Page:Bird-lore Vol 01.djvu/239

 A Note on the Economic Value of Gulls ii February 20, i8g6, under conditions which prohibited technical success. It serves very well, however, to give an idea of the number of Gulls — • Herring Gulls with a comparatively small number of Black-backs — which at that time were attracted to the vicinity by the refuse which each day at high tide was dumped upon the waters by the scows of the street- cleaning department. The Gulls had gathered to feed upon the animal and vegetable matter deposited. On this occasion eleven scows were dumping, and over the wake of each one fluttered a throng of birds similar to that shown in the picture. No more impressive object lesson in the value of Gulls as scaven- gers could be imagined; and no one convinced of the services rendered GULLS OVER WAKE OF GARBAGE SCOW IN LOWER NEW YORK BAY by these birds throughout our coast-line and on many of the interior lakes and rivers, could, for a moment, doubt the importance of protect- ing them. But in place of Gull protection we are having Gull destruction. Gulls, in whole or part, have become fashionable, and Gulls' wings, breasts, heads, bodies and entire skins are w^orn on hats in countless numbers. It is stated that in a fire which destroyed the millinery taxidermist establishment of William L. Wilson, at Wantagh, L. I., on November 22, 1899, no less than 10,000 Gulls' skins were consumed ; and these figures doubtless represent only a fraction of the number handled during the year. If the birds remain fashionable the demand for them will, of course, be supplied, with a resulting loss to man which, perhaps, we may realize when it is too late.