446 Bird - Lore 



the public were invited. The lecturers this year were: Mr. Witmer Stone 

 at our annual meeting in January, Dr. A. H. Wright at our March meeting, 

 and Prof. W. W. Cooke at our April meeting. 



Our spring bird-study classes, under the leadership of Mrs. Florence Mer- 

 riam Bailey, were most successful — if the numbers attending were any guaranty. 

 The four meetings totaled a membership of 129, of whom about 30 were 

 teachers, about 30 Campfire girls, and 8 Boy Scouts. The bird-walks or field 

 meetings were full of interest, as they could hardly help being with such leaders 

 as Prof. Wells W. Cooke, Dr. T. S. Palmer, etc. 



We have issued four numbers of 'Current Items of Interest,' but the work 

 which has given us the greatest satisfaction is that our Society, acting on the 

 suggestion of a member of our Executive Committee, Mr. Henry Oldys, was 

 the first to think of including in the new Tariff Bill a clause prohibiting the 

 importation of wild birds. Mr. Oldys at once communicated with twenty- 

 five or thirty of the leading bird-protectionists of the country. Quoting from 

 his report to our Society, Mr. Oldys says: 



"A circular was issued outlining the plan and urging support of it. The 

 Society distributed 500 copies of this circular. The National Association 

 of Audubon Societies had 3,000 reprints made, and the Illinois Audubon 

 Society another 1,000. The Society kept in close touch with all other workers 

 in the general campaign, and advised and cooperated with them throughout 

 its continuance. 



"It urged the matter in lectures in a dozen states, in newspaper articles 

 and interviews; in briefs filed with the Ways and Means Committee of the 

 House of Representatives and the Finance Committee of the Senate; in 

 representation at a hearing before the Finance Committee; in counsel with 

 various senators and members of Congress, and in numerous other ways." 



We are sorry to report the loss of a number of our members through 

 removal from the city and other causes, but glad to report that, in spite of 

 these losses, our membership is decidedly larger than it was a year ago. — 

 Helen P. Childs, Secretary. 



Florida. — The year may well be felt to be one of congratulation to all 

 interested in bird-protection. Not only in Florida have new laws been 

 passed for our benefit, but the federal laws relative to migratory birds and 

 non-importation of bird plumage will appreciably and favorably affect our 

 state. 



The creation by our last Legislature of a Fish and Game Commission, 

 the appointment of a State Commissioner and of County Wardens, the pas- 

 sage of bills for the protection of the Robin, for the prohibition of night shoot- 

 ing, and the use of traps and bait, for the shortening of the shooting season, 

 and the licensing of gunners, are all measures putting us in the advance guard. 



The business of the Society has greatly increased in correspondence, 



