Vol i89 K 9 VI ] Notes and News. 215 



West Chester, Pa. Although for many years retired from active ornith- 

 ological work, Mr. Hoopes was formerly a well known member of the 

 Academy's Ornithological Committee — at the time when John Cassin 

 was the leading ornithologist of the country. The present collection has 

 been formed during recent years, and for excellence of specimens and 

 beauty of arrangement is probably excelled by few, if any. It consists 

 almost entirely of North American Land Birds and comprises upward of 

 7000 specimens. 



The Recent organization of The American Society of Bird-Restorers 

 is a most hopeful sign of the times for bird lovers. While the scope of 

 the Society is national its methods are also intensely local and practical. 

 Fletcher Osgood, the general manager and organizer, has extended its 

 membership over much of the United States from Maine to California, 

 and as far south as Arkansas. Accessions are coming in constantly. 



The Society seeks to bring back our native song and insect-eating 

 birds to communities all over the country, from which they have been 

 expelled by causes known and removable. It is broadly inclusive in its 

 aim and methods, welcoming members of kindred organizations, and 

 helping men and women and the young to work for our birds in prac- 

 tical and fascinating ways. Some of its distinctive features are : The 

 organization of adults and youth into patrols to observe and protect our 

 birds, especially during the nesting season ; concerted action, without 

 cruelty, against the English Sparrow, and the appointment of Bird- 

 Wardens. General educative work, tree-planting, and food-providing for 

 the birds are specially encouraged. 



The Advisory Board includes many of oUr leaders in science, religion, 

 education and affairs. It is proposed to form a Branch Society in every 

 town and city of the Union. While the society has been in existence but 

 a few months, already fully organized branches are forming or have 

 formed in different parts of the Nation, and the Observation and Pro- 

 tective Patrol is represented in many States. 



An especially important movement, likely to be initiated throughout 

 the Union, and immediately resulting from the activity of the Bird Re- 

 storers Society, is the appointment of a body of bird wardens by the 

 Massachusetts State Board of Agriculture. These wardens are chosen 

 from among members of the gypsy moth extermination force, dispersed 

 over more than thirty towns and cities. Later, it is hoped, bird wardens 

 may be appointed by the society in every town and city of the State. 



Another movement, due solely, to the American Society of Bird- 

 Restorers, is now attracting wide attention : A Committee of Bostonians, 

 organized by Manager Osgood and those associated with him, presented 

 recently to the Mayor of Boston, a petition not far from thirty feet long, 

 signed by a great number of the heaviest taxpayers in Boston, together 

 with clergymen, educators, and people of all classes praying that the 

 English Sparrow be reduced and if possible practically suppressed in 



