SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING. 



189' 



cially in the interests of general agriculture, individually it must surely inure 

 greatly to the advantage of horticulture. I therefore suggest that the whole 

 subject be referred to a special committee, with instructions to report during 

 this meeting what action the society should take in the premises. A copy of 

 the bill in question will be supplied, if desired. 



For some years past it has been fashionable for ladies to bedeck themselves, 

 their bonnets especially, with the feathers, the wings, and the dressed skins of 

 song and insectiverous birds, which are being destroyed by millions to supply 

 this demand. To such extent is this destruction carried, that the consequent 

 increase of insects is already beginning to be seriously felt. With the pur- 

 pose to change this cruel and calamitous fashion, and thus save our smaller birds 

 from threatened annihilation, a society has been organized in Europe, and also 

 in this country, where its headquarters may be found at No. 40 Park Row, 

 New York. I recommend that the society give expression to its views on the 

 subject, and recommend a proper course of action to its members, as well as 

 to the community at large. (A full account of the organization, together with 

 blank pledges, are submitted herewith.) 



This address, so far as its recommendations are concerned, was referred to a 

 committee consisting of Messrs. S. L. Fuller of Grand Rapids, C. J. Monroe 

 of South Haven, and Prof. L. H. Bailey of Lansing. 



ANNUAL STATEMENT OF LIBRARIAN. 



To the Executive Board and Member* of the State Horticultural Society: 



Gentlemen: — I have the honor to submit herewith my annual report as 

 librarian of the State Horticultural Society for the year ending December 1, 

 1886. The following tabulated statement shows the number of our reports 

 which have been received and distributed during the past year: 



The following books have been donated to the library and received through 

 exchanges during the year: 



HORTICULTURAL REPORTS. 



New Jersey State Horticultural Society, 1885. 

 Transactions of the Illinois Horticultural Society, 1885. 

 Western New York Horticultural Society, 1885. 

 North Carolina State Horticultural Society, 1885. 

 Minnesota State Horticultural Society, 1885. 



