PERMITS FOE COLLECTING FOR SCIENTIFIC PURPOSES. 



Lint of birds specifically exempted from protection — Continued. 



37 



PERMITS FOR COLLECTING BIRDS AND EGGS FOR SCIENTIFIC 



PURPOSES. 



The rights of ornithologists and bird students should be recognized 

 as well as those of sportsmen. Collecting birds and eggs for scientific 

 purposes under proper restrictions is not only legitimate, but should 

 be encouraged, and failure to recognize and provide for the needs of 

 students retards the progress of natural-history work. 



Provisions for collecting specimens have been made by a majority of 

 the States, and should be adopted by all. Twenty-five States, the 

 District of Columbia, and six Canadian Provinces either make an excep- 

 tion in the case of birds collected for scientific purposes or furnish 

 students with permits authorizing the holder to collect under certain 

 conditions for a definite length of time. North Dakota makes it 

 unlawful for anyone, whether resident or nonresident, to kill birds 

 without first obtaining a hunting permit. 



These certificates, or permits, are generally issued by some State offi- 

 cer, such as the fish and game commissioner or game warden, on satis- 

 factory evidence that the applicant is a fit person to receive them, the 

 evidence being usually required in the form of testimonials from two 

 well-known scientific men. A minimum age limit is insisted on by cer- 

 tain States: In Massachusetts holders of certificates must be 21, in 

 Maryland, New Jersey, and New York at least 18, while in Illinois, 

 Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island the recommendation of the American 

 Ornithologists' Union is followed, and permits are issued to appli- 

 cants of 15 years or over. A bond of $100 or $200, signed by two 

 responsible residents of the State or county, is required, in Alabama, 

 Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, New 

 York. Ohio, and Pennsylvania, and a small fee varying from $1 to $5 



