^"'igi^^^] T>vt:c\1'e.^, Protection of Giilh and Terns.. ^5 



and the results obtained during that period, it is felt, are verv 

 encouraging and fully warrant continued efforts. As the work 

 progresses, the field of operation enlarges greatly, and conse- 

 quently demands a rapidly increasing expenditure of thought, 

 time, and money by the Committee. 



Before entering into the details of the work it again becomes 

 necessary to speak in the highest terms of the part that has been 

 assumed by Mr. Abbott H. Thayer. The fact that he has col- 

 lected all of the money that has been expended speaks for itself. 

 It is the most thankless portion of the work, and that portion of 

 it that needs the most delicate handling, and had he not suc- 

 ceeded the whole plan of operation must necessarily have been 

 abandoned. The burden of soliciting funds for the proper carry- 

 ing on of protection work will soon become too great to be borne 

 by one person. 



Every year immense sums of money are given by philanthropic 

 persons to Humane Societies, and to Societies for the Prevention 

 of Cruelty to Animals. The American Ornithologists' Union is 

 an incorporated society, national in its territorial scope, and capa- 

 ble of wisely administering any donations of funds or any legacies 

 directed to be paid to its permanent endowment, which has al- 

 ready been commenced. This endowment fund is to be main- 

 tained in perpetuity and the interest alone is to be used for the 

 protection of North American Birds. It is unnecessary at this 

 time to speak of the very great economic and eesthetic value of the 

 birds; it is a fact too patent to need further comment. An appeal 

 is made to the generous American public to contribute to the per- 

 manent endowment fuhd of the American Ornithologists' Union 

 so that the birds of the country may always have given them the 

 protection they so much need. 



Two general lines of work have been followed by the Commit- 

 tee, both of them of great importance, but of widely different char- 

 acter, which may be designated as follows : Legislative Work, and 

 Protection by Wardens. 



