THE TRAFFIC IN FEATHERS 



to the roar of breech-loaders, and cries of agony and 

 piles of torn feathers became common sounds and 

 sights even in the remotest depths of the Everglades. 

 What mattered it if the semi-tropical birds of exquisite 

 plumage were swept from existence, if only the mil- 

 linery trade might prosper! 



The milliners were not content to collect their 

 prey only in obscure and little-known regions, for a 

 chance was seen to commercialize the small birds of 

 the forests and fields. Warblers, Thrushes, Wrens, 

 in fact all those small forms of dainty bird life which 

 come about the home to cheer the hearts of men and 

 women and gladden the eyes of little children, com- 

 manded a price if done to death and their pitiful 

 remains shipped to New York. 



Taxidermists, who made a business of securing 

 birds and preparing their skins, found abundant 

 opportunity to ply their trade. Never had the 

 business of taxidermy been so profitable as in those 

 days. For example, in the spring of 1882 some of 

 the feather agents established themselves at points 

 [143] 



