'^"I'^^n DUTCHER, Report of Committee on Bird Protect iott. IIQ 



should be its aim during 1904, and to strive to enroll children as 

 members. It has other work under consideration, but as no defi- 

 nite plan of action has yet been decided on it would be unwise 

 to present it in this report." 



Almost important and advanced step in bird protection work 

 has been taken in Delaware during the present year in the appoint- 

 ment by the State Board of Agriculture of an Honorary Consult- 

 ing Ornithologist. The selection of Mr. Charles D. Pennock, a 

 member of the American Ornithologists' Union, to this important 

 position gives assurance that the farmers who listen to his addresses 

 on birds will learn scientific facts of great value to them. 



District of Columbia. — Legislatmi. — None. A. O. U. model 

 law in force. 



Audubon work. — The Secretary reports as follows : 



" This Society was organized for the study and protection of 

 birds. Under the heading of study, the work accomplished has 

 been through lectures, monthly meetings for members, classes for 

 the instruction of teachers conducted by different ornithologists, 

 members of this Society, for which no charge is made. Fifty or 

 sixty teachers have been taught. In these classes illustrations are 

 made by means of bird skins owned by the Society. Classes for 

 popular instruction were held through the spring. These were 

 well patronized and created great enthusiasm, especially the out- 

 door classes, realizing for the treasury a considerable sum. 



" Field meetings were held through April and May for members 

 and their friends, each personally conducted by two or three 

 trained ornithologists. Leading, as they did, through the beauti- 

 ful woods around Washington, so easy of access, to which was 

 added one water excursion, these meetings are said to be the 

 crowning pleasure of the year's work. 



" For the protection of birds, examination of millinery stores has 

 been made by officers of the Society ; cooperation with the Audu- 

 bon Society of the State of Virginia, to secure the enactment of 

 an adequate law for that State ; cooperation with the game war- 

 dens of Montgomery County, Maryland, to all of whom copies of 

 our game laws were sent. Occasional examinations of the markets 

 and commission houses revealed no flagrant violation of game laws, 

 and no song birds offered for sale. 



