Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 411 



put up this year, and people report new species nesting on their premises. 

 Only a few years ago there was only one colony of Purple Martins in town. 

 They are now becoming common. New houses are being erected every year 

 and practically all had tenants this summer. A Martin-house and a feeder 

 were erected on the high-school grounds, and a Martin-house at one of the 

 graded schools and in our new park. F. C. Evans, the President of our Club, 

 donated to the schools a number of colored charts of our common birds. The 

 Public Library has purchased several new bird-books during the year. We 

 have published many articles on winter feeding and general bird-conservation 

 in the local papers. — (Mrs.) Donaldson Bodine, Secretary. 



Cumberland County (Maine) Audubon Society. — Our Club was inactive 

 during the World War, but we are again in action and are waxing strong. About 

 seventy-five members, besides many associates and Juniors were added during 

 the past year. Our meetings have outgrown the room formerly used in the 

 Natural History Museum, and we are now quartered in the Hall of the Port- 

 land Society of Arts. At one of the meetings Arthur H. Norton gave a stereop- 

 ticon lecture showing some of the ninety birds that winter in this vicinity and 

 telling of their skill in gathering weed seeds and insect eggs; again he lectured 

 on migratory birds. The Burroughs Nature Club, from the Women's Literary 

 Union, entertained us one evening with stories of their experiences in exploring 

 birdland. Not the least interesting feature of our meetings has been the swap- 

 ping of bird stories — romantic, adventurous, and appealing. Combining with 

 the Open Forum we gave two illustrated lectures, one by Harold Baynes on 

 "Birds," the other by William Dawson on "Mt. Katahdin." 



Perhaps our greatest experience in creating interest was through Rev. 

 Manley Townsend. He gave an evening lecture to a packed house and was 

 enthusiastically received. The local papers have been most generous with their 

 notices. Nine of the reporters were elected complimentary members of the 

 Society. During the past hard winter the birds about Portland (under the 

 leadership of the Audubon Society) were fed regularly. The Black Ducks 

 were an especial object of concern and were liberally provided for. Saturday 

 field-trips were planned very early in the spring and enjoyed by many. 

 The bird versus cat problem has absorbed us somewhat, and a committee 

 has been formed to help work out a solution. — (Miss) Amy P. Wiswell, 

 Secretary. 



Elgin (111.) Audubon Society. — The Elgin Audubon Society has held 

 regular monthly meetings throughout the year, with an average attendance 

 of sixty-five. At these meetings members bring their luncheon. Later the 

 business and a discussion of birds and a musical program follows. Our annual 

 exhibit was held during April, with increased interest and attendance. The 

 city was canvassed from house to house with pledges asking people to protect 



