Vol. XVII Report of Committee on Bird Protection. 57 
1900 
‘ 
season in Massachusetts have been well cared for, as usual, and 
although I understand an unusually large number of these birds 
has been killed during the past year for millinery purposes and 
decoration, I can safely state that mo¢ one has been taken for such 
purposes on any of the islands under my care. Owing to the 
continued disability of Mr. John Sandsbury, I was obliged at the 
last moment to find another person to fill the position of special 
police officer for the Muskeget group of islands. Mr. Edward E. 
Snow of Nantucket was selected, and was considerately appointed 
by the town of Nantucket to protect the birds during the past 
season. As might be expected, the result continues to show 
increasing numbers of Terns and Laughing Gulls in this locality, 
and each year an earlier date of arrival would seem to indicate 
their impatience to reach this secure breeding resort. When 
I look back to former years, and compare their situation then 
with what it is at present, I am sure we shall have no complaints 
from the birds’ standpoint. 
‘On Penikese Island, in Buzzards Bay, Mass., the owners, 
Messrs. Homer Bros., have extended the same courtesy and aid 
to me as heretofore in furthering my plans, and it gives me 
much pleasure to acknowledge such indispensable help. 
“Early in the year an effort was made by a society called the 
‘American Bird Restorers,’ to reduce the numbers of House 
Sparrows (Passer domesticus) in Boston. I took.no part in this 
movement. The effort met with widespread opposition and 
resistance, and the daily newspapers were teeming for weeks with 
literature on the subject. Little was accomplished, however, as 
far as a diminution of birds was concerned, and after the excite- 
ment waned the matter became quiescent. It brought out one 
fact, however, viz., that even the most despised birds have hosts 
of friends and protectors ready to champion their cause, regard- 
less of merit.” 
In conclusion your Committee may say that with the establish- 
ment of the Audubon Societies and ‘ Bird-Lore’ their work has 
been materially relieved, but they still stand as a central com- 
mittee for the diffusion of information on any subjects upon which 
they may be consulted, and would especially urge upon the mem- 
bers of the Union the importance of their assistance in taking 
