Report of ihe Secretary 425 



MISCELLANEOUS FACTS 



We have published during the fiscal year, first in Bird-Lore, and later as 

 separates, six Educational Leaflets accompanied by colored plates of the birds 

 treated. These were: Leaflets No. 83, Surf Scoter; No. 84, Shoveller; No. 85, 

 Chestnut-sided Warbler; No. 86, Redstart; No. 87, Veery; and No. 88, 

 Avocet. Our department in Bird-Lore filled 159 pages. We have also pub- 

 lished three new Circulars, prepared by the Secretary, namely: No. 2, 'Ceme- 

 teries as Bird Sanctuaries;' No. 3, 'Women and the Birds;' No. 4, 'Forma- 

 tion of Bird Clubs." During the year we have issued for the various uses of 

 the Association the following: Four-paged 'Announcements' of information 

 to teachers, 90,000; Circular No. 2, 15,000; No. 3, 15,000; No. 4, 1,000; Educa- 

 tional Leaflets (including four pages of text, a colored plate and an outline 

 drawing), 2,915,000; and 'Field Observation Records,' 5,000. Of record- 

 blanks, letterheads, and miscellaneous publications for ofiice-work or for 

 circularizing, 714,500. Correspondence, circularizing, sales, etc., required 

 287,587 printed envelopes of various sizes and forms, 8,200 cartons, and large 

 quantities of wrapping-paper, twine, etc. 



That the correspondence of the Association has become very heavy may be 

 shown by the statement that at times during the past spring the home office 

 alone frequently received no less than 600 letters in a single day. We 

 have found that the issuing of circulars and leaflets on specific subjects, con- 

 cerning which there is much inquiry, has resulted in a noticeable saving of 

 letter- writing and postage; nevertheless multitudes of letters must be an- 

 swered individually, and every effort is made to treat all inquiries seriously 

 and courteously. 



Some time ago a lady called us on the telephone and asked what was the 

 Audubon method of catching a bird. Upon inquiry it developed that her Par- 

 rot had flown out of the window and lighted in a tree. She was gravely advised 

 to consult the nearest policeman. Only a few days ago a letter was received 

 which read as follows: "Will you kindly tell me what to feed an Owl? I found 

 one in front of my home this morning. I gave him some warm milk through a 

 dropper. It is small and of a mottled color." The writer was advised that the 

 proper food for an Owl consisted of fresh meat. 



Those who write letters in the office are constantly cautioned that com- 

 munications from earnest seekers for the truth, no matter how trivial they 

 may appear, are to be answered in the same spirit of helpfulness that one would 

 use in replying to a letter of large moment. 



To conduct the business of the Association has required the services of a 

 permanent staff, consisting of a chief clerk, an assistant in charge of the 

 Junior department, a cashier, a bookkeeper, and ten clerical assistants. In 

 the busy half of the year much additional help is required temporarily. The 

 Association also contributes to the support of our Boston branch office, in 



