296 Bird - Lore 



was promptly held up in the Senate Committee and seemed likely to die there. 

 President Butcher and Mr. Bowdish went to Trenton on April 4, to try to 

 force the bill on to the floor of the Senate. Mr. Bowdish remained at the Legis- 

 lature until the morning of April 7, when, in its closing hours, just before 

 dawn, the Audubon Bill was finally called out at the instance of its friends, 

 but was defeated. The loss of this bill was due to a total misunderstanding 

 on the part of the Senators regarding its real character, and a lack of organized 

 public sentiment. 



This emphasized the necessity for reorganizing and upbuilding the New 

 Jersey Audubon Society to a plane equal with the most effective State Socie- 

 ties. To this end, it has been determined to call a meeting for the election of 

 officers for the ensuing year, the drafting of a new constitution and by-laws, 

 and the discussion and formulation of plans for future work. This meeting 

 will be held at Plainfield, New Jersey, in the near future, and it is hoped to get 

 together a large number of people interested in the conservation of our bird 

 guardians, who will make the New Jersey Audubon Society a banner organi- 

 zation. 



Letters from individuals in various parts of the state show continued 

 interest in bird study and bird protection. Many applications have been 

 made for leaflets, and particularly for posters warning against wanton de- 

 struction of birds contrary to the law. 



We are sure that a wider circulation of Bird-Lore could not fail to interest 

 bird lovers, and to bring new recruits to the ranks. — Julia S. Scribner, Secre- 

 tary. 



New York. — The success of the Audubon Plumage Bill, amended to take 

 effect in July, 191 1, and signed by Gov. Hughes on May 7, 1910, marks the 

 past year as a red-letter, epoch-making one in the history of bird protection. 

 The long, weary struggle to put an end to the traffic in the plumes of the 

 beautiful Snowy Heron is won at last in New York. 



The result was attained through the strenuous efforts of Mr. Butcher 

 and his fellow workers. Great assistance was rendered by Mr. Pearson, Secre- 

 tary of the National Association, who was stationed at Albany to watch 

 developments and to work for the bill. Literature and appeals for co-operation 

 were sent by the thousands by both State and National Societies. It was said 

 that no other bill introduced during the session of the legislature had created 

 such intense interest. The immediate success was won by hard work, and 

 through the fine responses of the members of the Society and friends of the 

 birds throughout the state. One of the most encouraging points established 

 by the result undoubtedly is the proof it gives that the principles of bird pro- 

 tection have taken root far and wide throughout the state. 



Legislators watch the pulse of their constituents, and the victory is a pubhc 

 recognition that bird protection is a work for the people. 



