Reports of Field Agents 279 



REPORT OF MISS KATHARINE H. STUART 



The revival of Audubon work in the state of Virginia began four years 

 ago in the historic city of Alexandria. This interest was aroused by one or 

 two articles published in the Alexandria "Gazette" on the Purple Martins^ 

 birds which had been useful citizens for generations but whose real value was 

 not known to our people. The small colonies at that time numbered about 

 five, and lived in \er)- rough and ordinary homes, but today one can count 

 fifteen or more pretty homes in the gardens of our best citizens. At the meeting- 

 of the Federation of Women's Clubs of Virginia, held in our city, it was my 

 privilege to bring before that body the importance of preserving our "wild 

 life," and, after much discussion, the clubs decided to take up the work and, 

 if possible, to organize a Virginia State Audubon Society in Richmond, close 

 to the legislative body of the state. To organize and set on foot a great move- 

 ment in a conservative state, such as the Old Dominion, is no easy matter, 

 and must take time, great patience and calm judgment, to overcome tradi- 

 tions handed down for generations. I say this to encourage those struggling 

 in other parts of our great country to better conditions that have existed for 

 years. 



As Chairman of the Conservation Committee, Virginia Federation of 

 Clubs, I was invited to address the largest and most influential club in the 

 state on "The Utility of Birds.'' The Women's Club of Richmond is essenti- 

 ally social and does not take part in any outside work, but gives its own voice 

 and aid through individual members. Soon after the address was given, an 

 organization was effected and Mrs. Moses D. Hoge chosen as president. The 

 work has grown steadily under her direction and that of her co-workers. 

 Distinguished lecturers have been invited to our state, and have given much 

 pleasure to large audiences; among them, Mr. Frank M. Chapman, Prof. 

 T. Gilbert Pearson, Dr. Theodore S. Palmer, Mr. Henry Oldys, Dr. Smythe, 

 of Virginia, and our beloved President, Mr. William Dutcher, who addressed 

 the Virginia legislature. 



Many Junior Clubs have been organized in the schools of our cities and 

 rural districts, where drawings and compositions have increased the interest 

 in bird Hfe. The fourth of May, Audubon's birthday, was quietly observed 

 in many parts of the state. Audubon exhibits at the State Fair held in Rich- 

 mond have attracted wide attention, — the exhibit consisting of groups of 

 birds, their nests and eggs all beautifully arranged in trees, gi\'ing a most 

 pleasing effect. Thousands visited the booth and received the leaflets, game law^s 

 and posters sent out by the Association. The leaders of the Richmond social 

 world were in charge, and gave their time and strength to this most important 

 work. In many of our cities, and in the rural districts, hundreds of bird-boxes 

 have been put up and the winter feeding of birds undertaken. It will be inter- 

 esting to hear that I found, in a visit to New Kent, that the Pamunkie Indians, 



