No. 123.] ORNITHOLOGY. 87 



migratory bird convention act, which in Canada performs a 

 similar office to that of the migratory bird treaty act in the 

 United States. This will tend to sustain in Canada the en- 

 forcement of regulations under the treaty similar to those now 

 in force in the United States. 



Complaints of Law Breaking. 

 During the past year many complaints have been received 

 that the State laws for the protection of birds and game and 

 the migratory bird treaty act had been violated. Wherever 

 there seemed to be good grounds for complaint the matter has 

 been brought to the attention of both the State and Federal 

 authorities and in most cases immediate action has been taken. 

 It is suggested, however, that such complaints, requiring quick 

 action, should go direct to the authorities who have the en- 

 forcement of the law in charge, i.e., Mr. William C. Adams, 

 director, Division of Fisheries and Game, 321 State House, 

 Boston, Massachusetts, and Dr. E. W, Nelson, chief. Bureau 

 of Biological Survey, Department of Agriculture, Washington, 

 District of Columbia. 



Inquiries from outside Massachusetts. 



Many inquiries come to this office not only from Massa- 

 chusetts but from other States and other countries. Most of 

 them relate to birds, but some have no relation to the work of 

 this Division. In such cases the matters are duly referred to 

 the proper authorities, but there seemed to be no official to 

 whom to refer a reciuest from the National Research Council 

 at Washington. The executive secretary of the Division of 

 States Relations, Dr. Albert B. Barrows, wrote on January 10, 

 1920, asking information on the present scientific functions of 

 the State departments of Massachusetts and their relations to 

 each other, to the government, to the Legislature and to edu- 

 cational institutions in the State. The information was de- 

 sired particularly in view of the recent changes in the organ- 

 ization of State boards, commissions and departments in 

 Massachusetts. 



Considering the many duties laid upon this Division by law, 

 it did not seem proper for us to undertake the inquiry, and 



