ortant measure seems justifiable at this time.

[Illustration: Migrative Birds Are Protected by the Government]

When, in 1913, the first breath of autumn swept over the tule sloughs
and reedy lakes of the North-west, the wild fowl and shore birds of
that vast region rose in clouds, and by stages began to journey toward
{173} their winter quarters beneath Southern skies. If the older birds
that had often taken the same trip thought anything about the subject,
they must have been impressed, when they crossed the border into the
United States, with the fact that changes had taken place in reference
to shooting.

It is true that in Minnesota, for instance, the firing of guns began in
September, as in other years; but those Ducks that reached the
Mississippi River below St. Paul found no one waiting to kill them. As
they proceeded, by occasional flights, farther down the river there was
still a marked absence of gunners. The same conditions prevailed all
the way down the valley until the sunken grounds of Arkansas and
Mississippi came into view. What did this mean? Heretofore, at this
season, hunters had always lined the river. This had been the case
ever since the oldest Duck could remember. The Missouri River, too,
was free from shooting throughout the greater part of its length, which
was sufficient cause for many a grateful quack.

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What was the reason for this great change? Had the killing of wild
fowl suddenly lost its attraction for those who had been accustomed to
seek pleasure afield with gun and decoys? No, indeed, banish the
thought, for it is written that so long as man shall live, Wild Duck
shall grace his table and gratify his palate.

The remarkable changes which had so affected the fortunes of the wild
fowl were due to the enactment of a United States law known as the
Federal Migratory Game Law. Let us see something of this law and of
what led to its establishment.

_History of Game Laws._--When the United States of America became a
free and independent nation the lawmakers in various commonwealths soon
addressed themselves to the task of enacting protective measures for
insuring the continuance of the supply of desirable game birds and
animals. But as the years went by, and the game showed every
indication of continuing to decrease despite the measures that had been
adopted for their benefit, other and more stringent game laws were
enacted.

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In the fullness of time there