16 P.D. 123 



published in a uniform edition of ten thousand copies each. An important 

 part of the third volume was the index of all three volumes, which was 

 prepared after most of the third volume was in proof. 



The Dissemination of Bird Information 



We have continued the issuance each month of the "Items of Interest" 

 which is sent to a mailing list of between six and seven hundred bird observ- 

 ers in return for the reports of their observations which they send to this 

 office. Each issue contains four to six pages of condensed information on 

 the distribution, abundance and movements of our New England birds, with 

 notes on their habits and economic status, and the results of investigations 

 carried on by this office and its co-operators. There is usually a section on 

 bird banding and notes on conservation. This bulletin is widely quoted in 

 newspapers and is an important part of the work of the Division. 



The Division contributes occasional articles to magazines of newspapers 

 or furnishes material for authors or staff writers. The Director writes a 

 review of New England bird life for each issue of "Bird-Lore," and is now 

 review editor of "Bird-Banding," besides contributing articles of general 

 interest to these periodicals. 



Several radio broadcasts have been given by members of the Division. 

 Lectures form another important part of our work, and the economic value 

 of our birds has been presented to such organizations as the Grange (local, 

 Pomona and State gatherings), Four-H Clubs, horticultural and garden 

 clubs, scout troops, women's clubs, fish and game associations, etc. 



Legislation, both State and Federal, is closely watched and anything affect- 

 ing our wild birds and animals or the outdoor life of our people is considered 

 as within the scope of our interest and activities. 



Personal interviews and correspondence about birds serve to bring us 

 many new facts and to give to others the results of our study. With the 

 completion of the three volumes of the "Birds of Massachusetts," the Divi- 

 sion should be enabled to devote time to investigations in the field along the 

 line of economic ornithology. A study of the food habits of our hawks and 

 owls has already been started. Another suggested investigation is the 

 relation between birds and cranberry bogs, and from Cape Cod comes a 

 request to investigate the relation of certain birds to the turnip and asparagus 

 crops. 



The Division of Ornithology, under Edward Howe Forbush, achieved 

 much of real value which culminated in the publication of his masterly 

 "Birds of Massachusetts." It should not stand still and rest upon the laurels 

 which he brought to it, but should continue its investigations in economic 

 ornithology and should persist in its labors in the cause of the conservation 

 of our wild life. 



REPORT OF DIVISION OF PLANT PEST CONTROL 



Nursery Inspection 



It must be that we in Massachusetts have learned to live with the imported 

 pests that in years past have been the cause of so much discussion and so 

 many quarantines. It is with a great deal of satisfaction that we can at 

 this time look to our nurseries and feel that they are in excellent condition. 

 Much of the credit for this lies with each nurseryman and is another example 

 of New England's thoroughness and ambition to produce the best. 



There has been a tendency in the last ten years toward an expansion of 

 the nursery business in this State. A few years ago certificates were issued 

 to about 150 nurseries, while this year 270 were granted. Naturally, many 

 of these new nurseries are small, but it seems as if there is a wonderful oppor- 

 tunity for them to grow, especially when one considers the large amount 

 of stock that is annually brought into the State. 



In the fall it has been our practice to carefully examine all property 

 immediately adjoining each nursery. This year these properties were found 

 in very good condition, and, of course, such conditions affect directly the 



