8o Bird - Lore 



greater numbers of these pests than any other species; and this fact alone should entitle it 

 to protection, even if it destroyed no other injurious animals." 



Only fourteen states protect the Marsh Hawk; thirty-five states and 

 territories permit it to be killed at any time. In the British Provinces, 

 Manitoba is the only one giving protection. The ignorance regarding 

 hawks and the prejudice concerning them is forcibly illustrated by the action 

 of Virginia, which in 1903 passed a law protecting all the beneficial Hawks 

 and Owls, but without waiting to give the statute a fair test repealed the 

 same in 1904. In Ohio the present legislature is considering a bill offer- 

 ing bounties on "Chicken Hawks." This, of course, means, should the 

 bill become a law, that all Hawks will be killed for the bounty, and the 

 farmers of the state will be taxed for funds with which to pay pot hunters 

 and others for the heads of birds that are of great value to agriculture. 



In 1885 Pennsylvania passed a bounty or scalp act which was shortly 

 afterward repealed, as it was found to be most disastrous in its effect. 

 Over $60,000 was paid the first year for bounties. Among other reasons 

 urged for a repeal of the law was the following: "Officers were imposed 

 upon and bounties were illegally drawn." "It encouraged a certain class to 

 follow hunting as a means of livelihood, to the exclusion of other labor." 

 "It is burdensome and inimical to the best interests of the farming com- 

 munity, and a useless expenditure of county money." 



Does not this show a lamentable degree of ignorance on the part of 

 those who should be the most interested in the protection of Hawks? 

 Every farmer in North America who reads this leaflet should at once com- 

 mence a campaign of education among his -fellow workers, and should make 

 it a prominent plank in his political platform that all the beneficial Hawks 

 should have legal protection. Farmers! Do not expect your neighbor to 

 do his duty until you have done your own. 



Study Points for Teachers and Students 



Where is this Hawk found in summer ? In winter ? Where does 4.0 degrees north 

 latitude cross the continent ? What is the most striking difference in plumage of the adults ? 

 How does young differ ? What is the most striking distinguishing mark to be seen when 

 flying? What are popular names? Why given ? Why is this Hawk so beneficial ? De- 

 scribe the small mammals it eats. What damage do they do? Which of them are found 

 where you live ? What other pests does this Hawk eat ? Can you give any personal 

 reasons why this Hawk should be protected ? 



For much valuable information regarding the Marsh Hawk, study the following: Ben- 

 dire's ' Life Histories of North American Birds,' Fisher's ' Hawks and Owls of the United 

 States,' also Fisher's ' Hawks and Owls from the Standpoint of the Farmer.' This latter 

 is a pamphlet issued for free distribution by the United States Department of Agriculture. 



Additional copies of this leaflet may be procured of William Dutcher, chairman, 525 

 Manhattan Ave., New York City. 



