DESTRUCTION OF BIRDS OF PREY.
Mr. Cabbange's bill [H. R. 417--see page 274 these Reports] to encourage the destruction owls, hawks, crows, and such mischievous birds as prey upon poultry, was read the third time.
Mr. RYAN--There is one reason why, it its present shape, the bill should not pass. The second section is drawn in such a manner as to lay it open to very serious abuse. I understand that the officers are not to pay for scalps only of such birds as pray upon poultry. Who is to determine what kind of a scalp it is? It might be a chicken head or some other head. Besides, there are a great many birds which feed on poultry that are not mentioned in this bill. I think that bill ought to be withdrawn and given to the proper Committee for amendment.
The bill passed--yeas, 53; nays, 34.
