Dr. Leon Patrick—Whittier Ornithological Academy 155


So you see we are engaged in a realistic task of great significance ;

especially vital because bird propagation seems to be the blind spot

on the retina of the American conscience.


Ten months ago the Academy existed only as a vision in one man’s

mind. To-day it is a practical reality—a thriving institution with

financial reserve, employing three men in the constant care of the

greatest bird collection in America.


For this unique avicultural park, together with all it means to

natural science and aviculture in particular, all bird lovers are indebted,,

primarily, to three eminently public-spirited citizens :•—


First, to Dr. W. F. Dexter, President of Whittier College, a man

whose interest in natural science is both scholarly and practical, and

whose vision, advice, and council have helped to formulate the plans

and policies of the Academy.


Second, to Mr. F. E. Booth, of San Francisco, a manufacturer who

has achieved an unusual business success while actively concerned

with bird conservation in its truest sense. As a personal friend of the

late J. Y. de Laveaga, Mr. Booth voluntarily became plenipotentiary

extraordinary for the Academy in its negotiations for the splendid

collection of Waterfowl which Mr. de Laveaga had acquired during the

past twenty years. That Whittier Ornithological Academy became

the happy recipient of this exceptional collection, as a gift from the

de Laveaga heirs, is due directly to Mr. Booth’s resourcefulness,

sagacity, and untiring effort—all engendered by his innate love for

birds. Consistent with his usual perspicacity, Mr. Booth visualizes

“ a near future when Whittier Ornithological Academy will be the show

place of the world for wild birds of every kind and from every country

on the globe


Third, to Mr. W. K. Kellogg, of Battle Creek, Michigan, business

executive and capitalist of more than ordinary distinction—a dynamic

disciple of all that is good and beautiful in nature, who has contributed

and accomplished more for the perpetuation of rare equestrian and

avian species than any other man in America.


Being appraised of conditions, Mr. Kellogg voluntarily sponsored

the Academy’s cause and very graciously provided funds for the

transportation of, and the necessary equipment for, the J. Y. de



