PROTECTION 
13 
mony is handed to posterity undiminished. Probably no greater single 
act of conservation of wild life was ever inaugurated than the Migratory 
Birds Convention Act with the United States, ratified in 1916, and the vari- 
ous provincial acts in harmony with it. Under this it is recognized that 
the protection of migratory birds is an international question, not a local 
one, as it is only by international agreement under federal auspices that 
we can be assured that protection equivalent to that extended in one 
country will be given migrant birds by other jurisdictions. Under this 
agreement migrant insectivorous birds, certain sea birds, herons, cranes, 
and all the shore birds or waders except a definitely named few, are 
absolutely protected throughput the year in all parts of Canada and the 
United States. The shooting season for migratory game birds is definitely 
limited to not more than three and one-half months in any given locality 
and all spring shooting is prohibited. A secondary effect, but probably of 
primary importance to the species concerned, has been the stopping of 
the sale of migrant game birds throughout the United States and most of 
Canada. Under the enforcement of the terms of this treaty there has been 
a very decided increase in the number of birds of the species affected and 
it seems as if its continuation will provide for their permanent welfare. 
The above was written during the early days of the Migratory Bird 
Convention when its beneficial effect was most apparent and the future 
of migratory game looked promising. Today we are not so optimistic. 
The convention has accomplished what could be expected of it and has 
staved off an evil day, but new factors have developed or have increased 
in importance. With a momentary increase of game more guns have 
been produced to kill and the killing has been better organized: more 
marshes have been drained and meadows trodden by cattle. Strange 
diseases have swept in epidemic through the feathered ranks and dry 
seasons have destroyed thousands. Lately comes news of the disappearance 
(perhaps permanently) of the eel grass of the Atlantic coast, the main 
food reliance of many wintering geese. The prospects are not promising 
and, unless means are found to reduce the annual kill or to materially 
increase production, the future of North American migratory game will 
afford deep concern to sincere conservationist and thoughtful sportsman 
alike. 
It is not desired to be pessimists or alarmists, but with all these adverse 
factors appearing and no favourable ones adequate to the situation develop- 
ing, the future of our waterfowl is far from hopeful. The only factor 
that seems possible of direct or immediate control is the legal kill, but this, 
the generality of sportsmen seem most reluctant to apply to the practical 
needs of the case. 
Some compensation for the general situation has been made by both 
federal and provincial action in the establishment of wild-land reservations 
in addition to the National and Provincial parks already established. Not 
only will these areas give sanctuary, protection, and suitable living con- 
ditions in the midst of cultivation and settlement, but they will act as 
reserves from which surplus native stock can overflow into adjoining country 
where agricultural and other development prevents its permanent occupa- 
tion. Today, when cultivation is being rapidly extended this seems the 
only method by which we can retain much of the life that was originally 
distinctive of the country. 
76916—2 
