loO DuTCHER, Report of Committee on Bird Protection. Ii^n 



Terns were very scarce here, apparently even more so than at 

 Beach Haven, for I saw not more than fifteen all told. 



"I noted no Least Terns nor Black Skimmers at either locality 

 visited. Both species formerly occurred at these points. 



" As being practically the only breeding grounds of Laughing 

 Gulls and Common Terns on the New Jersey coast at the present 

 time, it seems to me very desirable that the protection of these two 

 colonies should be continued. The success of the terns largely 

 depends upon the prohibition of all spring shooting after they have 

 reached their breeding grounds. I was informed by Captain Lud- 

 1am that large numbers of terns arrived at his locality in the spring 

 but were driven away by the shooting, a very small number 

 remaining to breed. If spring shooting is stopped and the birds 

 rigorously protected the terns will undoubtedly increase in 

 numbers." 



Audubon ivork. — The Secretary reports as follows : " The 

 Audubon Society has 566 members, the greater part of the new 

 ones being children. During the past year two leaflets have been 

 written by members of the Society. Altogether over 1,000 leaflets 

 have been sent out, and about 125 letters written. 



"An effort will be made during the coming year to insure the 

 protection of Robins, and also to create more interest in birds 

 among the children in the State. 



" Fifty-three towns and fifteen counties are represented in the 

 Society." 



New Mexico. — Legislation. — The non-game bird law of this 

 State is fairly comprehensive and if properly enforced will protect 

 the birds. In addition, Sec. 3, of Chapter 51, Acts of 1899, gives 

 authority for any owner or lessee of lands to post his premises and 

 thus prevent any person shooting thereon. A violation of this 

 provision is a misdemeanor. 



The next session of legislature will be held in 1905. 

 Warden work. — No wardens were employed by the Thayer 

 Fund. 



Audubon Society. — There is none at present in the Territory. 



New York. — Legislation. — No change was made in the non- 

 game bird law ; however, the game law was greatly improved by 

 the passage of a bill introduced by the Hon. Elon R. Brown abol- 



