OTHER MEANS OF CONSERVATION 597 



Other means of conservation. Several private organizations 

 are at work for the protection of our birds. Most prominent are 

 the Audubon Societies of the various states, all federated under 

 a national organization. Among other things they distribute 

 much interesting literature which can be used in school. The 

 Isaak Walton Leagues are particularly interested in protection of 

 game fish and birds, and the American Ornithologists Union helps 

 through the interest taken by many students and scientific men 

 interested in bird life. Fortunately for the average citizen, some 

 public-spirited people who have money are willing to spend it for 

 the common good. Not only are there many private game pre- 

 serves in various parts of the country, but also several bird sanctu- 

 aries have been established, notably Marsh Island and Avery 

 Island, both in Louisiana. Private game and bird refuges and 

 preserves are estimated to include nearly 800,000 acres in this 

 country and over 150,000 acres in Canada. In addition to this, 

 the United States Government has created a total of nearly sixty 

 bird refuges. 



Practical Exercise 10. What are some important factors in the destruction 

 of bird life? Discuss the good and bad points in owning a cat. 



Practical Exercise 11. How may we attract birds about our homes? 



Practical Exercise 12. What laws in your state protect birds ? What socie- 

 ties have organizations in your community for the protection of birds? 



Practical Exercise 13. Why are bird migrations important from the stand- 

 point of conservation ? Using outside sources, work out the migration routes 

 of at least 5 birds. (Read Wetmore, Migrations of Birds, Harvard University 

 Press.) 



Self-Testing Exercise 



Check the correct statements for your workbook : 



T. F. 1. Every cat kills, on an average, over 50 birds in a year. 



T. F. 2. Passenger pigeons, once very abundant, were shot in such 

 numbers that they have been completely exterminated. 



T. F. 3. Some migratory birds make a round trip of over 22,000 

 miles each year. 



T. F. 4. The Federal government has no laws protecting migra- 

 tory birds. 



T. F. 5. Individuals cannot do anything to save bird life. 



T. F. 6. The egret is still being killed for its feathers. 



T. F. 7. The quail has been exterminated by hunters. 



H. BIO — 39 



