21 
leader in nature study at Worcester. He takes a careful 
bird census each year, destroys the English sparrows and 
other enemies of birds, puts up bird houses, feeds birds and 
teaches the children not to molest them, — all of which may 
account for the increase of birds in his vicinity. 1 Mr. Wil- 
liam S. Perry of Worcester, who has had a long experience 
as a field ornithologist, sportsman and teacher, and who has 
been familiar with many towns in northern Worcester County 
for many years, says : “ Some species have remained about 
the same for the last thirty years; others are exterminated; 
others are decreased one-half. Most show decrease, some 
increase.” Dr. Lemuel E. Woodward of Worcester, whose 
observations have extended over more than thirty years, be- 
lieves that hawks, owls, eagles, game birds, nighthawks, swal- 
lows, warblers and thrushes are decreasing. Col. John E. 
Thayer of Lancaster writes that he has been in the woods 
nearly every day between March 15 and July 1 for the past 
eight years. Lie says that, with the exception of four species, 
birds have not decreased in his locality. Mr. Charles E. 
Ingalls of East Templeton, who has had a large experience 
as a field observer and has travelled much about the State, 
says that birds are decreasing in his town, county and State. 
He says that a gradual decrease has been apparent for thirty 
or more years, accelerated during the last ten years. Mr. 
C. E. Stone of Lunenburg believes that insectivorous birds 
are rather on the increase. “ A few species, notably the game 
birds, are not as plentiful as formerly.” 
Hampshire County. — I have received no report from any 
ornithologist in this county, so present the reports of ob- 
servers in whose judgment I have confidence. Prof. Wm. 
P. Brooks of Amherst writes : “ Should say birds are not 
decreasing in this vicinity.” Dr. H. T. Fernald, also of 
Amherst, having consulted with Prof. R. E. Nelligan in re- 
gard to game birds, believes there is some decrease, but 
assigns the weather as one cause. 
Hampden County. — Mr. Robert O. Morris of Spring- 
field says that, generally, birds are not decreasing in his 
vicinity. He speaks of a decrease in owls, hawks, herons, 
1 See “ Nature Study and Life,” by C. F. Hodge, pp. 305-363. 
