38 Bird Day Boo k 



THE SLAUGHTER OF BIRDS FOR FOOD. 



THE craze for the destruction of bird-life is almost beyond 

 belief. No matter how much the bird-protectors may say 

 about the destruction of our birds, and their impending extermina- 

 tion, far more than the half will remain untold. As our game- 

 birds become fewer and fewer, the market-shooters begin to slaugh- 

 ter birds of song and beauty, which twenty years ago were safe 

 because they were not considered "game." Even ten years ago, 

 no self-respecting American would have lowered himself to the 

 level of the hawk and buzzard by killing and eating the poor little 

 sand-piper and snow-bunting. 



To the public it was a profound surprise to find that snow- 

 buntings and sand-pipers were being slaughtered by thousands for 

 food. At least half a dozen species of song-birds are served on 

 bills of fare under the name of reed-bird. This fact is equivalent 

 to a notice that hereafter no bird is safe from the deadly "market- 

 shooter,'' and only the strictest watch and the severest measures 

 will save any considerable portion of our birds. 



Protect the Birds. — Young reader, learn today that the birds 

 are the natural protectors of man and his crops from the hordes of 

 insects which without them ravage leaf, flower and fruit. But 

 for the hawks and owls, the wild mice and rats soon would multiply 

 into an intolerable pest. But for the insectivorous birds, destroy- 

 ing grubs and perfect insects by the million, the life of the farmer, 

 fruit grower and forester would be one long battle against the 

 pests of the insect-world. 



Learn that it is wise to encourage birds, as well as to protect 

 them from slaughter. A little food intelligently bestowed is always 

 accepted as a token of friendship and hospitality. And county 

 dweller can draw birds around him, if he will. Why grudge a 



