Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 455 



South Carolina. — Since January i, 19 16, twenty-seven talks have been 

 given by the secretary on the subject of birds before bird clubs, community 

 clubs, women's organizations, schools and colleges, many of them illustrated 

 by lantern-slides. Programs also have been arranged for women's clubs and 

 schools throughout the state. The secretary gave a six- weeks course in bird- 

 study at the State Summer School, the National Association cooperating with 

 Winthrop College in presenting this course. 



Nearly two thousand letters have been written in the interest of bird- 

 conservation, many in answer to requests for information, suggestions, or 

 literature. It is encouraging to report the organization of eleven local bird 

 clubs by Ernest Harold Baynes on his visit to this state. An exhibit in bird- 

 protection was held at the state agricultural fair. 



The piece de resistance of the year's work is the Society's sixty-nine page 

 report on the 'Decrease of Birds in South Carolina,' which has been issued as 

 a bulletin of the State University. The expense of printing was borne jointly 

 by the University, the National Association, and the State Audubon Society. 

 This report contains evidence of the decrease of birds in this state, a state- 

 ment of causes, and many valuable suggestions for the better protection of 

 birds. Copies have been sent to members of the legislature, newspapers, game- 

 wardens, members of the Audubon Society, libraries, teachers, women's clubs, 

 farmers, and other interested persons. It promises to shape materially the 

 future policy of game-conservation in this state. — Miss Belle Williams, 

 Secretary-Treasurer. 



CLUBS AFFILIATED WITH THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 



Audubon Bird Club of Minneapolis.— Our Club, organized in January, 

 191 5, by Ernest Harold Baynes, has given its attention largely this year to 

 promoting interest and work among the school-children of the city. At the 

 regular monthly afternoon meetings various phases of bird-life and bird-pro- 

 tection have been considered. Papers, book-reviews, and talks were prepared 

 by members of the Club, the program generally closing with a Round Table, 

 or informal discussion, open to all. 



We have 125 adult members, and take forty copies of Bird-Lore. Chil- 

 dren under sixteen years may become members on payment of 25 cents a year 

 — adult membership dues are $1 a year, or membership with one year's sub- 

 scription to Bird-Lore, $1.50. 



During the summer months outdoor picnic meetings are held in the city 

 parks, or the Club is entertained at the suburban home of some member. Bird- 

 walks have been taken by small companies of the members, other 'hikes' 

 arranged for school-children on Saturday mornings, and several informal talks 

 have been given by different members, during the noon hour, to the young 

 women employed in some of the large manufacturing houses. Such talks have 



