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THE AMERICAN MUSEUM JOURNAL 



In every part of the English-speaking world the principle of conservation 

 is taking firmer hold on public opinion, as shown both in expression in 

 literature and action in legislation. The lobbyist is becoming powerless 

 because contending with a growing sentiment which is fast attaining 



strength in commercial interests. 

 During the past two years the 

 legislatures of states like New 

 York, Massachusetts and New 

 Jersey, have enacted laws pro- 

 hibiting the sale of all wild game, 

 and in several states laws have 

 been passed limiting the use 

 of destructive weapons. The 

 United States and Canada have 

 followed up their great measures 

 for the preser\'ation of their for- 

 ests with the creation of animal 

 preserves in several of these for- 

 ests, in addition to setting aside 

 other especial preserves for the 

 bison and the prong-horn an- 

 telope. Great Britain has been 

 equally active in Africa, and it 

 is interesting to observe Ger- 

 nuiny and Austria now taking 

 up the animal conserAation 

 mo\"ement and forming their 

 own especial societies. Only the 

 Latin countries, P^rance and 

 Italy, seem to be behind in a 

 recognition of the necessity for 

 the preservation of wild animal 

 life. 



It is gratifying to realize that 

 the American Museum of Natu- 

 ral History has held from the 

 first a position as one of the cen- 

 ters of the conservation move- 

 ment. For among the hundreds 

 of thousands who annually pass 

 through the institution's halls 

 are many who gain knowledge 

 and an abiding interest in nature, the very mainsprings of the conservation 

 idea. It is cause for congratulation also that the Museum's influence for 

 the preservation of animal life is continually increasing as advances are 

 made in methods of exhibition and public education. 



VouiiK loxcs in one of the .Musfiun's .series of 

 group.s showing tiie mammals of New York State 



