Birds of New Jersey. 
The following reasons are offered for making the birds of Mew 
Jersey the principal feature of the Annual Report of the State 
Museum: 
First. To endeavor to interest the teachers and through them the 
children of our State in the study of the birds, their habits, their 
beauty and usefulness, so that they may learn to love them and be 
led to assist in protecting them, and increasing their numbers 
instead of 'destroying them. 
Second. Much of the wanton destruction of their nests and eggs 
by children would be prevented if they were taught that the birds 
are their friends and are not only of great economic value, but 
also that their intelligent study may become a constant source of 
pleasure. 
We hope the following list and descriptions of Mew Jersey birds 
will serve to stimulate such interest in them on the part of teachers, 
parents and children as will lead to larger knowledge and greater 
love for these valuable and beautiful friends that lend to forest and 
held their chief charm. 
now BIRDS ARE DESTROYED. 
There are many causes why birds do not increase more rapidly. 
The climate comes in for its share. Its sudden changes are some¬ 
times disastrous to the old birds as well as the young. AYho lias 
not found a dead robin or bluebird after a belated spring snow¬ 
storm ? 
One of the greatest destroyers of birds and also of game of all 
kinds are the forest fires in the southern part of the State. Some 
years hundreds of acres are burned over and most of these fires 
occur in the spring, when the birds are nesting. Mot only are the 
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