364 Bird - Lore 



of Ohio," assisted by the Cooper Ornithological Club of California. It is Mr. 

 Dawson's intention to spend five years in studying the birds of the state, 

 and in writing "The Birds of California," in three superb volumes. The 

 work will be illustrated by colored paintings of birds by Allen Brooks, by 

 photographs and photogravures. 



Our work was given an impetus by the presence, in May, of Dr. Henry 

 Oldys, who gave his splendid lecture on "Bird Notes" before enthusiastic 

 audiences.^ — Mrs. Harriet W. Myers, Secretary. 



Connecticut. — The report of the Connecticut Society, during the past 

 year, is one of generalities rather than of detail. The membership has steadily 

 increased, but that alone does not indicate the widespread influence that has 

 been extended, resulting as it has in many bands of bird protectionists, who 

 have organized for similar work without technically joining the Society. 



This widespread sentiment has so permeated the state that at last it has 

 been possible to pass a legislative bill curbing and regulating the taking of 

 birds and eggs by collectors, — a much-needed measure; as, in many cases in 

 this state, as elsewhere, the term "scientific collector" can be interpreted to 

 read "commercial trader," and, even in the best sense, there is no reason 

 for allowing the most ardent non-commercial scientific collector to become an 

 exterminator. 



Certain methods of interesting school children have undergone a change. 

 Ten years ago, the traveling-lecture outfits, with colored slides and easily 

 manipulated oil-lanterns, were one of our most potent teachers; but, with the 

 great improvement in method — the introduction of moving-picture shows — 

 even in very small towns, the pictures thrown by the oil-lantern have lost 

 their hold in a great measure. In lieu of adding to these outfits, we find it 

 better to build up the traveling libraries, increase the circulation of the colored 

 bird charts that were originated by the Massachusetts Society, and start a 

 widespread campaign for the distribution of the leaflets issued by the National 

 Association. 



To touch and possess are very strong instincts, and a leaflet in the hand 

 often proves of tenfold greater influence than the picture on the screen, that 

 must vanish before it can be completely possessed, even by memory. It is 

 not too much to hope that in time we may thus reach every free school in the 

 state, and we expect, during the coming year, not only to add a bound 

 volume of the leaflets to each of our circulating libraries, but to send with 

 each a set of the separate leaflets, to be given to pupils who show special 

 interest. 



A large measure of the success of the Connecticut Society is owed to the 

 intelligent cooperation of the State Board of Education, and to the oflficials 

 of the Fish and Game Commission, as well. There are ultra-sentimentalists 

 who think that the Audubon Societies should begin and end their efforts 



