Putnam patriot., 1913-10-24
More AbOnt Bird Protection
Suggestions by State Ornithologlsi

Thanks to splendid dry breeding season, more birds and game were reared this year in Connecticut than in long time. Quail, recently almost extinct, are in some localities almost normally abundant. The rulled grouse also has done finely. Stopping of spring shooting has greatly increased the ducks. In this memorable year the federal government undertakes the protection of our migratory birds. Cur esteemed senator, Hon. George P. Me- Lean, has carved his everlasting me morial in the enactment of the Me- Lean law. The nation has also pro- hibited the importation of wild bird plumage. ,Our ladies will be more beautiful than ever, and so will our fields, wood ands and waters.
 Because we are beginning to have more birds and game again, shall we | redouble our efforts to slaughter them and defeat the beneficent efforts of en- frightened humanity and of the Crea tor? Civilization must have advanced far enough to make it reasonable to eX- pect the intelligent citizen-men and women alike-to assume active per sonal responsibility for the restoration of birds and game in Connecticut. Laws and police are necessary, but if every intelligent and thoughtful per son in the state who has any oppor- tunity would make this a matter of personal interest and concern, the re- suit would be astonishing.
 Here are some few suggestions. Let every farmer and landholder see to it that on his own land birds are not wantonly disturbed or destroyed. Re port violations of law to the game war den. Teach the children 10 watch ahd project the birds. Let every boy less wild creatures. Prevent your cat from hunting birds, and mercifully kill upernumerary or homeless cais that live by hunting. Observe the game laws yourself and try to create sentiment that il is for everyone's in- terest 10 have these laws observed. Feed birds in winter--suet and seeds for small biras, and grain under shel- ters in woods and Helds for game birds where these are found. Back up the game wardens, and encourage them to enforce the laws
 In Connecticut this year we are in- troducing a new state system. We have an admirable new commission of fisheries and game, representative and non n-partisan, one member from each county. They are gentlemen Of stand ing and ability, not mere politicians, serving without pay because ot per sonal interest in the subject. Two of them are able ornithologists, Dr. San ford and MT. Pease, and one, Rear Ad- nliral Goodrich, is eminent in the ser vice of bis country. The new seereta- ", Charles Il. Pease, of Canaan, who will largely represent the commission Co the public, is genius, and Cover nor Baldwin could not have found a man more fit for this position. 4 pub fisher and writer by profession, he writes graceful and courteous letters promptly to correspondents An en- thusiastic student of birds and game, he owns and lives on a most pictur- esque estate which he is turning into game preserve and bird refuge. The warden force are now paid far more adequately than before, and earnest ef- forts have been made to tone up the service. Politics is debarred, and il has been made understood that any empIoye who violates this regulation will be summsrily discharged. The new superintendent, James M. Tyson, who is entrusted with carrying out the plans of the commission, is a thorough gentleman, of scientific at tainment and executive ability. With the cooperation Of the public, the new regime may be expected to set pace and example among our states of which Connecticut u:Ey rightly De oud-Hefberl K. Job.