12 Bulletin of the 



young; which finally "graduate" from each nest. Not only would 

 the figures so obtained be valuable in themselves, but the knowl- 

 edge of the causes of failure, complete or partial, would give us 

 the means of affording better protection to the unfortunate birds, 

 at least in some cases. 



For such students as are favorably situated, the work of 

 census taking, carefully and systematically done, would be most 

 valuable, both for the training afforded and for the positive gains 

 to science. Most of the statements so freely published as to the 

 great changes in bird population in the last few years rest upon 

 the flimsiest of foundations, being for the most part hasty con- 

 clusions from very insufficient data, or even mere guesses with- 

 out any foundation at all. 



Finally, and above all, never sacrifice a bird's life or nest, or 

 endanger its freedom or comfort, without a good, honest pur- 

 pose. If it is necessary to ''make a collection" of birds, secure 

 the right to do it by a permit from the proper officer (the State 

 Game and Fish Warden), and do not abuse the privilege. Col- 

 lections of eggs cannot be made legally in Michigan, as the 

 present law does not authorize the issuing of permits for that 

 purpose, while it does specifically prohibit the destruction of nests 

 or eggs of protected birds for any purpose whatever. 



Agricultural College, Mich., March 14, 1903. 9 



