Report of T. Gilbert Pearson 287 



number of eggs laid and young raised. In other cases where the birds gather 

 in great masses, or are extended over wide areas, it is impossible to form an 

 exact estimate of their numbers. However, we believe that the reports of the 

 wardens are sufficiently correct to prove of interest. These show that during 

 the past year the birds which gathered in the protected colonies numbered some- 

 thing over 658,500. The number of eggs believed to have been laid was 296,100, 

 and the number of young raised was 227,731. 



As usual, many eggs and young were lost as a result of storms and high tides, 

 but it is believed the colonies suffered little from the depredation of eggers, while 

 the guarded territory is thought to have been entirely free from inroads of the 

 millinery-feather gatherers. 



SECRETARY'S WORK 



Besides conducting the ever-increasing correspondence and general work 

 of the Southern office, your Secretary has spent much time in the field represent- 

 ing the Association in various capacities. In the interest of legislation, he has 

 visited Florida and lectured at various places in Virginia. At the Summer School 

 of the South at Knoxville, Tenn., he conducted for three weeks a class in bird 

 study of over one hundred Southern teachers, besides giving public stereopticon 

 lectures. He attended the Indiana State Audubon Society meeting at Fort 

 Wayne, the International Conference of Fisheries held in Washington City, 

 and various public gatherings in North Carolina, at many of which he gave 

 addresses on bird protection and the Audubon work. He made a tour of inspec- 

 tion through South Carolina and secured evidence of many violations of the Game 

 laws. For example, one hotel was found to have in cold storage 3,000 Quail, 

 which were being served illegally to the guests. His work has also brought him 

 to New York on various occasions to canvass for funds and for conferences 

 with the President. 



