4o6 Bird - Lore 



have been possible but for the accumulative effect of the widespread, persis- 

 tent educational effort which has long been in operation. 



With prophetic eye, our great founder declared in his annual report to 

 the Association in 1909: "It is the chief function of this Association to educate 

 the whole mass of our fellow citizens regarding the value of wild birds, and 

 the intimate relation that exists between them and agriculture. If we can 

 devise some means of imparting such knowledge to that whole mass of the 

 people, we will most surely show them that it is to their interest to preserve 

 birds; and, when we have succeeded in doing this, the result desired — the 

 preservation of birds — will surely follow." 



Not all of Mr. Butcher's dream has yet come true, but the great tide 

 of public sentiment is setting strongly in that direction. 



STATE LEGISLATION 



The past year, legislative sessions were held in more than forty states of 

 the Union. As usual, a large number of bills were introduced with a view to 

 making changes in the bird and game protective laws. Those intended to 

 weaken or brea.k down the existing statutes were combated vigorously by 

 bird-protectors and, with few exceptions, were defeated. On the other hand, 

 many beneficial measures were enacted. A detailed account of accomplish- 

 ments in this line will be found in the reports of the Field Agents or State 

 Secretaries published in connection with this report. A few of the more im- 

 portant laws secured through the efforts of the Audubon workers may here 

 be mentioned: 



In Florida, after a long campaign, laws were enacted to establish a State 

 Game Commission and to protect Robins at all times. 



In Michigan, a law passed to prohibit the sale of Heron "aigrettes." 



The Vermont laws were recodified with many beneficial changes, including 

 a prohibition of the sale of "aigrettes." 



In Pennsylvania, a campaign was organized in connection with the State 

 Audubon Society, for the purpose of securing a law to make it illegal to sell 

 "aigrettes" and the feathers of other birds. The importance of such a measure 

 was of the first magnitude, as Philadelphia had become the headquarters 

 of the wholesale dealers in bird-feather millinery since they were driven 

 out of New York by the operation of the Audubon anti-feather law. The 

 Association employed a special lecturer, who traveled over the state in the 

 interests of the bill. We also rented and opened an office in Philadelphia, 

 with Chief Clerk B. S. Bowdish in charge. From here one circular appeal 

 after another was sent broadcast throughout the state, and the public con- 

 science was awakened to the support of the bill. This Pennsylvania cam- 

 paign cost the Association more than $2,000, in addition to a vast amount 

 of individual effort; but the result was worth all it cost, for the law was passed, 



