REV. W. 0. B. PEABODY’S REPORT. 
To G. B. Emerson, Esq. 
S1rr:—To ascertain the names and habits of our common birds, and 
to collect the information concerning them required by the present 
survey, would be a work of no great labor or time. But the great 
proportion of our birds are visiters ; some regular, some occasional, 
and others accidental. To distinguish accurately between these 
classes, especially to ascertain which belong to the last, requires 
more than a single season: and as the purpose of those engaged in 
the survey, is to give authorities for their statements, it seems obvious 
that the duty assigned them cannot be well performed within the 
limits of a single year. 
An acquaintance with the birds of our State is desirable on many 
accounts. ‘T'he object of science is, not merely to satisfy curiosity, 
but to serve the wants and comfort of men. 
One object of this survey should relate to the preservation of 
game, if it be an object to preserve it within our bounds. But in 
this particular, it will not be easy to contend with the order of nature, 
which is constantly reducing their numbers. When these regions 
were first visited by civilized men, this kind of food was abundant, 
being evidently intended to afford resourses for subsistence until the 
the earth should yield her increase. But, as soon as the earth was 
subdued, and these resources became less necessary, they began 
to diminish in numbers, leaving our woods and plains for others 
where théy were needed more; and now, when they would be 
rather an injury than a blessing, by encouraging habits of idleness 
in the community, they are almost gone, and legislation will not be 
able, even were it worth while, to preserve them. 
