THE DECREASE OF CERTAIN BIRDS, AND ITS CAUSES, 
WITH SUGGESTIONS FOR BIRD PROTECTION. 
By Edward Howe Forbdsh, Ornithologist, Massachusetts State 
Board op Agriculture. 
In the pursuit of an inquiry regarding the destruction of 
birds by the elements, which was authorized by this Board 
in 1903, some evidence was obtained relating to a decrease 
in the number of birds from other causes. Correspondents 
asserted that the extermination of certain species was immi- 
nent, and that many others were rapidly decreasing in num- 
bers. The secretary of the Board, upon being informed of 
this evidence, authorized an investigation of the alleged de- 
crease and threatened extirpation of useful birds, with a view 
to determine what species had suffered most, and whether it 
would be practicable to furnish them better protection. Four 
hundred circulars requesting information were prepared and 
sent out in July, 1904. They were mailed to naturalists, 
officers of the Audubon Society, correspondents of the Board 
of Agriculture, secretaries of game protective associations, 
taxidermists, officers of the Massachusetts Commissioners on 
Fisheries and Game, sportsmen, market hunters and intelli- 
gent observers generally. 
Some of the circulars returned contained little informa- 
tion, but two hundred and seventeen of them furnished data 
of more or less value. Several correspondents sent excel- 
lent annotated local lists. About one hundred letters also 
were received. Most of the reports and letters were from 
Massachusetts, representing every county of the State, but 
a few came from other States. 
The Destruction of Birds by the Elements. 
The unusual weather of 1903—04 was the evident cause of 
a recent scarcity of certain species mentioned in many cases 
by correspondents. This additional evidence of the effects of 
