TOWNSEND AND ALLEN: LABRADOR BIRDS. 299 



large toll of the ducks and other water birds. Even gulls are shot 

 for their flesh as well as their feathers. Ptarmigan are sometimes 

 killed in great numbers and are barrelled for winter use. The Eskimo 

 Curlew, that formerly came in vast flocks every autumn to the coast- 

 wise hills of Labrador, is now all but exterminated there. In the 

 annotated list a full discussion of the diminution in numbers of the 

 Eskimo Curlew is given. (See also under Eider for a suggestion as to 

 the preservation of this species as is now done in Norway and Iceland.) 



Single-barrel, muzzle-loading guns are the common weapons used 

 and large charges of powder and shot are the custom. We were told 

 that one hundred and twenty-five ducks chiefly Eiders were picked 

 up at one place near Cape Charles last spring after a volley of five guns. 

 Twenty-five more were picked up the next morning. The fishermen, 

 with whom we talked, made no concealment of the fact that they took 

 all the eggs and killed all the birds that they could. They often 

 took their guns with them when they visited their fish traps. 



What is to be the result of all this if nothing be done to stop the 

 destruction ? There can be only one result, and this is already shown 

 in places. For example, near Battle Harbor where fishermen are 

 plenty sea birds are very scarce and the same holds good for much 

 of the coast, especially in the vicinity of settlements. It is true 

 that in the deep bays and inlets which are deserted in summer by man, 

 and given over to the flies and mosquitoes, a number of water birds 

 breed comparatively unmolested. Many of the water birds, however, 

 such as Murres, Razor-billed Auks, and Puffins will not resort there 

 but prefer the islands. 



It is sincerely to be hoped that the wonderful nursery for water birds 

 in Labrador will not be entirely depopulated, but that sufficient pro- 

 tection for the breeding birds will be given and that speedily, lest it 

 be too late. 



