47 
Mr. Albert Perrior then read a paper, entitled: 
ONEIDA LAKE HERONS. 
This was a careful account of the breeding grounds of these 
birds near Oneida Lake, where about five hundred pair of heron 
nest in the swamp. Specimens of the birds and their eggs, to- 
gether with numerous photographs illustrating their nesting hab- 
its were shown. 
Prof. John A. Dakin then spoke about 
ECONOMIC ORNITHOLOGY. 
The true ornithologist is not a mere collector. There is 
more in a bird than can be found in the dead bodies and stuffed 
skins. The pleasure of studying their habits is the reward of the 
true naturalist. One can look for birds anywhere, even at our 
back doorstep, and never knows where he may make a rare dis- 
covery. The depopulation of our native birds is to be deplored, 
for the warfare which they constantly wage against the insects 
annually saves the country hundreds of thousands of dollars. 
The annual destruction of crops in the United States alone is 
placed at more than four hundred million dollars. 
The paper was discussed by Dr. W. M. Beauchamp, who 
believed that the depopulation of the native birds of our state 
was due more to the changed conditions rather than to the de- 
mand for them for women’s hats, as had been suggested. 
OcTOBER 20, 1899. 
THIRTY-FOURTH REGULAR MEETING. 
The vice-president, Joun A. Dakin, in the chair. 
Forty-one persons present. 
Mr. John G. Coulter was elected to active membership. 
