464 Bird - Lore 



We feel, here in Massachusetts, that bird-work is war-work, and do our best 

 to carry it hopefully forward toward the winning of the war. 



REPORT OF EUGENE SWOPE, FIELD AGENT 

 FOR OHIO 



December 15, 191 7, the Junior Class work in Ohio surpassed all former 

 records for the state up to that date. This was accomplished at the same time 

 that Liberty Loan, Thrift Stamp, Red Cross, and relief-fund drives were in 

 progress. Then came the severe cold, fuel shortage, closed schools and sus- 

 pended Audubon work for nearly three months. 



With the coming of spring, your agent again pushed the Junior work as a 

 "win the war" measure and was able by the close of the school year to show a 

 record not much behind that of the previous year. 



Valuable assistance was rendered by county and city superintendents, 

 and especially by Dr. J. C. Hambleton, Nature-Study Supervisor of Columbus 

 schoolSj and President of the Columbus Audubon Society. Dr. Hambleton 

 edited the State Superintendent's annual publication, which in former years 

 had been largely devoted to Arbor Day exercises, and made it a Bird Day book. 

 It was almost wholly devoted to appeals and arguments for a better knowledge 

 of wild birds and for their protection. The editor intentionally cooperated with 

 the Association's work and greatly aided it, for which he deserves the thanks 

 of all bird-protectionists. This publication contained articles by Dr. Frank M. 

 Chapman and T. Gilbert Pearson. 



Many newspapers of the state published such news items and reports as 

 your agent sent them, thereby keeping the work of the Association before the 

 public. One point urged was bird-conservation as a protection for war-gardens 

 against pro-German insect ravages. This received wide attention and did much 

 good. 



During the year, there have been more than the usual number of miscel- 

 laneous calls upon your agent for assistance and advice in the matters of 

 attracting, feeding, and protecting the wild birds. These calls came from every 

 conceivable source and give evidence of the widespread influence and of the 

 confidence in the Association. Every call was answered promptly. 



In all probability, attempts will be made in the next legislature to repeal 

 certain protective laws. For instance, the lake fishermen have recently dis- 

 covered that Terns, Kingfishers, and Blue Herons consume "tons of choice 

 fish." As early as July they began a campaign of education advocating the 

 "extermination" of these birds. 



Ohio Audubon people saw to it that their representatives at Washington 

 favored the Enabling Act. 



One summer month was devoted to conducting a large bird-study class in 

 the Teachers' College at the Florida State University and giving public lectures 



