State Reports 337 



of caterpillars is turning out to be an object-lesson on the value of birds that will 

 stay with these pupils a long time. 



An Audubon worker was asked to write a bird letter, requiring an answer, 

 to certain grades of pupils in the city schools. The work was primarily an exer- 

 cise in letter-writing for the pupils. The bird letter was printed and put into 

 the hands of the pupils, resulting in thousands of replies telling of childish experi- 

 ences with the birds, and showing that even the smaller pupils have an intelli- 

 gent appreciation of bird-life. 



The schools recognize the usefulness of the Audubon work to such an extent 

 that the annual meeting is eagerly desired by many of the cities of the state, 

 although four sessions are already held; two evening sessions, one afternoon 

 session in one large assembly hall especially for the older pupils and the teachers, 

 and these meetings are always crowded. However, the most interesting work 

 is that of the morning. All available bird speakers are pressed into service, 

 and bird talks are given in every school in the place. Even the tiniest tots want 

 their bird talk as was shown last March, when a small room, used for the over- 

 flow of kindergarten pupils, was overlooked. The teacher was overheard to say 

 that her babies were almost crying, so disappointed were they at missing their 

 expected treat, and the tired visitors insisted on giving the httle ones their talk, 

 after all. 



We have been fortunate in having the opportunity of entering upon a field 

 of work which is peculiarly welcome to our members. Mr. William Watson 

 Woollen, one of our charter members, some years ago became impressed with 

 the fact that with the increase of population many of the native birds and flowers 

 were driven away because of the disappearance of their special haunts. Feehng 

 the necessity for a place where the native life might be fostered and preserved 

 for the pleasure and study of the present and future generations, he purchased 

 a tract of land, not far from Indianapolis, comprising creek bottom, upland 

 and woodland. This 'Buzzard's Roost' affords an ideal place for many kinds 

 of birds that are fast disappearing from Indiana, as well as protection for those 

 that are abundant. It is preserved for the trees, birds and flowers, and will 

 eventually be given to Indianapolis to be held for this purpose. Mr. Woollen 

 desires members of the Audubon Society, and all nature-lovers and students, 

 to make use of this out-of-doors. The hope is that, through the influence of the 

 Society, like refuges for wild life may be established in many parts of the state.^ 

 Miss Florence A. Howe, Secretary 



Iowa. — The appeal made by the chairman of the Outlook Committee of 

 the General Federation of Women's Clubs, Mrs. J. T. Fletcher, of Marshall- 

 town, to all club women to take action and sign a pledge in regard to the use of 

 the aigrette and feathers of wild birds, was strongly endorsed, and the members 

 of the Audubon Society will present this pledge in connection with the Audubon 

 pledge to many org9,nizations of women's clubs in the state. The Society will 



