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ORDERS OF BIRDS— DUCKS, GEESE, AND SWANS 
grounds, or in occupancy of them, would be 
immune from the attacks of gunners. In some 
states (of which New York now is one!) the 
laws prevent “spring shooting,” but in others 
it does not. In view of the changes for the bet- 
ter that are being made year by year, it is best 
not to particularize; but it is surprising that in 
some states a prolonged fight should be neces- 
sary to secure laws prohibiting spring shooting! 
The need for absolute protection for birds while 
Atlantic coast and the Mississippi valley, 
literally teem with roaring guns and flying 
shot, and to-day the wonder is not that the 
wild-fowl have become “so scarce,” but rather 
that so many have escaped slaughter! In view 
of the enormous annual output of new gunners, 
guns and ammunition, nothing but the strongest 
kind of public sentiment for bird-protection, 
backed by stringent laws, rigidly enforced, can 
save the ducks, geese and swans of North Amer- 
Female. Male. 
THE MALLARD DUCK. 
they are breeding, or about to breed, is so im- 
perative that it is difficult, to see how any 
sensible and honest person can oppose the 
enactment of laws to provide it. The killing 
of wild-fowl in spring, or at any time during 
their breeding-season, should everywhere be 
made a penal offence. 
During the autumn migration southward, the 
flocks run a gantlet of guns a thousand miles 
long. Whenever and wherever a duck or goose 
alights to rest and feed, the guns begin to roar. 
The more important migration routes, like the 
ica from becoming as extinct as the great auk 
and the dodo. 
To-day, we are advised that automatic re- 
peating shot-guns are about to be put upon the 
market, — to hasten the total extinction of all 
our game-birds. Their manufacture, sale and 
use should be rigidly prevented by law. 
North America is — or was — particularly rich 
in species of birds belonging to the Order Ana- 
tidae, and once was richly stocked with indi- 
viduals. Even yet, a very interesting remnant 
remains. Of the whole assemblage of species, 
