88 



The Irish Naturalist. 



April, 



In consequence of an advertisement which appeared in the Irish Iwies^ 

 in July, for a supply of terns for millinery purposes, the Secretary 

 wrote to the Chairman of the Mayo Count)^ Council suggesting that he 

 should apply for an extension of the protection of these birds over the 

 breeding season ; and a leading article appeared in the Daily Express 

 strongly commending the action of the Society, The desired extension 

 was not obtained, but the advertisement was withdrawn, and it is hoped 

 that next year better protection to the terns will be enforced by law. 



The success of the Society depends entirely on the response it meets 

 from the public. At present there are 68 Members and 14 Associates. It 

 would be very satisfactory to enrol more children as Associates. 



The sympathy of the Inspector and Head Organiser of Science Instruc- 

 tion, under the National Board, has been enlisted by the Society, and he 

 has kindly undertaken to assist in the preparation of a few composition 

 lessons for the use of Irish school-masters on the economic uses of birds. 

 It is hoped to have such lessons published in such a manner that they 

 will attract attention and be of real service in interesting teachers and 

 pupils in questions concerning bird life in Ireland. It is also hoped that 

 as the spring advances some Bird vStudy Walks with our young Associates 

 may be arranged. 



The objects of this Society are the same as those of the vSociety founded 

 in London in 1889, which has done much good in forming public opinion, 

 and encouraging the preservation and protection of wild birds. 



It is intended that the Dublin Society shall endeavour to protect rare 

 species, and prevent wanton slaughter of both sea and land birds ; to see 

 that existing laws are enforced ; and to promote improved legislation 

 affecting birds in this country. 



It is also intended to protest against the wearing of egret plumes and 

 other forms of bird decoration in millinery involving cruelty, and to 

 encourage children and their teachers to take a humane and intelligent 

 interest in nature. The public are invited to support the movement by 

 becoming members and associates, and by their personal influence. 



All can help by becoming members or associates, and by inducing 

 others, to join the movement : by teaching the young and others to 

 appreciate the value and importance of bird life ; by making themselves 

 acquainted with the existing laws for the protection of wild birds, and 

 doing all in their power to see that these laws are respected ; and by ex- 

 plaining to friends the cruel methods often employed in obtaining the 

 feathers used in millinery. 



Anyone can become a member on paying an annual subscription of 

 2/6, or a life composition of Children are invited to become asso- 

 ciates, and can do so on payment of 3^/. as an annual subscription. 

 Ivady ArdiIvAUN is President of the Society. 



The Hon. Sees., Miss Constance Pim, Cliarleville, Blackrock, Co. 

 Dublin, and Mrs. HoGG, Stratford, Rathgar, Co. Dublin, will be glad to 

 supply information to those interested in the objects of the Society. 



