236 Bird - Lore mian Sandpiper may have an opportunity to replete its wasted ranks, a close season of ten years is recommended. The Eskimo Curlew. — Ornithologists of national reputation are of the opinion that this Curlew is on the verge of extinction. It is therefore the duty of this Association to secure for the species a close season of not less than ten years, in order to prevent it from being added to the list of birds that are known only by specimens in museums. Too many species of game-birds are approaching this dangerous point, and, if we do not do all we can to pre- vent it, we are not carrying out the objects of the Association. The Wood Duck. — This is by far the most beautiful of the North Amer- ican Ducks, and is also one of the most interesting in its habits. Its splendid plumage is probably one of the causes of its rapid decrease, as it is in great demand for mounting for ornamental purposes. The gorgeously colored male birds are never allowed to escape the man with the gun, whether it is the open or closed season. In consequence of this continual persecution, the Wood Duck is becoming exceedingly scarce and, unless a long closed season is prescribed, it, too, will join the ranks of the extinct species of birds, and this great attraction to the fresh-water streams and ponds will be missing. Recently a circular letter was sent to 46 game commissions in the United States and the British North American provinces, enquiring whether they approved of legislation removing the small shore-birds from the game- bird class to the class for which there is no open season, and also to make a ten years closed season for the Bartramian Sandpiper, Eskimo Curlew and the Wood Duck. Replies were received from thirty-five of the Commissions, nearly all of which were in the affirmative. Spring Shooting. — A very large proportion of the Commissioners above mentioned were also in favor of abolishing spring shooting of all kinds, together with the prohibition of sale of game. Some of the replies were so emphatic and reasonable that a few of them are quoted here to show the trend of official opinion regarding the importance of placing every legal barrier in the way of game and bird destruction before it is too late to take such action. Mr. John A. Wheeler, Game Commissioner of Illinois, writes: "I am in favor of abolishing spring shooting of all kinds, without exceptions, if a uni- form law can be passed by every state in the Union ; otherwise I am not in favor of such a law." This opinion from a game officer of one of the largest states shows how very important it is that there shall be some Association that will work persistently and continuously for a uniform law in all parts of North America to prohibit spring shooting of every description. An opinion regarding game protection from Minnesota is valuable for the reason that this state is in the van in such matters; therefore the following statement of Mr. Fullerton, Executive Agent of the Board of Game and Fish Commissioners, is of interest.
