42 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN 



project will be simple. The reservations established nearest Chicago in- 

 clude one of one thousand acres in Cook County between Oak Park and- 

 Harvey, one in Lake County near Round Lake, and one each in Will and 

 Kankakee Counties. 



The actual results already accomplished by the Commission are, accord- 

 ing to the commissioners themselves, really insignificant when compared 

 with the worth of the foundation laid for future activities. If the plan of 

 conservation already initiated shall be locally developed, Illinois will have 

 in time, an effective and economic system for the protection of non-game 

 birds. 



As the Commission points out, this bird reservation plan is peculiar in 

 its radical departure from other plans of bird reservations. Instead of 

 having a few large and expensive reservations, the plan contemplates a 

 reservation in each county. It is found to be a simpler matter to establish 

 these state bird reservations than might be supposed. Farm owners find 

 it of value to have the state post their land, and place it under the surveil- 

 lance of game wardens. Much as the farmer may want to keep people 

 off his land, he is slow to risk a quarrel with his neighbors who like to 

 wander about with a gun, but when his land is leased to the state, he can 

 truthfully say that the matter is entirely out of his hands. 



The State Game and Fish Commission regards these state sanctuaries 

 as great opportunities for Audubonites. It calls attention to the fact that 

 a local organization in each county of the state where there are reservations 

 could promote the propagation of birds in that county. This work might 

 be enlarged to take in the forest preserves of the state. Officials in charge 

 of such county forest preserves as have been established could no doubt be 

 encouraged to plant suitable trees and shrubs that furnish food for the 

 birds. They would most likely encourage the putting up of bird houses in 

 such reservations. All this work of providing food and assistance in propa- 

 gation would require the expenditure of considerable energy but of very 

 little money. It is largely a matter, according to the Commission, of good 

 organization. County organizations could be federated into a state organi- 

 zation and the work carried on in a systematic manner at a comparatively 

 small cost. Moreover such an organization could influence further desir- 

 able legislation. 



The suggestion of the Commission as to organization and federation 

 among Audubon Societies is timely. Organization and federation are just 

 what this Bulletin advocates. That is why it exists. The members of the 

 Commission can be sure, on the other hand, of the friendly interest of the 

 Bulletin and its readers in all their activities. Audubonites will welcome 

 further suggestions from the Commission. 



