80 Bird - Lore
greater numbers of these pests than any other species; and this tact alone should entitle it to protection, even if it destroyed no other injurious animals."
Only fourteen states protect the Marsh Hawk; thirty-five states and territories permit it to be killed at any time, In the British Provinces, Manitoba is the only one giving protectiont The ignorance regarding hawks and the prejudice concerning them is forcibly illustrated by the action of Virginia. which in 1903 passed a law protecting all the beneficial Hawks and Owls, but without waiting to give the statute a fair test repealed the same in 190;. In Ohio the present legislature is considering a bill offer- ing bounties on "Chicken Hawks." This, of course, means. should the bill become a law, that all Hawks will be killed for the bounty, and the farmers of the state will be taxed for funds with which to pay pot hunters and Others for the heads of birds that are of great value to agriculture.
In 1885 Pennsylvania passed.a bounty or scalp act which was shortly afterward repealed, as it was found to be most disastrous in its effect. Over $60,000 was paid the first year for bounties. Among other reasons urged for a repeal of the law was the following: "Officers were imposed upon and bounties were illegally drawn.” "It encouraged a certain class to follow hunting as a means of livelihood, to the exclusion of other labor." “It is burdensome and inimical to the best interests of the farming coma munity, and a useless expenditure of county money.”
Does not this show a lamentable degree of ignorance on the part of those who should be the most interested in the protection of Hawks? Every farmer in North America who reads this leaflet should at once com- mence a campaign of education among his fellow workers, and should make it a prominent plank in his political platform that all the beneficial Hawks should have legal protection. Farmers! Do not expect your neighbor to do his duty until you have done your own.
Study Points for Teachers and Students
Where is this Hawk found in summer? In winter? Where does 40 degrees north latitude cross the continent? What is the most striking difference in plumage of the adults? How does young differ? What is the most striking distinguishing mark to be seen when flying? What are popular names? Why given? Why is this Hawk so beneficial? De- scribe the small mammals it eatsr What damage do they do? Which of them are found where you live? \Vhat other pests does this Hawk eat? Can you give any personal reasons why this Hawk should be protected?
For much valuable information regarding the Marsh Hawk, study the following: Ben- dire's ‘ Life Histories of North American Birds,‘ Fisher‘s ' Hawks and Owl: of the United States.‘ also Fisher‘s ‘ Hawks and Owls from the Standpoint of the Farmer.‘ This latter is a pamphlet issued for free distribution by the United States Department of Agriculture.
Additional copies of this leaflet may be procured of William Dutcher, chairman, 525 Manhattan Ave., New York City.
