XLVI 
INTRODUCTION. 
States Department of Agriculture, through its Divi- 
sion of Economic Ornithology, in charge of an expert 
naturalist, Dr. C. Hart Merriam, is at present 
thoroughly investigating these and similar problems, 
and doubtless will be able soon to throw much light 
upon the real economic status of these and many 
other species, but for the present the Committee be- 
lieve, judging from the evidence already at hand, that 
it would be detrimental to the public interest to de- 
clare the species in question unentitled to protection. 
Again, while it is desirable to secure uniformity 
throughout the country in laws for the protection of 
birds, the conditions may so far vary in different 
portions of the country as to warrant deviations 
and exceptions for some parts which would be un- 
necessary in others. The Bobolink affords a notable 
case; throughout its breeding area, in the Northern 
States, it is unquestionably a useful insect destroyer 
as well as one of the most vivacious and pleasing of 
song birds; in the Southern States its depredations 
during its migratious on the rice crop are unquestion- 
ably of serious magnitude. How it had best be 
treated at large is not, therefore, an easily solved 
problem. And the same is to some extent true of the 
various species of Blackbirds. These are problems of 
the future, however, rather than of the present. 
Another question of moment is the proper atti- 
tude of the law toward taxidermists, who, as a class, 
are valuable aids of the scientific museum and the 
ornithologist. The mounting of birds, single or in 
groups, as objects of ornament or interest, is not ob- 
jectionable, since they are instructive and tend to 
foster a taste for natural history studies, the number 
so used being comparatively small. 
The preparation of skins, also a legitimate part 
of a taxidermist’s work, is, however, more open to 
abuse, since it is in this form that birds find a ready 
sale tor illegitimate uses. Many taxidermists are un- 
questionably upright and conscientious men, who 
scorn becoming accessories to the milliner’s art; to 
such it would be proper to grant permits for collect- 
ing specimens. But many are notoriously unscrupul- 
ous, and consequently unfit to be trusted with such 
a privilege. Such persons, however, would doubtless 
be unable to furnish satisfactory testimonials of good" 
character and fitness, or the necessary bonds. But 
special care should be exercised both in issuing the 
permits and in guarding against their abuse. 
ACCLIMATISATION OF EXOTIC BIRDS. 
Europeans of sentiment and intelligence, when coming to our shores painfully 
miss their native birds, which they have known from early childhood and with 
whom so many happy thoughts are associated. It is, therefore, only natural that so 
many attempts have been made to introduce European song birds into our country. 
Doubtless it is due to this sentiment, that we now have the detestable House Sparrow, 
the most harmful of all foreign and native birds. 
It is said that in the early part of this century the famous Skylark was intro- 
duced in Virginia. Twenty years ago the Society of Acclimatisation of Cincinnati and 
Mr. Carl Daenzer, of St. Louis, imported a large number of European song birds, which 
were set free in parks and other suitable places. Skylarks were set free in Delaware, 
New Jersey, and Long Island in great numbers at different times from 1860 to 1881. 
All these song birds, turned loose, disappeared after a while, and nothing has been heard 
of them since. The Skylarks seemed to do well for several years both in New Jersey 
and Long Island, but the heavy snow storms in March 1886 destroyed them entirely. 
_ European Goldfinches, which were introduced a number of years ago in New York and 
Boston, increased in number considerably and are promising to do well. 
The changeable climate of our Eastern, Northern, and Central States has proved 
very detrimental to exotic birds, and is certainly the main cause of the failure of the 
experiments mentioned. European birds which migrate to far southern countries, should 
never be imported with a view of naturalizing them. Their delicate constitution causes 
them to fall victim to our changeful climate, or if they migrate, they certainly lose 
their way and never return. For the Pacific coast States, Washington, Oregon, and Cali- 
fornia, this holds not true, as shown by actual experience. The climate of these States is 
exceedingly mild and equable. Oregon has a climate somewhat similar to that of Eng- 
