State Audubon Reports 447 



His story of the Christmas toy gun last winter was a plea for the boy as 

 well as the bird, and was widely read both ki Texas and other states. 



This report has necessarily taken a more personal form than is the custom 

 in annual proceedings, but we hope under the circumstances to meet with 

 the mdulgence and pardon of all our readers.— Mrs. M. B. Davis, Assistant 

 Secretary. 



Virginia.— The Audubon Society of Virginia found its first practical 

 work of the winter in feeding the birds throughout the state. 



We had an unprecedentedly long cold season with very deep snows, and 

 as the birds in this cHmate are not accustomed to such conditions, they are 

 unable to cope with them and perish by the thousands when such weather 

 comes. 



We had several hundred bushels of grain sent out from Richmond 

 alone. 



The active cooperation of the railroads in the quick distribution of this 

 food was of inestimable value. 



In addition to this, the appeal for help was made through all the principal 

 newspapers of the state, and every section responded to it. 



We opened and maintained Audubon rooms, where our Secretary spent 

 three hours every afternoon to receive visitors, answer questions, lend books 

 and distribute literature to those interested. 



From there, also, we sent out the school leaflets to the many Junior Audubon 

 Societies throughout the state. 



It was our legislative year, and we succeeded in getting the law framed 

 prohibiting the killing of Robins at all seasons. This bill met with serious 

 opposition, as there are many counties where Robins have long been killed 

 and sold by hundreds for food. 



Our Audubon Legislative Game Department did splendid work before 

 our legislature toward getting a state game law framed, providing for a 

 State Game Commissioner, and paid game-wardens, with resident and non- 

 resident hunters' license provided for. 



We came within a few votes of passing this law, and the educational work 

 done was of such a character that we feel reasonably certain of a victory 

 next time. 



This department of the Society is now raising a fund to be used at the 

 opportune time for distributmg educational matter throughout the state 

 which will brmg our legislature together already mstructed for the support 

 of such a bill. 



We have answered many letters of inquiry about laws and how to proceed 

 to have them enforced. We feel that the general interest is growing and hope 

 for increasing good work. — Mrs. W. E. Harris, President 



