History of the Audubon Movement 51 



an existence, we will hand the books and any funds which it may have, 

 over to its members, who will, thereafter, take charge of it. The work to 

 be done by the Audubon Society is auxiliary to that undertaken by the 

 Committee of the American Ornithologists' Union ; and will further the 

 efforts of the A. O. U. Committee, doing detail duties to which they can- 

 not attend." 



That the Audubon Society attracted the attention of the best minds of 

 the country is indicated by the following letters, selected from many others, 

 received by ' Forest and Stream ' : 



"Brooklyn, N. Y., Feb. 20, 1886. 

 I am heartily in sympathy with your purposes for the protection of 

 birds, and should be glad to contribute any influence that I can to that end. 

 If there were no purchasers there would be no demand, and no reason for 

 slaughtering these winged gems. But as only women create a demand, it 

 rests upon them to stay this wanton destruction. I am sure it is only nec- 

 essary to bring before American women the cruelty of this ' slaughter of the 

 innocents ' that fashion is carrying on to secure a renunciation of this orna- 

 ment and the salvation of birds. On this subject the kind feelings, the 

 taste, and aesthetic sympathy of the whole community are on your side, 

 and if you persevere you will assuredly win. Yours, 



Henry Ward Beecher." 



"Oak Knoll, Danvers, Mass., 2d mo., 20, 1886. 

 I heartily approve of the proposed Audubon Society. We are in a way 

 to destroy both our forests and our birds. A Society for the preservation of 

 the latter has long been needed, and I hope it is not too late for the ac- 

 complishment of its objects. I could almost wish that the shooters of the 

 birds, the taxidermists who prepare their skins, and the fashionable wearers 

 of their feathers might share the penalty which was visited upon the Ancient 

 Mariner who shot the Albatross. Thy Friend, John G. Whittier." 



Bishop Henry C. Potter wrote: "There is an element of savagery in the 

 use of birds for personal decoration, which is in grotesque contrast with 

 our boasts of civilization : but even the savage stops short, as a rule, with 

 the feathers. It is only Christian people who think it worth while to 

 butcher a whole bird to adorn their headgear. I am sure, however, that it 

 is largely from that unreflecting habit which is a leading vice in people who 

 follow the fashions. But it is a vice, as Hood sang, when he wrote, 



' For evil is wrought 

 By want of thought, 

 As well as by want of heart.'" 



Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote: "I assure you of my hearty sympathy 

 with the members of the Audubon Society in their efforts to prevent the 



