New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-05-06
A PLEA FOR THE BIRDS.

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: So widely known has become your we'll de-
served reputation for UNFOLDING all that IS Just
and right, protecting and defending the helpless
that l turn nstinctvely 20 your valuable paper 20
make my earnest plea for the protection OF our
birds. who that the spring has come are
again returning to in all their trustfulness
Unless very stringent measures taken.
making II offence punishable by law to kill
bird rob its nest our sweet songsters will soon
be but a sad memory-a thing of the past
Some OF birds already welInigh extinct
such as the heron-for it's agrette. Much has al
ready been written by able writer's this subject
but the annual slaughter still continues, and will
until the law takes the matter in hand A recent
article by G. f. s.. from Rutherford. N. j.. in The
Tribune Of April 49, rightly states that the pres
eryation OF birds is becoming a national az
fair
Our government alert in all other matters
has not yet fully aroused to the Importance OF
this fact. and unless active measures adopted
without further delay the awakening may be too
late! England protects its birds. Shall not Amer
lea? All honor to New-Jersey, that the cruel sport
OF pigeon shooting from traps has recently been
abolished! One step. at least, toward good cause.
II others would only follow!
Little need for advertising insect destroyers' II
our birds but spared US. There none better
than the cuckoo to rid apple orchards and
fruit trees OF that dreaded pest. the tent cater
pillar" Grubs and larve are patiently dug out
from shade trees and woodlands by the ever in
dustrious woodpecxers and vireos Flycatchers and
swallows successful foes to all annoying In
sects, including the obnoxious mosquito. Owls.
with untiring zeal. destroy the mice in our grain
fields. Gulls are the scavengers of our harbor.
Space forbds mention of other equally useful birds.
with the exception of the English sparrow who has
long since worn out his welcome by ms persistent
enmlty TO our native birds. How well ii would be
could he be transported home with all other unruly
immigrants who flock to our shores from all parts
OF the world. defying laws under the subter-
fuge that this is a land Of libertyi"
Bird traIgers also Join In the general destruction
for the capture OF live birds often causes causes the
death OF the nestlings. who are thus deprived OF
parental care The tragedies OF the nests caused
birds OF prey and the domestic cat are peFls more
than enough without man adding 10 them, "A 1lru
trapper who to that extremely reHlorseLeSs
and cruel practice OF putting out plI ey IIit
its pteous cries may decoy TO others should
be severely fined even to Imprisonment; -,
states. VERY few of them probably die natural
death, or even live out half their appolhteu udys.
Milliners glad TO say, have been iiaoe more
need OF greater restrictions and hnes piaced upon
them and women made to feel they can no longer
wear bird-bedecked hats Ihefe mas not snflcian.
provement in this last respect put Me- suieien'
Improvement TO protect our bros: oF PaIo-
uuet wings with corresponding NUMBER OF breasts.
I recently counted upon one nat a!ohe: tNOt long
cince n rnilIIner vainy endeaVored 10 persuade me
that the bird i refused 10 wear "d 1f otty !ndde
up l proved that II TOOK Ile ~ - po IhIee
steadiiv doing their deadly work Inc last seven
Summers / have spent in Maine Wooas once vocal
and the exquisite notes of the YeerS hd h b seht
the sweet silvery songs forever nuSneu W Drl-
gade OF boys with slings; adoea 70 'in OI suns.
Meeting one day OF these slayers triumphant
w 6isnIa wing humber OF little birds hanging from
bSis ganne bag / asked: what are you going TO do
with them now thai you have r tafgi 'Ne'f VesE
7 anpeal 10 YOU Mr.. Editor Cannon some law be
passed TO punish such Offenders, ana , .nus eectu-
oriiruI and heartless slaughter or our piroSI
Nsw-York City, April 30. DoA a. L. L