Report of Secretary 



409 



in the matter of bird-protection. It has been estimated that over 200,000 

 letters and telegrams were received by senators and representatives from 

 people who favored this measure. Of great importance was the speech made 

 in defense of the proviso by Senator George P. McLean, on August 16. Five 

 thousand four hundred copies of this address were secured by the National 

 Association and distributed to our members and correspondents. 



The struggle was long. At times it was exceedingly animated, but was 

 never very discouraging; for, as it has ever been in our extensive campaigns 

 for bird-protection, we gained strength every day from the very beginning, 

 and the enemy lost ground every day the fight went on. 



No small amount of energy was expended in financing the campaign, 

 which cost the Association something over $2,200. And now, after an elapse 

 of less than nine months from the time the matter was first brought to the 

 attention of Congress, we have a federal law which absolutely prohibits the 

 importation of the feathers of all birds except for educational purposes. Ostrich 

 plumes and the feathers of domestic fowls are not included. This makes the 

 United States the leader of all nations of the world in the suppression of the 

 feather traffic! 



YOUNG WATER TURKEY. ORANGE LAKE ROOKERY, FLORIDA 

 Photographed by P. B. Philipp. 



