46 



So I bring to you today tne most Hearty congratulations upon your 

 past history, and upon the glorious achievements of some of your num- 

 ber, and say that we wish you abundant success for the future. (Ap- 

 plause.) 



FROM THE INDIANA AUDUBON SOCIETY. 



By William Watson Woollen. 



Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen : The first Audubon Society 

 was organized in New York in 1SS6. Its purpose was "the protection of 

 American birds, not used for food, from destruction for mercantile pur- 

 poses." In 1889 it seemed to have accomplished the purpose for which it 

 was organized and the movement died out. 



A subsequent revival of the demand for birds for millinery purposes 

 led to a re-awakening of sentiment on the subject, and in January, 1896. 

 a State Audubon Society was organized in Massachusetts and in October 

 of the same year one was organized in Pennsylvania. Such societies now 

 exist in all of the states, except perhaps a half dozen, the object of their 

 organization being the preservation of our birds which were fast being 

 exterminated. It was thought that the people must be educated as to the 

 worth of our birds, and these societies entered upon that work. 



In April, 1898, principally through the instrumentality of the Indiana 

 Academy of Science, the Indiana Audubon Society was organized. I have 

 in my office the minutes of that meeting, at which I was present. In 

 looking over the minutes of that meeting I find the society was mainly 

 constituted of members of this Association. 



The work which has been accomplished by the Audubon Societies of 

 the country has been immense. I am not sure that I know of any other 

 organization which, with as little money, has accomplished so much good. 

 Its work for good has been of such a character as to attract the atten- 

 tion of the people of the country and especially the Department of Agri- 

 culture at Washington. The annual reports of that department have 

 taken account of these societies and commended them for the work which 

 they have accomplished. You all must be aware of the legislation that 



