The Audubon Societies 



147 



the ground we have gained, and this can 

 only be done by the most conservative 

 and at the same time unflinching enact- 

 ment of the laws. If our new laws become 

 dead letters, then must the birds also die. 



M. O. W. 



The Pennsylvania Society has a plan for 

 organizing a series of traveling libraries to 

 circulate throughout the state in order to 

 awaken a wider interest in bird and nature 

 study. A list of carefully selected books 

 has been prepared and the libraries will be 

 started as soon as the necessary funds are at 

 hand. Having no dues, this Society is en- 

 tirely dependent on voluntary contributions. 



Reports of Societies 



FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE AUDUBON 

 SOCIETY OF KENTUCKY 



The Audubon Society of Kentucky re- 

 grets that during the past year more has not 

 been accomplished in the furtherance of 

 bird study and bird protection in the state. 

 But it believes that good has been done in 

 the schools, where bird days are observed ; 

 and among the people at large where, a 

 better sentiment prevails with regard to the 

 aims of the Society. 



In specific work the Society has provided, 

 for use in the schools, a handsome bird- 

 chart that exhibits in colors many of our 

 native song birds. 



It has caused posters to be prominently 

 displayed on the principal roads, setting 

 forth the penalty for violation of the statutes 

 relating to birds. 



It has issued the following circular letter, 

 together with other reading matter: 



Dear Sir: — From observation and trust- 

 worthy statistics we learn that our wild 

 birds are decreasing in numbers every year. 



Believing that it is only necessary to call 

 your attention to this in order to have your 

 cooperation, we appeal to you to aid the 

 Society in its efforts for bird protection. 



We believe this may be done — 



First — By making clear the practical 

 value of birds as destroyers of insects harm- 

 ful to crops. 



Second — By preventing, as much as pos- 

 ble, the destruction of the eggs of wild birds. 



Third — By reporting to the Society the 



names of the violators of the law protecting 

 birds. 



We would particularly call your attention 

 to the reports of the Department of Agri- 

 culture as to the usefulness of Robins and 

 Field Larks to the farmer; and as these 

 birds are often the especial marks of boys 

 and irresponsible negroes and whites from 

 the towns, we ask that you do all you 

 reasonably can to protect them. 



A postal card or a letter, addressed 

 "Audubon Society," Henderson, Ky., will 

 receive prompt attention. 



Very truly yours, 

 Audubon Society of Kentucky. 



It has purchased a circulating library of 

 the best bird books, including such authors 

 as Burroughs, Chapman, Wright, Torrey 

 and Coues. 



The Society gratefully acknowledges the 

 interest taken in its work by the Societies of 

 the Falls cities and the substantial aid 

 rendered it in the gift of a number of 

 " Perry " pictures. 



The Society would most earnestly ask the 

 cooperation of all bird lovers, especially in 

 the formation of branch societies through- 

 out the state. 



To this end it would like to hear from 

 all interested in birds. 



The Society has no membership fees, de- 

 pending entirely upon contributions for 

 support, and any respectable person may 

 become a member. 



In closing, the Society would call attention 

 to some fundamental principles of bird 

 laws. 



(Here follows a digest of Federal and 

 State laws.) 



During the last fifty years, the sentiment 

 in favor of bird protection has developed 

 rapidly. Many laws have been enacted, 

 amended and sustained by the courts. That 

 these laws are still imperfect is partly the 

 result of carelessness and partly of strong 

 opposition due to ignorance or selfishness. 

 Our game laws, unlike those of Europe, 

 are maintained for the good of the people 

 as a whole, not for the benefit of any one 

 class, and their enforcement depends very 

 largely on a general appreciation of the 

 principles upon which they are based. 



Ingram Crockett, Secretary. 

 Henderson, Ky. 



