58 Bird -Lore 



REPORT OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR 1904 



Suggestions. — This brings us to the present year's activities, but, before 

 detailing them, it is deemed advisable to present certain important sugges- 

 tions for the consideration of the several state societies; the most vital 

 of these is legislation. 



In the states of Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, 

 Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hamp- 

 shire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, 

 Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming, there 

 will be legislative sessions commencing early in 1905- In each of these 

 states the Model Law is now in force, and it is, therefore, extremely 

 important that measures shall be adopted to prevent any adverse bird 

 legislation. The Audubon Societies of the several states in question 

 should at once have their Law Committees arrange to watch closely for 

 any such legislation. If this is not done, it will be a very easy matter 

 -for selfish people to have amendments passed that will very seriously weaken 

 the present excellent laws. In Ohio, in 1903. an amendment was passed 

 removing the Dove from the protected birds. This was a very serious 

 loss to the state itself, besides having a bad influence in other sections 

 of the country. The best method of watching legislation is to arrange 

 with some reliable person at the Capitol, preferably a bright newspaper 

 reporter, to furnish a copy of every bird bill that is introduced; the 

 Law Committee will then determine whether the bill is adverse or benefi- 

 cial; if the latter, it should be supported by the Society, but, if adverse, 

 every means should be taken to defeat the passage of the bill. This 

 is one of the most important activities for Audubon Societies to engage 

 in, and under no circumstances should it be overlooked or passed by 

 as a matter of no importance. 



The National Committee, having large experience in such matters, 

 holds itself in readiness to advise and aid the Audubon Society of any 

 state where adverse legislation may be introduced. 



A second suggestion, equally important, is the incorporation, not only 

 of each State Society, but of the National Committee also, for the same 

 reasons apply to all. 



We have seen that the original Audubon movement was not permanent 

 chiefly because of lack of pecuniary support. Permanency for all the 

 societies can be obtained only by incorporation, in order that each may 

 be in a legal position to receive bequests from persons to whom our great 

 economic movement appeals. The financial support of such an under- 

 taking as ours is always largely in the nature of voluntary subscriptions, and 

 to a smaller extent from dues of members. That these latter arc in no 



