', "(Sgy J Jicfort of CoiiunHtcc on Bird Pyotcrtioii. Qrt 



" /« Tcstitnoiiy Whereof, 1 have liereunto set mj liand and caused the 

 Great Seal of the State of Wisconsin to be affixed. Done at the Capitol, 

 in- the Citj of Madison; this 24th day of March, in the year of our Lord 

 one Thousand Eight Hundred and Ninety-seven. 



\Sear\ Edward Scomki.d. 



By the Go\ernor : 



Henry Casson, Secretary of State," 



Mr. George A. Morrison, of Fox Lake, gives a very interesting 

 account of the influence of Bird Day on the boys of his town : 

 " Bird Day was observed here this year April 30, in connection 

 with Arbor Day. This was in compHance with an act passed Ijy 

 our last legislature, setting aside a day for the special study of 

 birds and trees in the schools of the State. 



"The exercises were held in the college chapel, and all depart- 

 ments of the public school participated. At the close of the 

 program I gave a little talk on birds, their habits, and need of 

 protection. 



" For some time previous there had seemed to be a growing 

 interest manifested on the part of a number of the boys in the 

 characteristics and habits of several of our more common birds. 

 This program seemed to awaken them still more, for, in the suc- 

 ceeding weeks, during the spring migration, they often came to my 

 store, asking about the song of some bird they had undoubtedly 

 frequently heard before, but now it was heard in a diflferent way ; 

 it had a meaning, and they learned to recognize the songs of 

 several birds. One species with which they became acquainted 

 last winter was the Evening Grosbeak, a little flock of which 

 remained with us from February 13 to April 20, so the bovs had 

 ample opportunity to observe the habits of this winter visitor. 



" During the nesting season I think there were but few nests 

 robbed, and fewer birds killed just for fun, which goes to show 

 that the small boy, however malicious, can be taught to respect 

 and love the friends of the air, if the right course be taken. 



" In the near future I hope to see a society formed here for the 

 study and protection of our birds. This may be accomplished 

 this winter, as several have indicated a willingness to lend thein 

 assistance in this movement. I hope to be able to give you ^i 

 more complete report next year.'' ..- r - 



