31G State Horticultural Society. 



SEVENTH SESSIOX.— Thursday Evening. 



At the opening of the meeting, J. E. Wilcox, of St. elo-cpli pic 

 sented the resolution printed hek)\v and it was lieartily indoi'L-ed. 



KESOLUTION OX PKOTECTION OF BIKDS. 



Whereas, the wanton destruction of insect destroying birds has 

 become so extensive and general as to menace the fruit growing in- 

 terest of Missouri, therefore; 



Kesolved, that it is the sense of the Missouri State Horticultural 

 Society that we are seriously in need of a statutory law that will protect 

 them from this wanton destruction. 



DISCUSSION. 



L. A. Goodman. — If there are some friends of the fruit grower better 

 tlian others thev are the birds. The absolute destruction of so man>' 

 pretty birds is deplorable. I am sorry that our present law places the 

 meadow lark among the game birds and allows it to be shot. It is an 

 outrage upon our civilization to call this a game bird. Its crop will be 

 found full of insects. It is one of the best destroyers of our insect pests. 

 How many times have you and I been angry at the men and boys who 

 pass over our lands and kill the birds. I call your attention to one 

 locality in which the birds have the same protection as the trees. 

 Every one of the birds are among our best friends. If we allow them 

 to be killed we will have lots of trouble with our insect enemies. 



J. C. Evans. — I sympathize with any resolution looking to the 

 protection of the birds. We are spending thousands of dollars in 

 fighting insects which would not be necessary if we had the birds. I 

 know of no way to protect them except through the legislature, and 

 that is a long road. No matter what bill vou introduce vou will al- 

 ways find men there to fight it. If you do start anything of this kind 

 you must follow it up and take it in charge when the law is passed. 



Maj. Holsinger. — I think the ladies are largely responsible for the 

 killing of the birds. Look at these hats ! If we are to succeed in 

 preventing the killing of the birds we must keep the ladies from wear- 

 ing them on their hats. It is not very consistent to pass a resolution 



