State Audubon Reports 293 



Martins, and, as a consequence, ihey are becoming rare in this vicinity. 

 Extravagant expenditure of bird life always leads to over-production of 

 insects, while, on the other hand, as at Winona, where the birds are heartily 

 welcome, the insects disappear in i)roi)ortion. — Minna D. Starr, Secretary. 



Massachusetts. — The last year has been a busy one, and our member- 

 ship has increased to 8,226, of which 2,992 are juniors. We have four local 

 committees, in addition to our local secretaries. 



Many leaflets, warning notices in English and Italian, and copies of the 

 laws have been distributed. Our traveling lectures have been sent out, when 

 requested. There has been a good sale for our bird plates, charts and calendars. 



All complaints of violations of law have been reported to the state officers, 

 the Fish and Game Commission, and prompt action taken. 



Much interest has been shown in legislation. Petitions in favor of the 

 present anti-spring shooting law were sent to our members, with the request 

 that they get as many signatures as possible and send them to their representa- 

 tives and senators. These petitions met with a cordial and encouraging re- 

 sponse, and no doubt did much to prevent the repeal of that law. 



An appropriation of twenty-five dollars was made to the Forest and Field 

 Club of Belmont, to help them in the matter of hiring wardens. 



A report of our work since 1902 was published in February. From Novem- 

 ber I to December 12, the Society had an exhibit at the "191 5 Boston" expo- 

 sition, at which were shown hats trimmed without the feathers of wildbirds, 

 loaned by five leading milliners; mounted specimens of birds once used in 

 millinery, but now protected, loaned by the Boston Society of Natural History; 

 feathers confiscated from milliners by the Fish and Game Commission, and 

 a mounted specimen of the Heath Hen, loaned by Dr. Field; also, an exhibit 

 showing how aigrettes are obtained, which was furnished through the gene- 

 rosity of Mrs. Hemenway. The Norfolk Bird Club very kindly served as 

 attendants in the afternoons. 



The usual monthly meeting of the Board of Directors has been held, 

 but our lecture course was omitted this year. On the afternoon of April 23, 

 at Huntington Hall, a lecture free to the public was given, at which Mr. 

 Edward H. Forbush spoke on legislation, and Mr. Edward Avis gave his 

 talk entitled 'An Afternoon in Bird Land.' A brief report of the work and 

 needs of the Society was given. The audience was large and appreciative. 

 Drawings for two new bird charts have been made for us by Mr. Louis Agassiz 

 Fuertes, which will be published at the first opportunity. 



We have met with a serious disappointment in being unable to publish 

 the new calendar which had been planned for this fall. Owing to a severe 

 flood in Japan, in August, which destroyed everything but the original draw- 

 ings, it will not be possible to get the calendar plates printed and ready for 

 sale before March. 



