242 
THE WILSON BULLETIN— December, 1922 
The writer is gathering data on the present distribution of the 
Swallow-tailed Kite, with a view to ascertaining how near to extinction 
it is. Over most of its former range it has disappeared due no doubt 
to the easy target it affords the gunner by reason of its unwariness. 
Members, who have recorded it within the past few years, will confer a 
favor on the writer by sending him such data as they may have. 
Dr. Wilfred H. Osgood of the Field Museum, accompanied by 
Messrs. Colin C. Sanborn and Boardman Conover, also of that institution, 
sailed in November for Chile, where they will engage in collecting 
material for The Museum. Dr. Osgood plans to return in the spring; the 
others aia expecting to remain for a year. 
Students of birdlife, within travelling distance of our National 
Forests throughout the land, are finding them to be among the most 
desirable spots in which to spend a few days for nature study. Auto 
roads and trails are being developed so that change of location or en- 
vironment may be readily accomplished. 156,000,000 acres are included 
in the 149 preserves now established. A list of the Forests may be 
had by writing to the U. S. Forest Service at Washington. The creation 
or conservation in these Forests, of lake, marsh, and swamp areas, 
suited to the breeding of certain birds, is a field of activity that de- 
serves the support of organized conservationists. To all but the natur- 
alist, there is but one thing to do to a swamp or marsh area and that 
is to drain it. Most of the National Forests will eventually become 
National Parks. 
Mr. Fred C. Lincoln, of The Biological Survey, spent part of 
October in Southern Illinois where he had good success in trapping 
and banding ducks. The birds were caught in flocks, chiefly in large 
pen traps made of poultry netting and located in shallow water. 
An excellent group photo of the Chicago meeting was taken in 
front of The Field Museum. The prints, ^Tnch are about 6x20 inches 
in size, may be had for $1.50, of Kaufman and Fabry, Photographers, 1125 
South Wabash Avenue, Chicago. The writer has prepared a blueprint 
diagram showing the names of those appearing in the picture and will 
send a print to any member with his compliments. 
It is with much pleasure that the retiring secretary greets his 
successor, in the person of Mr. Gordon Wilson of Bowling Green, Ky. 
The writer has the privilege of knowing him personally and has found 
him to be a most enthusiastic bird student and an “ omnivorous ” worker. 
As to whether or not he can lay claim to being a decendent of the 
famous early ornithologist, whose name honors our Club, the writer 
cannot say, but trusts at least that the name will prove no handicap. 
Our new Secretary is Professor of Literature and Language at Kentucky 
State Normal College. 
Our new Treasurer needs no great amount of introduction to our 
members since he is already one of our most famous and successful 
bird-banders. The application he has shown in this work will serve 
him well in his new duties since the work of the Treasurer is no small 
