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So I bring to you today tie most nearty congratulations upon your 
past history, and upon the glorious achievements of some of your num- 
ber, and say that we wish you abundant success for the future. (Ap- 
_plause. ) 
FROM THE INDIANA AUDUBON SOCIETY. 
By WILLIAM WATSON WOOLLEN. 
Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: The first Audubon Society 
was organized in New York in 1886. Its purpose was “the protection of 
American birds, not used for food, from destruction for mercantile pur- 
poses.” In 1889 it seemed to have accomplished the purpose for which it 
was organized and the movement died out. 
A subsequent revival of the demand for birds for millinery purposes 
led to a re-awakening of sentiment on the subject, and in January, 1896, 
a State Audubon Society was organized in Massachusetts and in October 
of the same year one was organized in Pennsylvania. Such societies now 
exist in all of the states, except perhaps a half dozen, the object of their 
organization being the preservation of our birds which were fast being 
exterminated. It was thought that the people must be educated as to the 
worth of our birds, and these societies entered upon that work. 
In April, 1898, principally through the instrumentality of the Indiana 
Academy of Science, the Indiana Audubon Society was organized. I have 
in my office the minutes of that meeting, at which I was present. In 
looking over the minutes of that meeting I find the society was mainly 
constituted of members of this Association. ‘ 
The work which has been accomplished by the Audubon Societies of 
the country has been immense. I am not sure that I know of any other 
organization which, with as little money, has accomplished so much good. 
Its work for good has been of such a character as to attract the atten- 
tion of the people of the country and especially the Department of Agri- 
culture at Washington. The annual reports of that department have 
taken account of these societies and commended them for the work which 
they have accomplished, You all must be aware of the legislation that 
