INTRODUCTORY xxi 



all-round familiarity with birds and game, and versed in 

 modern methods as defined in this Manual, are desired. 



As a result of the protection of migratory birds by the 

 Federal Government, under authority of the Weeks-McLean 

 law, men are being employed as Federal wardens under civil 

 service regulations, and I am informed that preference will be 

 given to those who. understand the methods of propagation 

 of game and other practical methods described hereafter, 

 and can teach them in their districts. Municipahties also 

 are beginning to employ "bird wardens," to protect, attract, 

 and care for wild bird life. No doubt State authorities would 

 be glad to employ game wardens of this calibre, could they 

 be found. 



These various demands will provide congenial outdoor 

 employment for many young men who love such things. 

 One frequent complaint that I hear about game-keepers is 

 that some are addicted to liquor, are unreliable at critical 

 times, and are illiterate and unprogressive. It is an honour- 

 able and important profession, coming rapidly to the fore, 

 and there is a growing demand in this work for young men 

 who abstain from liquor, have sufficient education to carry 

 out experiments and keep proper records, and who know 

 their business. The number of game preserves and large 

 estates whose owners propagate or protect game and wild 

 life is already large, and is constantly increasing. Most of 

 these either employ game-keepers, or, in employing super- 

 intendents or assistants, give preference to men who un- 

 derstand these methods of "appUed ornithology." This is 

 bound to become an important profession. 



The many kindly persons who dislike the idea of shoot- 

 ing wild birds, whether for food or for any other purpose, 

 and might be inclined to look askance upon their propaga- 

 tion for food or sport, may feel assured of an interesting 



