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For his usefulness alone, the small non-game bird is worth pre- 
serving, to say nothing of the cheering effect on mankind of his song 
and general activity. 
Our laws protect the non-game birds, with the exception of the few 
that are regarded as fruit and grain thieves. 
As noted elsewhere, the non-game birds are being encouraged 
through our game reservations. In these places they can nest and rear 
their young undisturbed. 
Coot (Mud Hen). 
In the outlying districts the non-game birds are not difficult to 
protect, but in the vicinity of our larger cities there is an army of 
irresponsible persons who go afield to shoot anything that fhes. As 
there are few game birds near the larger cities, this class of shooters 
make war on our song birds. With the number of deputy wardens in 
our service, it is not possible to give the small birds the protection they 
deserve. However, they are not being neglected. 
Pe aGre i: 
