Results Achieved 



297 



to make preliminary reports of the conditions at his station during the season, 

 and a final report or summary at the close of the breeding period, or when the 

 young birds are all awing. Very often we are fortunate enough to have some 

 member of the Association, who is a trained ornithologist, make a tour of in- 

 spection. This year the coast of Maine and a part of the Virginia coast were 

 visited, and the reports are appended. In addition. Professor Watson of 

 Chicago, a biologist, took charge of the bird colonies at the Dry Tortugas, 

 Florida, and his very interesting report is given in full. 



There were the usual number of excessive tides, when thousands of eggs or 

 young birds were swept away; but such natural tragedies are to be expected. If 

 \ve can prevent interference by man, the balance established by nature will be 

 maintained. From every station, the wardens report that the birds are becoming 

 more tame and fearless of man, and this statement is often verified by letters 

 to the Association from members or persons who have noticed the change. Fur- 

 ther, when the birds are permitted to breed undisturbed, the first clutch of eggs 

 is hatched, and the young birds mature early in the season, and are much stronger 

 and more able to care for themselves when the migration period is reached than 

 birds that are hatched late in the season. To detail the reports of each warden 

 would take far more space than can be allowed, but from them it is safe to say 

 that during the past season many, many thousands of sea-birds were raised. 



UNCLE MARK YOUNG, FAITHFUL WARDEN, NO-MAN'S-LAND ISLAND, AIAIXE 

 Largest colony of Herring Gulls in the United States. They are known as Uncle Mark's pets 



