296 Bird - Lore 
was promptly held up in the Senate Committee and seemed likely to die there. 
President Dutcher and Mr. Bowdish went to Trenton on April 4, to try to 
force the bill on to the floor of the Senate. Mr. Bowdish remained at the Legis- 
lature until the morning of April 7, when, in its closing hours, just before 
dawn, the Audubon Bill was finally called out at the instance of its friends, 
but was defeated. The loss of this bill was due to a total misunderstanding 
on the part of the Senators regarding its real character, and a lack of organized 
public sentiment. 
This emphasized the necessity for reorganizing and upbuilding the New 
Jersey Audubon Society to a plane equal with the most effective State Socie- 
ties. To this end, it has been determined to call a meeting for the election of 
officers for the ensuing year, the drafting of a new constitution and by-laws, 
and the discussion and formulation of plans for future work. This meeting 
will be held at Plainfield, New Jersey, in the near future, and it is hoped to get 
together a large number of people interested in the conservation of our bird 
guardians, who will make the New Jersey Audubon Society a banner organi- 
zation. 
Letters from individuals in various parts of the state show continued ~ 
interest in bird study and bird protection. Many applications have been 
made for leaflets, and particularly for posters warning against wanton de- 
struction of birds contrary to the law. 
We are sure that a wider circulation of Brrp—Lore could not fail to interest 
bird lovers, and to bring new recruits to the ranks.— JULIA S. SCRIBNER, Secre- 
tary. 
New York.—The success of the Audubon Plumage Bill, amended to take 
effect in July, 1911, and signed by Gov. Hughes on May 7, 1910, marks the 
past year as a red-letter, epoch-making one in the history of bird protection. 
The long, weary struggle to put an end to the traffic im the plumes of the 
beautiful Snowy Heron is won at last in New York. 
The result was attained through the strenuous efforts of Mr. Dutcher 
and his fellow workers. Great assistance was rendered by Mr. Pearson, Secre- 
tary of the National Association, who was stationed at Albany to watch 
developments and to work for the bill. Literature and appeals for co-operation 
were sent by the thousands by both State and National Societies. It was said 
that no other bill introduced during the session of the legislature had created 
such intense interest. The immediate success was won by hard work, and 
through the fine responses of the members of the Society and friends of the 
birds throughout the state. One of the most encouraging points established 
by the result undoubtedly is the proof it gives that the principles of bird pro- 
tection have taken root far and wide throughout the state. 
Legislators watch the pulse of their constituents, and the victory is a public 
recognition that bird protection is a work for the people. 
