112 Bird -Lore 



the distribution of Audubon Educational Leaflets and other bird h'terature 

 have been the means of affording reHable information in regard to the life 

 histories of some of the birds and their food habits. 



"The public is becoming interested, the use of birds more appreciated, 

 and the importance of protecting them more greatly recognized than 

 formerly. 



"By the newspaper clippings I have sent from time to time you v^^ill 

 notice that the subject of bird protection is being taken up by our 

 Farmers' Institutes, Truck Growers' Associations and Humane Societies. 

 Until the alarming increase of insect pests of late years, very few people 

 paid any attention to the relation of birds to agricultural and horticultural 

 pursuits. Now there is a demand for information and a desire to form 

 bird protective associations. Unfortunately, the great majotity of people 

 in Texas know very little about bird life, habits, etc. 



"If the Audubon Society were able to send a bird man to Texas he 

 would find conditions favorable, and many willing to assist in organizing 

 bird protective associations, which would result in formation of a State 

 Audubon Society, with branches and active workers all over the common- 

 wealth. 



"The new bird law has undoubtedly resulted in stopping the indis- 

 criminate slaughter of many useful birds, and if those classed as game 

 were not included, it might be said that the present law gives general 

 satisfaction. On account of some of its provisions which relate to certain 

 game birds, there are some who do not favor the law as it now stands. 

 I understand that several amendments will be offered at the next session 

 of the legislature. Objections to the law in its present form come 

 principally from the following classes : 



"Professional market hunters and shippers of game, restaurant and 

 hotel keepers and from a great many of the general public, who do not 

 themselves shoot, but who like game in season, and are now prevented 

 from buying it. The chief objection from the latter class is that some 

 of the so-called gentleman sportsmen return from hunting trips with 

 quantities of Ducks, etc., above the limit allowed (viz., twenty-five to 

 each man), having taken negroes and others with them for the purpose 

 of carrying and standing responsible for the birds illegally killed. 



"In a state like Texas, with such an immense area, and so many diverse 

 interests, it would have been remarkable had a law been passed including 

 both game and non-game birds that would have suited all parties; however, 

 there seems to be an opinion among certain people that changes of a minor 

 character will strengthen and improve the law. On the other hand, there 

 are those who think that it will be for the welfare of the state at large 

 to let the law stand as it is; it is said that many of those who desire 

 changes are actuated by individual interests. 



