340 Bird- Lore 



side of the river there is a breeding area of probably the same extent which, up 

 to the present time, has never been patroled b}- a warden, with the result that 

 during the breeding season boat-load after boat-load of birds' eggs are taken 

 from the islands without let or hindrance. This condition of affairs will con- 

 tinue until the National Association extends its activities to those regions by 

 appointing wardens who will see to it that the efficient provisions of our state 

 law are carried out to the letter, and the birds permitted to breed in peace. 



At the request of the president of the National Association, our Society made 

 an investigation of the local quill trade. We found the retail millinery establish- 

 ments of New Orleans carrying large stocks of Pelican, Eagle, Hawk and Owl 

 quills. Many arrests were made, and as all the cases were decided in the courts 

 against the dealers and in our favor, the quill trade has been broken up. 



By far the most important event which our Society has to chronicle during 

 the past year is practically two decisions of our state supreme court, affirming 

 that the Model A. O. U. Law enacted by our state legislature is within con- 

 stitutional limits. 



From all this, it will be seen that the Louisiana Audubon Society is carrying 

 out the aims and purposes of its organization, and in our state we not only have 

 laws which protect the birds, but we are also enforcing them so effectually that 

 traffic in birds and birds' plumage has almost ceased. 



Recently we bought another breeding island (named Sundown Island), 

 making the ninteenth. With the seven islands of Breton reservation belonging 

 to the Federal Government under our control, we lay claim to having the largest 

 wild-sea-bird-breeding area in the world, and we expect in a few years, through 

 the aid of the National Association, to show the greatest sight in bird-breed- 

 ing that has ever been seen. 



Last year President Roosevelt sent us the following message: ''Hearty con- 

 gratulations to the Audubon Society of Louisiana. " 



This year, when Newton C. Blanchard, the Governor of our state, signed 

 the deed giving us title to an island (Battledore) sold by the state, he sent us the 

 following message: "Use sparingly of the game-birds, even within the permit 

 of the law. Protect from destruction altogether the non-game birds,'' — in which 

 sentiment we all heartily concur. — Frank M. Miller, President. 



Maine. — The local secretaries remain the same as last year, and the mem- 

 bership nearly the same, consequently the work of the local societies has been 

 chiefly educational. On the other hand, the work of the state secretary has been 

 chiefly miHtant, dealing with legislation, attending to a few complaints, and 

 furnishing information and laws concerning birds. Much of the latter work 

 cannot be separated from that performed at the direct instance of the National 

 Association, yet the value of the state organization should not be overlooked. 

 Very gratifying relations have been developed between the Society and the 

 ' Brotherhood of Sportsmen. ' 



