since then the number has 

 been considerably augmented. This shows commendable progress. 



L. B. CUSHMAN. 



Xorth East, Pa. 



