In
some cases where birds have gay wings, and the hunters do not wish the
rest of the body, they tear off the wings from the living bird, and
throw it away to die.
"I am sorry to tell you such painful things, but I think you ought to
know them. You will soon be men and women. Do what you can to stop this
horrid trade. Our beautiful birds are being taken from us, and the
insect pests are increasing. The State of Massachusetts has lost over
one hundred thousand dollars because it did not protect its birds. The
gypsy moth stripped the trees near Boston, and the State had to pay out
all this money, and even then could not get rid of the moths. The birds
could have done it better than the State, but they were all gone. My
last words to you are, 'Protect the birds.'"
Mrs. Wood went to her seat, and though the boys and girls had listened
very attentively, none of them cheered her. Their faces looked sad, and
they kept very quiet for a few minutes. I saw one or two little girls
wiping their eyes. I think they felt sorry for the birds.
"Has any boy done anything about blinders and check-reins?" asked the
president, after a time.
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