292 Bird - Lore 



Kansas. — This Society made an effort to have the legislature of 1909 

 pass an act for the protection of harmless wild animals and birds. This bill 

 was patterned after the 'Model' Audubon law, with slight alterations, to meet 

 local conditions. It failed of passage, being killed in the House, although 

 recommended by the committee having it in charge. Subsequent efforts for 

 its passage were made through Mr. Clinton A. Matson, the Wichita repre- 

 sentative, and others, but these also resulted in failure. The only notable 

 legislation regarding birds passed by the last legislature was the creating 

 of a bounty fund for Crows. 



During the past year an article, comprising about 10,000 words, showing 

 the economic importance of bird life to the people of Kansas, and the agri- 

 culturalists in particular, has been prepared for publication in connection 

 with another effort that will be made to have the next legislature pass our 

 model law. We have had the hearty cooperation of those interested in 

 natural history, both at the State University at Lawrence and the Agri- 

 cultural College at Manhattan, and we have strong hopes of successful results 

 in our next effort. 



In addition, Kansas is to be congratulated in her present Game Warden, 

 L. L. Dyche, Professor of Natural History in the State University at Law- 

 rence. He is a man of international reputation, has had wide experience in 

 exploration, and exerts an influence that is correcting many erroneous im- 

 pressions which prevailed during the incumbency of previous game wardens. 

 As a whole, the future looks bright. — Richard H. Sulli\'an, President. 



Maryland. — At the last meeting of the Maryland legislature, the game 

 laws received some needed alterations. Wild-fowl shooting was prohibited 

 on Sunday, and in certain counties authority has been granted to commis- 

 sioners to shorten, close or open the existing seasons. Stricter rules regarding 

 sale, shipment, Hcenses, training of dogs,^etc., were also made, and safeguards 

 added for the protection of non-game birds. 



Much, however, remains to be done. We are fortunate in having at this 

 time in Maryland a man who is so largely responsible for the excellent bird 

 law now in effect in California. A strong local Society has been inaugurated 

 in Eastern Maryland, under the leadership of Mr. W. Scott Way, which will 

 contribute greatly to the success of Audubon work in this state. Baltimore 

 city and the eastern shore, which are invaded every summer by a large army 

 of mosquitos, might learn a practical lesson from a little settlement in Indiana 

 which I visited this year. It is situated on an attractive lake, but its charm 

 was diminished by the presence of the ever-unwelcome mosquito. One sees 

 in all directions minature houses on tall poles, in which Purple Martins 

 were invited to make their abode. The invitation had been accepted, and 

 large numbers of these birds were to be seen sailing through the air in search 

 of their daily meals. Mosquitos are considered appetizing morsels by the 



