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protection at Seebach belonging to Baron von Berlepsch was raised 

 by the State to a central station for the protection of birds. 



It had long outgrown its local position, and for many years had been 

 visited by numerous people from at home and abroad. Latterly the 

 increased interest in practical bird-protection led to so many claims 

 being made on the station that Baron von Berlepsch was quite unable 

 to cope with them. The work that had such a good foundation, and 

 was progressing of its own accord, would have been hindered in its 

 natural development if the Royal Prussian Government had not 

 come forward to assist this enterprise, which was for the xjommon 

 good. 



The ornithologist, Friedrich Schwabe, was therefore appointed on 

 April 1st, 1909, to assist and represent Baron von Berlepsch. His 

 work consists in carrying out experiments and observations under 

 the direction of his chief in all matters having to do with bird-protection, 

 and in making them generally known, in answering official and private 

 enquiries, instructing and acting as guide to visitors, and as far as 

 his time allows giving lectures in other places. 



(c) Courses of Instruction in Practical Bird-Protection. 



One of the most essential points is the arrangement of special 

 courses on bird-protection, which include not only theory but more 

 especially practical instruction in all its branches. They are held 

 in winter. The dates are announced in advance every year. They 

 are arranged like the lectures for fruit-culture. Length of course, 

 five days. Instruction in bird-protection can be given at Seebach 

 at other times, apart from these lectures. Satisfactory board and 

 lodging can be obtained at the Seebach Hotel. All the rest is free. 



In the autumn of 1 908, the first courses were held, with an attendance 

 of twenty-four gentlemen. The first two courses were under the personal 

 superintendence of Baron von Berlepsch. This forms a unique incident 

 in the history of bird-protection, and is highly significant for its 

 future development. Instruction in bird-protection ! Who would 

 have dared to hope for this a short time ago ? The institution has 

 been welcomed on all sides as the surest way of encouraging and 

 promoting those measures which alone ensure success. 



