State Reports 341 



Through the generosity of the National Association a set of fifty colored 

 lantern -slides, belonging to the equipment of the Society, are to be made an 

 important feature of the coming winter's work. — Arthur H. Norton, Secretary. 



Maryland. — The Maryland Audubon Society is but an infant in age, hav- 

 ing celebrated only one anniversary. There had previously been an Auduboa 

 Society in the state, and I am sure that much plowing and sowing must have 

 been accomplished by this senior society, for there is now manifested a great 

 interest in bird-life, and a strong desire to protect and cherish these little crea- 

 tures which are truly living poems set to music; so, perhaps, the younger organi- 

 zation will reap an abundant harvest which will be the result of former pioneer 

 efforts. 



The membership of the present Society is growing. The law of its growth 

 is very simple, — each bird-lover interests his or her friends by talking to them of 

 the birds, their beautiful home life (so analagous to that of the human family), 

 the pleasure they give by their songs, and their great assistance to agriculture. 

 Enthusiasm is contagious. Those who were formerly indifferent begin them- 

 selves to study, and find the subject so alluring that they soon become ardent 

 admirers and lovers of their "httle brothers of the air." 



The president, Mrs. Charles W. Lord, has both by her pen and charming 

 talks shared, with others, the dehght that her bird neighbors have contributed 

 to her own life. The vice-presidents were selected from men who are prominent 

 in the educational and commercial interests of the city. 



The chief aim of the Society is to enlist the cooperation of the children. To- 

 this end, bird clubs are being organized in the public schools, and the eager 

 response of the boys and girls is cause for the greatest encouragement. A debt 

 of gratitude is due Professor Van Sickle and the Nature Committee of the public 

 schools. The systematic study of birds is a part of the curriculum. Children are 

 also encouraged to make charts recording their observations. This has a great 

 practical value. That destructive tendency in the child which impels him to 

 throw the stone is thus checked and diverted; more than that, it is converted 

 into a constructive channel. We hope to see the day when the field-glass and 

 camera will be considered satisfactory substitutes for the gun. — Miss Minna. 

 D. Starr, Secretary. 



Massachusetts. — During the past year rather more deaths and resig- 

 nations than usual were reported, but enough new members came in to more 

 than balance the loss. Our membership is now 6,549. Of these 1,934 are Juni- 

 ors, and 116 local secretaries. 



Our four traveling libraries have been in use where they were appreciated. 

 Educational and other Leaflets, including cloth warning-notices and copies- 

 of the law, have been distributed freely. Our three traveling lectures, bird plates,, 

 charts and calendars, have been in good demand. 



