400 Bird -Lore 



by special executive order, and these men are a tower of strength to the 

 cause. 



It was surprising, as well as gratifying, to find so many Snowy Egrets in 

 unexpected places. This matter was covered in a special letter to Secretary 

 T. Gilbert Pearson, who considers it advisable not to make the details public 

 at this time, as it would be unwise to advertise the exact location of our breed- 

 ing colonies. 



Fom Charleston to McClellanville on the north, and from Charleston to 

 Savannah, Ga., on the south, there are networks of island and bewildering 

 mazes of marsh, skirted by forests inland, through which rivers and creeks 

 penetrate in their seaward course. Again, from Savannah to St. Mary's on the 

 Florida line, a somewhat similar condition exists. 



To traverse this region during the breeding season of the Herons requires 

 nerve and endurance, for in most of it accommodation of any kind is not to 

 be had within a reasonable distance of the day's work. My intimate knowl- 

 edge of the shore line of both states has aided me, and acquaintance of long 

 standing with the country people has helped me more. 



Under the most favorable conditions there is far too much territory to be 

 covered within the time assigned. Work ought to begin by ^larch i, at the 

 latest, and should be actively prosecuted until August, in order that anything 

 approaching thoroughness may be done to locate the rookeries. 



Two points stand out clearly: 



First, That Snowy Egrets and American Egrets are increasing rapidly, 

 and are establishing their rookeries farther inland. Sno\\'y Egrets were found in 

 Barnwell County, a hundred miles from the sea. American Egrets were found 

 on the Wateree River, about one hundred and thirty miles from the sea. 



Second, That their protection requires two things, namely, active warden 

 service during the breeding season, and continued educational work among 

 the citizens of the regions they inhabit. 



The ground gained will be lost another year unless there is determined 

 work from the outset. The South Carolina plume-hunters will be free another 

 season, and these men have unusual facilities for learning the location of 

 rookeries, many of which are already known to them. By beginning work in 

 the neighborhood of the Okefenoke Swamp early in April, the worst of the 

 insect season may be avoided. The action of Georgia in voting a hunter's 

 license and creating a warden system has been salutary, and is of immense 

 help. All the Georgia wardens with whom I have come in contact are enthusi- 

 astic, reliable and determined. 



Political conditions in South Carolina have been, and still are, regrettable; 

 but there has been no attempt to take away protection from non-game birds, 

 and the sentiment of the people is overwhelmingly in favor of more rigid pro- 

 tection. 



There has been a great wave of insect life over both Georgia and South 



