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此文事关时下热门的环保和生态的主题,讲的是野生动词之趣。而最末一段讲到在保护区打猎的矛盾和分析,颇有启示意义。

Wildlife refuges mainly serve as havens for millions of ducks, geese and other migratory birds. And this is what most people come to see. Much of the fun is in knowing and distinguishing the many kinds that are present in great variety. The activities and antics of the bird world are fascinating to anyone taking the time to observe up close. A camera, likewise, will record some of the unusual sights that will be seen.
      Most of the areas are staffed by biologists and individuals who have a great interest in the outdoors. They are all enthusiastic naturalists who can help a person to a richer enjoyment of the world of nature. A stop at the refuge headquarters will yield ideas on what to see and where, as well as helpful literature. A few refuges have visitor centers where displays tell the story of the refuge and where there are movies or color slide shows of the area and its wildlife.
      Hunting on a refuge seems inconsistent with its purpose of protecting and saving. However, big game, if allowed to increase to an excessive degree, can be their own worst enemy. They overbrowse their range. Then starvation ruins the herd. But even before nature balances animals to food supply, the destruction of trees and shrubs removes food and cover essential to many smaller animals as well. It's good management of the game, and to the sportsman's benefit, to crop big game judiciously.

本期入选难句

But even before nature balances animals to food supply, the destruction of trees and shrubs removes food and cover essential to many smaller animals as well.

老邪说“渔”

一、词性变化及用法
Balance可作名词,义为“平衡”。
此处用作动词。判断的依据是句子:even before为状语从句引导词,表明后面是一个句子。接下来Nature balances animals, 如果balance为名词,则三个名词相连,唯一的可能性就是修饰关系,成为“自然的平衡的动物”,莫名其妙。
三个“名词”相连时,一般中间一个变成动词,就是极其弱智的主谓宾结构。
任何动词都要注意用法,不能简单的词词相加,尤其是动双宾,动宾补及动宾介的情形,要整体理解。
balance A to B这个动宾介结构,意思应为“使A与B平衡”。

二、句间关系
使动物与食物平衡,似可相当于“为动物提供食物”,但放在上下段落中不知所云。
怎样使在段落中能自然呢?自然要参照上下文来理解,既是“篇章”中的“句间”关系。
上文讲动物过多则带来负面作用最终毁灭自己,(如果大型的野生动物繁衍超过一定限度,它们将成为自己最大的敌人。它们会过度啃噬自己的牧场。然后,饥荒会毁掉它们。)这正是大自然使动物与食物供应平衡的过程。

参考译文:在保护区打猎似乎有违于它保护和挽救野生动物的目的。然而,如果大型的野生动物繁衍超过一定限度,它们将变成自己最大的敌人。它们会过度啃噬自己的牧场。然后饿死。而其实,甚至在自然规律这减少动物的数量使之与它们的食物平衡之前,树和灌木的毁坏也已经破坏了小动物的食物和掩蔽所。审慎地除掉一些大型动物,既是管理动物的良方,也有利于狩猎者。

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