JOURNAL OF MAINK ORNITHOLOGICAI^ SOCIETY. 55 



year. It must be conceded that, so far as the public is concerned, the 

 field of ornithological publications is' amply filled, and a multiplicity 

 of publications is a disadvantage to the investigator. On the other 

 hand, there may be numerous and excellent reasons for continuing 

 one more popular ornithological publication. The question should, 

 at any rate, be put fairly to subscribers and members alike, inviting 

 consideration and expressions of opinion. It is especially desired 

 that a large attendance of members participate in the consideration 

 of this question at the annual meeting, and, if it is deemed wise to 

 continue its publication, to determine further whether any changes 

 of policy or form are desirable. 



The fifth International Ornithological Congress, which assem- 

 bled May 30, at Berlin, Germany, was divided into five sections, 

 section four being devoted to Bird Protection. Over two hundred 

 delegates were in attendance at the congress. Mr. Wm. Dutcher, 

 the American delegate, says in Bh-d-Lorc, July-August, 1910: 

 "There was a very strong and unanimous sentiment in the congress 

 that dra.stic action should be taken at once, in all parts of the world, 

 to prevent the further use of the plumage of wild birds for millinery 

 ornaments. It was shown conclusively that the live bird was neces- 

 sary as an aid to agriculture and forestry, and also for the health 

 and comfort of mankind. It is also shown that many species of wild 

 birds are dangerously near extermination." The section selected a 

 permanent International Committee for Bird Protection, with mem- 

 bers from Austria, Bavaria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany. 

 Great Britain, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Russia, Sweden, 

 and the United States, Mr. Wm. Dutcher and Dr. Theo. S. Palmer 

 representing the last country. 



It will doubtless be of interest to readers of the Journal, and 

 particularly librarians, to know that the work of indexing the twelve 

 volumes of the Journal is under way and will be submitted to the 

 society at an early time, possibly at the annual meeting. 



Recreation for September contains a valuable article by Edward 

 Cane, entitled Our New Game Birds. It presents views of the large 

 sums expended in various efforts during the past thirty years to 

 introduce foreign game birds (not the beginning of these attempts), 

 the methods of introduction, and of destruction, and the systems 

 pursued by two typical states. 



