4 DHE VAsU;DIUtB-O1N | Buri are eee 
discovered so far, but which, nevertheless, undoubtedly exist? Until the 
Laws of Life are solved completely, biologists will require some material 
from nature to study. Some wildnerness is needed now and for the future. 
Preferably, natural areas should be specifically selected for preservation 
so that examples of each major habitat and biotic region will be repre- 
sented. 
Scientific preserves, if natural or nearly so, are non-renewable natural 
resources. The composition of the biota is a result of historical distribu- 
tion, in some areas in eastern North America possibly dating back to 
Miocene times. The placement and relationship of certain plants with 
other plants as well as with special animals of particular genetic variability 
are often unique in various sections of each biotic province. 
Once destroyed, these scientific areas can never be recreated by 
man. Under frequent use by picnickers, outdoorsmen, and wild flower 
gatherers, these areas soon become modified — the more fragile and less 
virile species quickly disappear. When recreation directors plant exotic 
trees and shrubs or rearrange the natural niches to get rid of poison ivy 
and vermin, or clean up for the sake of Western man’s concept of neatness, 
the natural becomes useless for many types of biological research. 
Certain universities, the Nature Conservancy, the National Park Trust 
Fund of the National Park Service, and the Audubon Societies have so 
far been the principal agencies that have borne the responsibility of pre- 
serving scientific areas. These institutions and organizations need moral 
and financial support to continue their activities. Our civilization, in 
spite of the demands of increasing population, must keep some natural 
areas as inviolate preserves for scientific research. Every effort to bring 
these areas under protection is good insurance for the human race, and 
deserves everyone’s support. 
State Natural History Survey, Natural Resources Building, Urbana, IIlinois 
WHAT SHOULD OUR GOALS BE? 
It has been suggested that the Illinois Audubon Society should 
demonstrate more effective leadership in conservation matters in 
the state. Your comments and ideas along this line, and the role 
that you might like to play in making our conservation activities 
more productive, should be sent to Mr. Raymond Mostek, President, 
Illinois Audubon Society, 615 Rochdale Circle, Lombard, Illinois. 
Your suggestions may be signed or unsigned. 
Honorary Officers and Directors 
Honorary President, DR R. M. STRONG, Chicago 
Honorary Vice-President, MRS. MARGARET M. NICE, Chicago 
Honorary Vice-President, CHARLES O. DECKER, Chicago 
Honorary Vice-President, HARRY R. SMITH, Santa Cruz, Calif. 
Honorary Director, MISS ESTHER A. CRAIGMILE, LaGrange Park 
j Honorary Director, DR. RALPH E. YEATTER, Urbana 
- Honorary Director, PAUL E. DOWNING, Highland Park 
