178 WILD LIFE PROTECTION FUND 



on a sentimental basis, the government of Ontario is on the 

 point of converting 300 acres of Mr. Miner's farm and ad- 

 joining lands with its two ponds, a very large one as well 

 as the small one, into a government bird sanctuary. The 

 plan is well under way, and in short time will no doubt be 

 consummated. 



II. AN OBJECT LESSON IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA. 



In several places in Florida wild ducks have recognized 

 protection, and have taken advantage of it, to an extent both 

 surprising and delightful. Nowhere, however, in any muni- 

 cipality, has there ever developed such an astonishing state 

 of wild-fowl affairs as now regularly obtains in the city 

 park of Oakland, California, on Lake Merritt. Some re- 

 markable pictures of these ducks in flight have recently 

 been made. 



The beautiful photographs kindly furnished us by Mr. 

 W. W. Richards, of Oakland, tell their own story, of thou- 

 sands of pintail, and other ducks, actually crowding the lake 

 and the lawn of a public park. They are closely surrounded 

 by costly buildings, and more or less valuable people, living 

 all unafraid, until the time comes each year to wing their 

 way back to their nesting grounds in the far north, and 

 again take their chances of survival. 



