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derived from the presence of birds by the agriculturist was in general great,* yet 
so diversified were views in regard to the merits and demerits of particular species, 
that these views fouitd permanent form in the reports of the several committees 
appoinied to consider the subject. We reprint the reports of the committees, to- 
gether with the law as it now reads, trusting that a careful perusal will exempt us 
from further apology. 
REPORT OF SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE, 
UPON SENATE BILL NO. 12, “FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS 
AND GAME.” 
Legislative enactments to encourage the destruction of animals and birds sup- 
posed to be injurious, or protect such as are useful or harmless, have been com- 
mon in every civilized community. 
This class of legislation should be based upon a thorough practical knowledge of 
the habits of the creatures sought to be exterminated or preserved, and must be 
modified from time to time to suit circumstances, as the country progresses in popu- 
lation and improvement. 
Any laws upon this subject should be reasonable in their character, so that their 
enforcement will be sustained by public opinion. They should also be plain and 
concise, so that they may be easily understood, for otherwise they may be a trap 
to the unwary, and thus be the means of oppression to the innocent, or be difficult 
to enforce against the guilty. 
Since these laws must, as far as possible, be general ; great care is necessary to 
meet the views and necessities of each locality, and of every interest. One per- 
son suffers from the depredations of a particular bird — another is benefitted by its 
insectivorous habits. In one section of the State the species may not exist at all, 
or be so rare that its extermination may be feared — in another it may be abun- 
dant, and its killing proper or necessary. 
Of quadrupeds of a wild nature, the larger are fast disappearing, and soon few 
» All our land birds, with the exception of some of the larger birds of prey and the King- 
fisher, and many of our water birds, are either wholly or in part insectivorous. Many exist 
throughout their whole lives on insects alone. Others feed on them only during certain seasons 
of the year. With the youDg of many birds, insects form the entire food, while seeds of various 
kinds form the food of the adult. 
