54 : 
The Causes of the Deceease of Bieds. 
In considering the causes of bird destruction, as men- 
tioned in these reports and letters, it becomes evident that 
beside man and his works all other destructive forces dwindle 
into insignificance. The destruction of birds by the elements 
or by their natural enemies is not to he compared for a 
moment with that inflicted by man on all species that come 
within the scope of his wants. Destruction by the elements 
is very serious occasionally, but it is usually followed by 
long periods of immunity. Destruction by natural enemies 
is only occasionally and locally excessive, except where man 
introduces some foreign factor, like the cat. Man’s persecu- 
tion is annual, perennial, extended and excessive. It gives 
a species no chance to recover. It seldom stops short of ex- 
termination, unless restrained by stringent laws efficiently 
enforced. 
Man the Exterminator. 
The reports on the diminution of bird life, as caused di- 
rectly or indirectly by man, may be tabulated as follows, to 
show the relative importance of each cause : — 
Cause. 
Number 
of Observers 
reporting. 
Sportsmen, or “so-called sportsmen,” .... 
82 
Italians and other foreigners, ..... 
70 
Cutting off timber and shrubbery, .... 
62 
Market hunters, ....... 
57 
Bird shooters and trappers, ..... 
32 
Egg collectors, boys and others, ..... 
32 
Milliners’ hunters, ....... 
18 
Draining marshes and meadows, ..... 
17 
Gun clubs and hunting contests, ..... 
16 
Telegraph, telephone and other wires, .... 
3 
Electric or trolley roads, ...... 
2 
Railroads, ........ 
1 
Automobiles, ........ 
1 
Telephones, ........ 
1 
