State Audubon Reports 443 



Rhode Island. — The Audubon Society of Rhode Island has been working 

 the past year with one object in view, namely, larger membership. This is 

 undoubtedly the i)roblem of many State Societies. At present the member- 

 shi]) is not large enough to materially influence legislation, hunting or the 

 millinery trade. Neither is it sufficient to provide necessary funds for the 

 educational work which needs to be done in the state. 



In April the center of activity of the Society was transferred to the Park 

 Museum in Providence, which is in close touch with the schools of the state 

 and city. Through the aid and courtesy of the National Association, 1,004 

 Junior members have been secured since April 17, 191 2, thereby taking the 

 Audubon work into many homes where it was not before known. The Society's 

 loan collection and library of over five hundred volumes was also placed at 

 the museum where the system of loaning to schools and small libraries through- 

 out the state has been continued. In addition a catalogue of the books has 

 been issued, and any member of the Society, as well as any teacher, may 

 borrow one or more books as in any public library. By the middle of May the 

 library was in working order and now has 137 borrowers. Four hundred of 

 the books have been used during this short period, and one boy read thirty- 

 five different books during the summer. The majority of the users are Junior 

 members, although a number of teachers now have books charged to their 

 names. 



With this limited introduction into the homes by way of the children, 

 we are now sending a college student into the field to make a direct appeal 

 for active members. A short experiment of this plan during the summer 

 leads us to believe that it will be successful. 



In general there is a great deal of interest in birds among teachers, children 

 and parents, and just so far as funds will permit we are endeavoring to main- 

 tain this interest and to awaken others to the importance of bird-study and 

 bird-protection. — Harold L. Madison, Secretary. 



Tennessee (East). — The members of this Society feel that they are to be 

 congratulated on the work of their organization during the past year. Much 

 has been accomplished in educating the people as to the value of birds. This 

 was done largely through newspaper articles, as our daily papers have been 

 (juite generous in giving us space. Only a few days ago the afternoon paper 

 offered us the woman's page for one issue. As a result of the publicity given 

 our work by the press, the Audubon Society is one of the best-known organ- 

 izations in Tennessee. 



The Secretary has talked on birds before various schools and other gather- 

 ings, and, as she is no longer teaching, hopes to continue this work in the 

 schools when permitted, and in other gatherings when invited. Mr. O. C. 

 Woodward, under authorization of the Audubon Society, has printed and 

 sent out over four hundred circulars to persons who showed an interest in 



