Reports of Field Agents 493 



REPORT OF WINTHROP PACKARD, FIELD AGENT 

 FOR MASSACHUSETTS 



The work of your Field Agent during the past year has been varied and 

 interesting, and has overflowed the borders of the state. In Massachusetts, 

 the usual vigorous attempt was made to extend the open season on wildfowl, 

 giving back to the gunners a part of their old-time spring shooting. This bill 

 was killed by \agilant efforts and the aid of many afl&liated societies. Another 

 bill, which purported to make the state's open season conform with that of 

 the Federal regulations, was killed, as it contained a "joker" — a Httle phrase 

 which would have completely broken down the state laws for preserving game, 

 had it passed. A bill for a codification of the game-laws of the state was 

 earnestly supported, but failed of passage. The most picturesque attempt at 

 legislation was that which provided that only licensed cats should be kept 

 alive in the state. This biU was taken seriously by the House for the first time, 

 and would undoubtedly have gone to the Senate had not a self-seeking legis- 

 lator offered an amendment giving farmers the right to keep a certain number 

 of cats without a license-fee. This fooUsh amendment killed the bill. 



During the intense cold and deep snow of last winter, a general request 

 was sent out through the State Society, urging the people to feed wild birds, 

 and gi\ing careful directions how to do so. The response was immediate 

 and generous. 



Two very important bird-days were held during the summer by the State 

 Grange. Large audiences were addressed by your agents at these gatherings, 

 and there was an exhibition of bird-protection appliances. The convention of 

 Grange Lecturers at Amherst was attended and addressed; also the annual 

 meeting of the Laurel HiU Association, at Stockbridge, where an exhibition 

 of bird-protection literature and appliances was made. 



Your Field Agent has maintained, during October, in connection with 

 the Massachusetts State Society, a large exhibition at the annual food fair in 

 Mechanics' Building, Boston. It is reckoned that the attendance at this fair 

 will be half a million persons. On Columbus Day, October 12, 61,000 persons 

 visited the building, and apparently everyone of them asked questions at the 

 Audubon Society's booth. 



During the year, your Field Agent has delivered over forty lectures to 

 audiences aggregating 7,800, an average attendance of 190, 



An important part of the work has been that of raising funds for the 

 National Association, and adding new members. Your agent feels that he has 

 been especially fortunate this year in getting life-members for the Association, 

 his total number to date being twenty-five, while his sustaining membership 

 list shows no. Your agent has also given every assistance possible to the 

 State Society's Jvmior Class work. 



In New Hampshire and Vermont, largely through the tact and energ}' of 



