16 
birds are decreasing somewhat, but give no estimate of 
the percentage ; those who regard birds in general as increas- 
ing give no percentages. It is impossible, therefore, with the 
figures at hand, to arrive at the average opinion as to the 
percentage of decrease of the birds in the State, to say noth- 
ing of the facts in the case. To get at even an approximation 
of the facts, other methods must be employed. 
The table shows that a large share of the reports were 
pessimistic, and on its face, perhaps, presents a darker 
picture than the facts will warrant. 
A Tabulated Statement, by Counties, of the Reports regarding the 
Decrease of Birds. 
County. 
Number 
reporting 
that Birds are 
decreasing. 
Number 
reporting 
that Birds are 
holding 
their Own. 
Number reporting 
that Game Birds 
are decreasing and 
Song Birds 
increasing or holding 
their Own. 
Number 
reporting 
that Birds are 
increasing. 
Berkshire, 
9 
1 
3 
- 
Hampshire, 
6 
4 
1 
- 
Hampden, 
8 
6 
1 
1 
Franklin, . 
3 
5 
1 
- 
Worcester, 
20 
8 
2 
1 
Middlesex, 
17 
6 
4 
5 
Essex, 
12 
4 
4 
2 
Norfolk, . 
5 
4 
1 
1 
Suffolk, . 
4 
1 
- 
1 
Barnstable, 
2 
- 
- 
- 
Plymouth, 
5 
2 
1 
2 
Bristol, . 
3 
6 
1 
1 
Dukes, 
- 
1 
- 
- 
Nantucket, 
- 
- 
1 
- 
Total for State, . 
94 
48 
20 
14 
