Page:Bird-lore Vol 04.djvu/160

 The Audubon Societies

<< Derirurti-‘ue Agencies Beriller t/rete Emir mended. We desire to call attention to the fact that other agencies, besides the destruc» tion by human hands, also wield a large inﬂuence in the decrease of birds. Defor- estation reduces their number largely. Species which inhabit thickets, with the clearing ot the land are deprived of shelter tor the rearing ot their young and disappear as it by magic. With the drainimr of marshes and lowlands, other species at birds, that live in such places only. van h forever. Cats destroy a great many birds which bllild their nests on or near the ground; so tlo foxes, \venscls and other rodents. it will be seen that agencies over which we have no control in conjunction with those already enumerated are constantly and irresistibly at work, trying to break down the barriers which nature has thrown around bitdeliie for their protection and reproduction. Knowing tlli it is so much more important that more stringent measures should he adopted forthwith to check those over which we do have control.

"Cont/urilnlr. Bird life in general is being exterminated at an appalling rate.

“Edible birds especially are persistently persecuted.

“Song and insectivurous birds are killed tor food on account at scarcity ot game birds.

"The extermination of all desirable birds is certain within a short period.

"Th: very existence of the deer~the monarch of the woods only a few years ago. roaming in countless nurnhers through our forest—is doomed,

“Bird and game laws as they now etist and as now eniorced. are entirer inade- qtlatE to prevent the annihilation at otlr birds and game.

“.4 Few sireeerrirnr. Prohibit the kill- ing, capture. potassion or salegtlcntl or alive—of wild birds, except game hirds and a few noxious species.

" Prohibit the destruction of birds‘ nests or collection of eggs.

“Prohibit the sale of all dead game at all seasons of the year. for a certain period.

“There is no agency so well calculated to protect wild bird life as to prohibit its sale. The market hunter is robbed of his vocation, and the incentive to slaughter at all times of the year int commercial pur- poses is abolished. Experience has taught that this object is broad-gauged and purely in the interests of the masses alld ill direct line with the unerring laws of nature— reproduction.

“Restrict the number of game birds or game that may be taken or killed in one day or in a given time by a single individual,

“Prohibit the shipment of game outside the state.

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“Prohibit the hunting of deer with dogs. “Repeal what is known as the county act. it No person should he denied the pr.

lege of returning with the trophies of hls

chase, to enjoy same with his tarnin at home.

ll Prohibit the using of a gun tor hunting without a license.

" It is gratifying to notice the strong sentiment sweeping across the state, tier "landing more stringent laws and their enforcement.

“The farmers are aware of the fact that the birds are ‘th: winged wardens of his farm' and his truest friends.

“The hnrticultnrist recognizes the valtl» able services birds perform, and the tribute they levy on fruits at a certain time of the year is repaid a thousand fold by destrro tion of noxious insects.

“The true sportsmen are disheartened with the discouraging conditions confronts ing them when arﬁelti.

"The ﬁshermen know that a day's outing is fraught with uncertainties, as all our waters have heen dynamitetl and seined oi their tinny inhabitants.

" Therefore, let us atone for the mistakes of the past. practice moderation in our pleasures, and encourage anti protect God’s noblest gift to mankind.”

Filth Annual Report ot the Wisconsin Audubon Society

The Wisrnn 'n Audubon Society was 1897. Atter tour years or successful work ~ headquarters were transferred to Mad‘son. Th ,, the Fifth Annual Report, is the ti t issued lrom its new borne.

Throughout its career-the Society has had in view certain definite aims, the most inl- pottant of which are:

r. The attempt to discourage the wear- ing of teathers of all hirds. excepting those under domestication.

2. The preservation of our wild birds and their eggs.

3. The promotion of popular interest in bird—study,

In set-king to carry these into ettect. the work has progressed along certain lines, as follow

r. Under the direction of Mrs. Elirabeth G. Peckllam. of Milwaukee, the continu- ance and further enrollment of the school branches already organized. These in-

nrganived at Milwaukee in April.