JAMES H. MCCOMMONS.

The article focuses on the historical development of the bird conservation movement in America, highlighting the roles of hunters, naturalists, and socialites. It discusses the cruel practices of bird hunting in the late 19th century, including the methods used to capture passenger pigeons, which were shipped in large quantities to cities. The piece also emphasizes the transition from hunting for classification to conservation, driven by early ornithologists and influential figures like Florence Merriam, who advocated for observing birds rather than shooting them. The shift in public opinion towards conservation was largely influenced by the near extinction of species like the American bison and passenger pigeons, prompting a moral awakening regarding the limits of natural resources. [Extracted from the article]