Birds and Forest Vegetation 517 



reason if the Sapsuckers were reduced in number other species 

 might be substituted. The marked preference for ants, which de- 

 stroy much wood but aid in soil formation, must be given due credit. 

 This is a good example showing how difficult it is correctly to esti- 

 mate the economic value of many animals. Certain chemical and 

 physiological considerations do not favor the idea that sour or 

 fermented sap causes drunkenness in Sapsuckers. 



The preceding discussion shows that there are many and marked 

 evidences of the influence of birds upon the forest vegetation of 

 the Adirondacks. This influence is on the whole very valuable to 

 both the State and to private individuals, particularly because of the 

 aid which it gives in hastening reforestation on burned lands. 

 This aids in the conservation of soil and water, and makes the condi- 

 tions more favorable for game and fish, and, last but not least, 

 makes the region much more attractive to summer visitors, as few 

 persons care to visit burned desolate areas. 



Foresters are coming to agree that in the Adirondacks large areas 

 should be permanent protection forests, to conserve soil and water, 

 and where no cutting of trees should be allowed ; these to remain 

 wild forests, composed largely of spruce. In what manner do birds 

 influence these forests? Still other large tracts ought to be pre- 

 served as natural " monuments," and as a wild preserve for the 

 preservation of sample areas of wild plants and animals for educa- 

 tional and scientific purposes. These areas should include the main 

 kinds of native vegetation, mixed hardwood forests, and swamps, 

 not already included within the protection-forests, and should be 

 supplementary to them. These should be preserved for their scenic, 

 educational, scientific value, and for the scientific study of certain 

 forest problems. What is the relation of birds to such forests? 

 A third kind of forest land includes that which should be managed 

 to produce the best possible crop of commercial forest. This might 

 include spacious areas away from the larger streams and lakes. This 

 part should be so managed as to pay much toward the upkeep of the 

 forest, fish and game interests, as well as being a playground, and 

 should be so conducted that the ordinary citizen may easily enjoy 

 it. What is the relation of birds to this kind of a forest? 



It is hoped that in the future woodland birds will be more thor- 

 oughly investigated from the standpoint of their relation to forests 

 broadly considered. Such investigations should be detailed and in- 

 clude a careful study of the life activities of the birds, including 

 their food, nesting habits, enemies and relative abundance in wild 

 and modified forests under every possible condition, as in clearings, 

 in lumbered forests, in all stages of the different systems of re- 

 forestation, and under the various systems of forest management. 

 Further similar studies should be made of forested game preserves 

 and the various systems of management of large forested parks and 

 other woodlands. In given conditions, say five acres, how many 

 birds normally live, how can their numbers be increased or de- 

 creased, and what desirable changes can be made in such a bird 

 community' ? Strange as it may seem, not a forest-inhabiting species 



