BIRD RESERVATIONS 



large colony of Brown Pelicans that used for nesting 

 purposes a small, muddy, mangrove-covered island in 

 I ndian River on the Atlantic Coast. Soon murmurings 

 began to be heard. " Pelicans eat fish and should not 

 be protected," declared one Floridan. "We need 

 Pelican quills to sell to the feather dealers," chimed 

 in another with a keen eye to the main chance. 

 There was talk of repealing the law at the next ses- 

 sion of the legislature, and the hearts of the Audubon 

 workers were troubled. At first they thought of 

 buying the island, so as to be in a position to protect 

 its feathered inhabitants by preventing trespass. 

 However, it proved to be unsurveyed Government 

 land, and the idea was suggested of getting the Gov- 

 ernment to make a reservation for the protection of 

 the birds. The matter was submitted to President 

 Roosevelt, who no sooner ascertained the facts that 

 the land was not suited for agricultural purposes, and 

 that the Audubon Society would guard it, than with 

 characteristic directness he issued the following re- 

 markable edict: "It is hereby ordered that Pelican 

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