﻿Reservations 



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the proper season, is a fact, and, owing to the character of the territory and 

 of its inhabitants, it seems impossible to prevent it. Florida has no method 

 of game law enforcement worthy of the name, and until the legislature 

 passes a law creating a self-supporting Game Commission, the interests of 

 the state will suffer. The opportunity to make a vast game and bird pre- 

 serve of the state of Florida and thus 

 attract thousands of sportsmen and other 

 tourists within her borders, who will 

 contribute millions of dollars annually 

 to the wealth of the state, has too long 

 been overlooked and neglected. Some 

 energetic and public-spirited Floridian 

 should endeavor to break into the 

 lethargic condition of his fellow citizens 

 and save one of the greatest assets of 

 the state, which nsw is being rapidly 

 wasted by selfish individuals who do not 

 understand the meaning of the words 

 patriotism or good civics. The illicit 

 traffic in plumes is carried on with cer- 

 tian New York dealers, who are willing 

 to engage in an underhand and disgrace- 

 ful trade which is on a par with smug- 

 gling and receiving stolen goods. It is 

 pitiable that such men can be found in 

 any community. The laws of New York 

 should be amended in such manner as 

 to reach and severely punish men who 

 tempt the plume-hunters of other states 

 by furnishing a market for their unlaw- 

 ful goods. 



The wardens in Louisiana are directed by the officers of the Audubon 

 Society, their wages being paid from an appropriation by the National Asso- 

 ciation. The remarkable results achieved are detailed in the State Report 

 (see p. 258). 



Only one warden was employed in Texas, — at Matagorda Island. The 

 birds were not molested by man, but many eggs were covered by drifting 

 sand, and were thus destroyed. This is the first time that the unstable 

 character of the sand beaches was known to be a peril to the breeding birds. 

 It is as impossible of prevention as storm tides, and quite as destructive. The 

 extensive coast-line of Texas, it is hoped, can be thoroughly explored during 

 the coming season, and effective warden care provided for all the colonies of 

 sea-birds that undoubtedly breed there. 



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WARDEN HALFORD 

 Made at Point a l'Hatche, Louisiana 



