The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-01

sanitary department. and their value is
recognized generally by the citizens of San
Francisco The gull is. indeed. the most
effective scavenger that nature provides
and the immense number that flock to-
gether constitute them a powerful means
for insuring clearly and healthful condi-
tions
1T Is most desirable that the people OF
Washington realize the Importance of pro-
tecting the gulls by endeavoring 10 secure
legislation TO that end, which in fact al
ready exists in many OF the States. A
great part of the garbage which is now
disposed of some distance down the Po-
tOmac would undoubtedly be devoured if
the number of gulls which now inhabit the
banks OF the river but sparcely were to be
increased by providing against their exter-
mination In their breeding places. and in
surfing them safe conduct in their migra-
tions. .-.
The gulls which visit the neighborhood
Of Washington begin to appear in March,
and their coming continues until May
They leave in the fall from September 10
November, one or two other kinds remain
ing the entire winter.
There are no laws in the District for
the preservation OF the guls. and while
Virginia and Maryland have legislation to
that effect. it is believed that it is not ade-
e
States, that make special effort TO pro-
tect the birds that employ themselves in
their service. particularly Oregon. Utah
Maine and Texas.
An act for the establishment o. proper
protection over the scavenger birds and
others of useful or beautiful description
has often been urged by the ornithologists
of this city, and 1T is the hope of every
scientist ana bird lover that such pio-
vic ho t,ly,
No birda furnish il their habits more
beautiful and interesting study to the
naturalist than the gull and tern.
John James Audubon the great natural
ist writes in 1893 an account of a visit
which he paid TO the estate of a gentleman
in the northern part of the country. which
contained number OF gulis upon the
premises.
u was greatly surprised - observed
Audubon. to see the nests placed on the
branches. some the top. others about
the middle, CT on the lower parts of the
trees while at the same time there were
many TN the ground. II is true | had been
Informed OF, this. but had almost believed
that upon arriving at the spot ] should find
The birds not 10 be gulls. My doubts how
ever, were now dispelled. and | was de-
lighted to see how strangely nature had
provided them with the means of securing
my, man Ny delight was greatly in
creased Gil being afterward informed by
Mr.. Fraukla,nd that the strange habit in
question had been acquired by these gulls
within his recollection. for. said he when
! hrst came here, many years ago they all
built their nests on the moss and in open
ground; hut as my sons and the fishermen
collected most OF their eggs for winter use.
and sadly annoyed the poor things the old
mes began gradually TO put their nests On
The trees in the thickest parts of the
woods
Ny opinion. continues Audubon. that
after being thus molested for some time
longer they might resort TO the inacces-
sible shelves of the high rocks where
these are available, was strengthened by
Mr.. Frankland's informing me that many
pairs had already taken refuge in such
places where they bred in perfect Sc
curity."
Unfortunately for the birds. however.
II is only in the extreme northern parts
Of the country that such rocky Businesses
are found, and in ordinary localities the
eggs and Young birds are easily caught.
while the gun Of the hunter lays low the
oldest and most sagacious.