The Audubon Societies 



253 



of the Committee for the year 1904 closely 

 approached $5,000. 



Mr. Albert Wilcox, of New York City, 

 had become interested in the movement 

 for bird-protection and that year not only 

 made a contribution to clear the Com- 

 mittee of its deficit but offered to will the 

 Committee a substantial sum if it would 

 incorporate. This led to the incorpora- 

 tion of The National Association of Audu- 

 bon Societies for the Protection of Wild 

 Birds and Animals, in January, 1905, Mr. 

 Dutcher being one of its thirty founders. 

 By the unanimous vote of the Directors 

 he was chosen President, a position he 

 held until the time of his death. 



During the six years of his activity in 

 this office, he accomplished more for the 

 cause which lay so near to his heart than 

 most men are privileged to achieve in a 

 lifetime. 



All the time that could be spared from 

 his duties as a general agent of the Pru- 

 dential Life Insurance Company was given 



joyfully and without remuneration to the 

 cause of bird-protection. He was the 

 leader in many campaigns for bird-protec- 

 tive laws, conducted wide educational 

 propaganda, and continued his great in- 

 terest in the guarding of water-bird colo- 

 nies and the establishment of Government 

 bird reservations. His correspondence grew 

 heavy and much of his writing was done 

 at home in the evening after most men's 

 work was over. He was at all times most 

 kindly and lovable in his associations with 

 others and by his zeal and unusual per- 

 sonality he drew many workers into the 

 field of bird-protection. 



Mr. Dutcher was born in Stelton, N. J., 

 in 1846, and was buried in Hillside Ceme- 

 tery, Plainfield, N. J., July 6, 1920. His 

 death occurred just as Bird-Lore is going 

 to press, which prevents the presentation 

 of a more adequate account of his character 

 and achievements. This it is planned to 

 present later. 



THE DEAD EAGLES OF ALASKA NOW NUMBER 8,356! 



In January, 1919, through these columns, 

 the Association first advised the public of 

 the nefarious bounty law in Alaska, which 

 provides for the payment of 50 cents for 

 every Bald Eagle killed in that terri- 

 tory. In the May-June issue of the same 

 year there appeared an account of our 

 efforts to secure, at the last session of the 

 Alaska Legislature, the repeal of this law. 



These articles attracted the attention of 

 others who in turn have voiced their op- 

 position to the idea of Alaska seeking to 

 exterminate these noble birds. The Asso- 

 ciation has put in motion certain move- 

 ments which we have reason to believe 

 will, before long, result in the repeal of 

 this law. In the meantime the slaughter 

 of Eagles goes merrily on at the rate of 

 200 a month. 



The following letter, dated April 22, 

 1920, and written by the Secretary of the 

 Alaska Fish and Game Club, brings up to 

 date the available information regarding 

 the slaughter of these birds. 



My dear Pearson: 



Complying with the request as stated 

 in your letter of April 13, it is advised 

 that the Territorial records show that 

 since last reporting to you as of date De- 

 cember 6, 1918, bounty has been paid upon 

 3,256 Eagles or a total of 8,356 since the 

 passage of the act and its taking effect. 



A vast difference is noted in the number 

 of this bird showing in southeastern and 

 western Alaska and it is a safe prediction 

 that if the slaughter continues for a few 

 years longer the species will become 

 practically extinct in this country. The 

 number upon which bounty has been paid 

 does not cover all which have been de- 

 stroyed, for it is agreed between hunters 

 that many a bird which has been shot is 

 not recovered. Various estimates have 

 been made as to the proportion of those 

 brought in for bounty to those destroyed 

 ranging from 25 to 50 per cent. It is 

 believed that out of every four shot, three 

 are reported for bounty, the other is either 

 lost in the woods or is seriously wounded 

 and subsequently dies. 



It will be a pleasure to respond to any 

 of your inquiries from time to time, so 

 do not hesitate to command. 

 Very sincerely, 

 CD. Garfield, 5fT/-e;arv 



