Manuscript that recollects when Governor Clarence D. Martin called out Portland's mayor at the time, Mayor Carson, on the pollution being dumped into the Willamette River. The document goes on to point out how this is a violation of state law. Portland was not the only area affected.
A group of people, two who were residents of Gold Beach, went in search of deer. The group included Edgar Averill, John Yeon, Mr. and Mrs. Miller, along with the author. While the group did not find any deer in that outing, they did find a carnivorous plant and took a specimen home. The author goes on to describes how the plant gets nourishment and how it received its scientific name.
Manuscript describing the sound that tree crickets produce in the night, comparing it to a symphony. There is a brief physical description as well as the fact that only male tree crickets produce sound.
Manuscript that ponders how and if the Chinese starling would affect local bird populations. Originating from China, the birds have become well known residents of Vancouver B.C. The author comments on where the birds have been sighted.
Manuscript in which the author writes as if they are a disgruntled duck hunter. The character goes on to complain about how the laws from the federal and state governments have prevented hunters from being able to hunt as much as they please. The character goes on to lament about how the best shooting was during the winter because it was easier. The character longs for the good old days.
Manuscript that looks at the two species of swan found in America, the whistling and trumpeter swans. Both were found by Lewis and Clark. The author mentions that the swan song has long been associated with death and in comments that this can be applied to the trumpeter swan due to the decline in numbers of the bird.
Manuscript that delves into the game records for duck hunting, finding that the two states with the largest number of birds bagged were permitted to use bait. The author explains that the reason why there was such a concentration of birds in California and Illinois, is that they lie on the most naturally attractive waterways. Other states are mentioned, but the main focus is on California and Illinois. The document goes on to say that the practice of baiting creates an unfair advantage and those that do not bait tend to later follow after seeing the baiters' success. The federal government banned the use of bait in respects to duck hunting.
Manuscript that likens raccoons to bears in the first paragraph due to the raccoon's appearance. Later, it is established that raccoons are an American animal as they were not found anywhere else. In early American history raccoon skins were used as currency, mainly for apparel reasons, but now the animal can be considered a pet. The author warns that they are rambunctious in captivity. There is a brief mention of an exchange between a pet raccoon and a cat.
Manuscript detailing the vanishing of the passenger pigeon in America. The author infers that the factor that led to their decline is that they nested in large colonies, making them easy prey for hunters looking to sell them. The document emphasizes that the loss of this bird echoes the need for improvement when it comes to wildlife conservation.
Manuscript describing a pair of robins whose older offspring attempted to bait their parents into feeding them, despite being old enough to feed themselves.
This manuscript begins with explaining how bird names are chosen and that it is often connected to food habits or a distinguishing feature of the plumage. In the case of the cedar waxwing, it is named for its fondness for cedar berries and that the tips of its wings look like ceiling wax. The documents goes on to point out the peculiarity of the bird being classified as a song bird as they do not have song. Other topics include where the birds can be found and other similar species.
Manuscript discusses discovering a gray digger squirrel who appeared to be deceased but was actually hibernating and nearly frozen. This leads the author to write about the animal's process in preparing for its winter slumber. The document goes on to comment on other animals that hibernate as well and the differences in hibernation processes.
This manuscript begins with how to attract songbirds to one's home, including the removal of predators, flora to interact with, and a water source. The author comments that there has been a noticed absence of some of the typical visitors to their property. Essentially, there has been a decline in population in some of the songbird species, such as wrens. Speculation for the source of this decline includes either disease or mishap during migration.
Manuscript that raises the issues of hunting and wildlife conservation in America. The document is framed as an imagined conversation between naturalists and hunting sportsmen.
Manuscript that details the need to enforce the Taylor Grazing Act and how the Federal Forest Service are the best for the job. The main focus is on how over-grazing causes great distress to the local ecology.
Manuscript that reveals the previously held belief that all birds migrate south. Through tracking the banded birds, it was discovered that birds seek the areas where food is abundant, regardless of direction. The document describes the discovery that the drop in the bird population was due to the destruction of their breeding grounds.
Manuscript that focuses on the Corvidae family of birds. The author describes the members of this family as tricky and thieving, but recognizes that they are intelligent. Many are kept as pets and are subjected to the awful practice of tongue splitting.
Manuscript highlighting the important work that worms provide, ploughing and turning soil. Document reports on gender, the worm's sensitivity to light, physical attributes, and the process of procreation.
Manuscript about how Jack Horn of the United States Forestry Service protected his goldfish from a Kingfisher. Horn's first batch of fish had been hunted successfully by the bird. Horn learned his lesson and thwarted the bird's future attempts by adding wire netting.