History of the Audubon Movement 57 



through his efforts a generous fund was raised which was used for special 

 protection to sea-birds during the breeding season, wardens being employed 

 for this purpose. Mr. Thayer has diligently and patiently worked to con- 

 tinue the fund from year to year, with annually increasing results, so that 

 during the past year thirty- four wardens have been employed, as follows: 

 Maine, 10; Massachusetts, i; New York, 2; New Jersey, 2; Virginia, 8; 

 North Carolina, 4; Florida, 4; Texas, i; Michigan, i; Oregon, i; and 

 a contract has just been made with a warden in Louisiana. 



Formation of the National Committee. — In November, 1900, an important 

 meeting took place in Cambridge, having as its object the discussion of 

 the Federation of the State Audubon Societies in order to strengthen 

 the bird-protection movement and more effectually place it upon a lasting 

 basis. A committee was appointed, which reported at a meeting held in 

 New York in November, 1901, as follows: 



1. That the several societies retain their individuality, that is, that 

 they be not merged into a National Organization. 



2. But in view of the increased efficiency that would always result 

 from some form of union, which would admit of concerted action, it is 

 recommended that, 



3. The several societies shall each appoint one member of a Committee 

 to be known as the National Committee of the Audubon Societies of 

 America. 



4. That the members of the Committee may be empowered to repre- 

 sent the societies whenever concerted action on the part of the societies 

 be deemed by the Committee expedient. 



5. That an annual Conference be held. 



Since 1901, the National Committee has had charge of the formation 

 of new Audubon Societies, the fostering and encouragement of the new 

 and weaker organizations, the warden system, legislation, and general 

 educational work, and it is also an additional medium of exchange between 

 the several state societies. In 1903 the National Committee began to 

 issue a series of illustrated leaflets for educational purposes. 



The above resume of the bird -protection movement, from its inception 

 to the end of 1903, is presented in order that the public may have 

 in concise form a history of the movement. 



If desired, fuller details may be obtained in the published reports 

 from 1896 to 1903 of the work done in those years. 



