28 Decrease of Birds 



Factory Men and Boys 



Much of the decrease in the communities where there 

 are factories is attributed to the numbers of guns in the 

 villages, and the numbers of men and boys who use them 

 against everything which moves. If factory men and boys 

 were instructed concerning the value of birds, the provis- 

 ions of the game laws and which are game and which are 

 non-game birds, much of this destruction could be pre- 

 vented. 



In this connection Mr. Alex R. Taylor, Lexington, says: 

 1 'Factory men and boys hunt irrespective of season, 

 from June to June, and the fishermen usually carry guns 

 and often destroy rare birds." Mr. G. E. Holland, Green- 

 ville, reports: "The negro and factory element go out in 

 squads and kill everything in sight, in winter when they 

 have nothing to do. " Mr. James MacEnroe, Greenwood, 

 writes: "There seems to be a gun in every house in our 

 village and an inborn desire to kill everything that 

 moves." 



Nest Robbers, etc. 



Nest robbers and irresponsible boys with slingshots, 

 airguns and rifles are ranked high among the agencies 

 most destructive to bird life. In some places an enlight- 

 ened public sentiment has reduced the number of nest rob- 

 bers, while in other sections- the practice still receives 

 public sanction. 



It is unlawful to take eggs from the nests of birds pro- 

 tected by law, except for scientific purposes, and only after 

 having procured the necessary permit from the Secretary of 

 State, which permit holds good for only one year. During 

 the year 1915, only three permits were issued in this State. 

 Notwithstanding this fact, collections of bird eggs are 

 being made, to say nothing of the eggs which are stolen 

 and destroyed in pure wantonness. No bird skin is to be 

 prepared without a permit from the Secretary of State. 

 Nevertheless many would-be collectors are making bird 

 skins without permits. 



