Reports of Field Agents 431 



of 191 5, support a bill which I outlined to them, that will furnish protection, 

 and prevent the complete extermination of our birds and animals. 



In this way I have succeeded in getting some fifteen hundred leading 

 citizens of the state to join our Association, and agree to use every effort 

 to influence their representatives. I have also succeeded in interesting some 

 of the leading ladies of the state in the Audubon work, and expect within 

 the next thirty days to have this organization completed; and with the 

 ladies who have agreed to lead in this work, I have a strong hope of some very 

 effective work being done within the next few months. 



While the conditions are yet very bad in Arkansas, I can see a decided 

 improvement. Among the most noticeable indications is that the citizens 

 are taking more interest in reporting violations to the officers, and, in many 

 instances, the local officers, who are entrusted with the enforcement of the 

 game laws of Arkansas, are becoming more active in the performance of their 

 duties along this line. 



I feel that, if I can continue the line of work that I am now carry- 

 ing on, there is but little doubt that the Legislature of 191 5 will give us some 

 relief. 



I find that, generally speaking, the people of Arkansas are very much pleased 

 with the new migratory bird law, and I feel that this will be quite an en- 

 couragement to our legislators to pass state laws, furnishing protection to 

 our native birds. 



In addition to the interest being manifested by others, I find that a great 

 many of our school teachers are devoting some time to teaching the children 

 the great necessity of protecting the birds; and I feel that, after the organi- 

 zation of the Audubon Society, there will be no trouble in getting certain 

 days set aside as Bird Day in our schools. 



REPORT OF WILLIAM L. FINLEY, FIELD AGENT FOR 

 THE PACIFIC COAST STATES 



The last year or two has shown a marked improvement in the efforts 

 of different state authorities toward wild bird and animal protection. In 

 the past, many states have treated game-protection largely from a political 

 point of view. They have paid little or no attention to scientific study and 

 research. The past year has shown an organized plan of work in the 

 Pacific coast states to secure the greatest efficiency in wild-bird and animal - 

 protection. 



In warden service, for instance, both in California and Oregon, a system 

 of examinations is to be used for the purpose of selecting game-wardens who 

 are capable not only of giving police service, but who are fitted to carry on 

 research and educational work. 



