State Audubon Reports 457 



the winter-bird population, and were surprised to find it more than double 

 what we expected. Towns along the shore were induced to feed the Gulls 

 and other winter birds, and much good work was done along the shores of 

 Lake Huron, especially at Muskegon and Ludington. 



I examined three hundred essays received from the . chools of the state 

 in a contest for medals given by W. B. Mershon, of Saginaw, on bird subjects. 

 Further prizes for books are now being prepared for announcement. Our 

 traveling set of lantern-slides has been in constant use. 



We have been more active in the schools than heretofore. More than 

 one hundred addresses have been given by Mrs. Edith C. Munger, of Hart, 

 our Secretary; Mrs. Anna Walter, of Marcellus, and myself. At present 

 there is a constant demand from the schools for literature, lectures, methods 

 of making bird-boxes, for making bird-shelters, information regarding the 

 feeding of winter birds, and the best ways to carry on bird-study. We are 

 presented with the greatest opportunity we have ever had, but, unfortunately, 

 are unable, through lack of funds, to keep up with the demands. We are 

 obliged to select the centers where we can accomplish the most. Recently, 

 I spent two days and a portion of a third addressing the schools of Grand 

 Rapids and societies. I am arranging to take up the same work at Lansing. 



We are in cooperation with the farmers, through the State Grange, but 

 are unable to attend the meetings we are invited to address, as many are 

 held at distances that call for a heavy expense. I have prepared outlines 

 for the Grange Bulletin, and help in this way to keep the bird question before 

 the farmers. The Associated Press has made us an offer to provide for space 

 in the newspapers of the state for the Audubon work. This matter will be 

 taken up within the next few weeks. — Jefferson Butler, President. 



[Since the receipt of the above report we have been shocked to receive 

 notice of the death of Mr. Butler in an automobile accident.] 



Minnesota. — The work of the Society in this state has been along educa- 

 tional and legislative lines. The President of the Society spoke on "Birds 

 and Game-Protection" before large audiences in several of the schools of 

 St. Paul, Minneapolis, St. Cloud, Bagley, and Baudette. At Bagley he con- 

 ducted a four-weeks' class in a Teachers' Summer School in Bird-and-Nature- 

 Study. 



The Secretary of the Society was instrumental in organizing a Game- 

 Protective Club in the city of Minneapolis, and took active part in its meetings 

 and discussions, and delivered one lecture before them. 



During the period in which the _ Legislature was in session, members of 

 the Society contributed articles to the daily papers in which they protested 

 against some vicious measures that were before the Legislature, and advo- 

 cated some desirable changes in the law. 



A special committee of the Legislature on Game and Game Laws invited 



