TOWNSEND AND ALLEN: LABRADOR BIRDS. 
299 
large toll of the clucks and other water birds. Even gulls are shot 
for their flesh as well as their feathers. Ptarmigan are sometimes 
killed in great numbers and are barrelled for winter use. The Eskimo 
Curlew, that formerly came in vast flocks every autumn to the coast¬ 
wise hills of Labrador, is now all but exterminated there. In the 
annotated list a full discussion of the diminution in numbers of the 
Eskimo Curlew is given. (See also under Eider for a suggestion as to 
the preservation of this species as is now done in Norway and Iceland.) 
Single-barrel, muzzle-loading guns are the common weapons used 
and large charges of powder and shot are the custom. We were told 
that one hundred and twenty-five ducks chiefly Eiders were picked 
up at one place near Cape Charles last spring after a volley of five guns. 
Twenty-five more were picked up the next morning. The fishermen, 
with whom we talked, made no concealment of the fact that they took 
all the eggs and killed all the birds that they could. They often 
took their guns with them when they visited their fish traps. 
What is to be the result of all this if nothing be done to stop the 
destruction ? There can be only one result, and this is already shown 
in places. For example, near Battle Harbor where fishermen are 
plenty sea birds are very scarce and the same holds good for much 
of the coast, especially in the vicinity of settlements. It is true 
that in the deep bays and inlets which are deserted in summer by man, 
and given over to the flies and mosquitoes, a number of water birds 
breed comparatively unmolested. Many of the water birds, however, 
such as Murres, Razor-billed Auks, and Puffins will not resort there 
but prefer the islands. 
It is sincerely to be hoped that the wonderful nursery for water birds 
in Labrador will not be entirely depopulated, but that sufficient pro¬ 
tection for the breeding birds will be given and that speedily, lest it 
be too late. 
