172 THE IMPORTANCE OF BIRD LIFE 



of the Millinery Association, fought just as stub- 

 bornly to preserve what they considered their 

 rights. 



The struggle swayed back and forth with minor 

 victories on both sides. Amendments and coun- 

 ter-amendments were submitted to the various 

 State legislatures and even to Congress. Investi- 

 gation followed investigation. The lobbyists had 

 full innings. 



Then the protective societies hit upon the plan 

 which finally brought permanent victory to their 

 banner. A campaign of education was begun. 

 The people for the first time heard the story of 

 the plume hunters. Newspapers took up the cry ; 

 the Department of Agriculture issued bulletins; 

 and thousands of instructive pamphlets were 

 printed and spread broadcast by the Audubon 

 Societies. The public was made to realize at last 

 that every tern, every aigret, and every pair of 

 wings worn for the sake of adornment had cost 

 some bird its life. 



The question of feathers to be worn in hats 

 became a public one. Popular indignation once 

 aroused against the feather trade, there was noth- 

 ing left for the State legislatures to do except act. 

 This was what the protective societies had aimed 

 for. Many native birds which hitherto had been 

 neglected by the law suddenly found themselves 

 on the protected list. States enacted laws pro- 

 hibiting the killing of birds for their plumage. 



