Synopsis of events leading up to the 
International Convention. 
1845. BaldamuSy at the first German Ornithological Assembly 
held at Kothen suggests the idea of protecting useful 
animals, particularly birds. Rejected. 
1846. Baldamus renews his suggestion at the meeting of the 
Saxon Agricultural Societies. Shelved. 
1856. Baldamus repeats his proposal at the second great 
assembly of German ornithologists, suggesting a schedule 
of useful birds. Ignored. 
1868. The Twenty-sixth great assembly of German agricult- 
urists and foresters held at Vienna hits upon the idea of 
international protection of birds, and requests the Austro- 
Hungarian Foreign Minister to take measures to secure 
the formation of international treaties and agreements. 
The first states to join are Switzerland and Italy. 
1869. France approves of the scheme but attaches importance 
to the cooperation of Switzerland, Italy and Spain. 
1871. The governments of Austria and Hungary agree to 
adopt the form of an agreement. 
1872. Switzerland proposes the summoning of an international 
assembly. The Austrian Government deputes Ritter von 
Fraiienfeld to treat with Targioni-Tosetti at Florence: 
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