8o Bird - Lore 



birds' eggs for sale, as was the custom formerly. On August 3, all the 

 birds, young and old, from the other keys and sand spits in the immediate 

 neighborhood were gathered on Sand Key and were estimated to number 

 about four thousand. They remained until the 7th, when they left about 

 4 o'clock in the afternoon. 



A new warden, Benjamin Peacon, who was recommended to the Com- 

 mittee by Capt. Geo. A. Bicknell, U. S. Navy, Commandant Key West 

 Naval Station, was employed during the breeding season on the Dry 

 Tortugas. The warden resided on Bird Key from May 10 to July 23, and 

 reports that the Terns had an undisturbed season and made a normal 

 increase. It is his opinion, however, that, unless a warden is stationed on 

 Bird Key every year, the colony will be systematically robbed of their 

 eggs, as the sentiment in that locality is decidedly against prevention of 

 egging. 



The following interesting and important report by Mrs. Marrs, Chair- 

 man of the Executive Committee of the Florida Audubon Society, gives a 

 very clear idea of the excellent work that is being done in Florida, and it 

 also contains a most pertinent suggestion regarding the prohibition of 

 Pigeon shooting at traps. This is a cruel and debasing practice, and the 

 Florida Audubon Society will only be doing its duty when it takes up the 

 matter with the legislature and press of the state. "An increasing mem- 

 bership shows a more general interest in the state for bird protection. 

 Membership, including all grades, 750. Leaflets and pamphlets distributed, 

 10,000. Warning notices sent out for posting, 2,000. Some 800 letters 

 have been written." Original leaflets published during year, 6, making the 

 total number of Florida leaflets 14. A large card has been printed giving a 

 summary of the ' Bird Laws of the State' (arranged by Mr. R. W. Wil- 

 liams, Jr.) ; 600 have been sent for posting in merchandise stores, express 

 offices, stations, hotels, etc. Sixty-seven teachers are enrolled as members. 

 There are 8 local secretaries, who have in charge for use of schools 30 

 Massachusetts Audubon charts. Prizes were offered at close of the school 

 year for Bird Chart compositions. Ten prizes and several rewards of merit 

 were given. Of these prizes 4 were books, 5 were subscriptions to BiRD- 

 LoRE, I to 'American Birds.' The average age of children 11 years. 

 Bird -Lore is also offered gratuituously, on application, to the principal of 

 any Florida college, institute or school. Ten prizes of $2 each were 

 given for articles written on Florida birds at the 'Student Help Fair' held in 

 Jacksonville in May. 'The Palmetto Club' at Daytona, and 'The Rosa- 

 lind Club' of Orlando, have each paid a 'Sustaining Membership.' The 

 Florida State Federation of Women's Clubs have a sub-committee on the 

 'Preservation of Birds.' The Sunshine Society of Florida lends us a 

 helping hand. All such organizations are urged to become members, to 

 more widely establish an interest. 



