16 THE. AUDUBON SB ie 
several hundred. The club presents the Audubon Screen Tours each year, 
free of charge, but helps to finance them with voluntary contributions from 
the audience. 
Dr. Kendeigh, the second speaker, outlined the history of the park. It 
was given to the university in 1947 by Robert Allerton, Chicago capitalist 
and art patron, who now makes his home in Hawaii. Its 6,000 acres in- 
clude 1,400 acres of forest, some of it virgin timber. Graduate students of 
the university’s zoology department are making breeding bird censuses of 
three different ecological areas on the estate — an “upland forest” on the 
banks of the Sangamon, a “flood plain forest,” and a “forest-edge”’ area. 
This last was cultivated farmland until 1924, when it was abandoned 
and permitted to return to nature. Shrubs and trees have invaded it from 
the virgin forest on its borders. In the forest-edge area, students have. 
found that the cedar waxwing population has declined in each year under 
examination. The Bell’s vireo, on the other hand, has increased from none 
in 1946 to one pair in 1947 and 1948, and to six pairs in 1949. Black-billed 
cuckoos numbered 16 pairs in 1946 and only three pairs in 1949. To deter- 
mine why birds fluctuate in numbers is the long-range objective of the 
studies. 
Dr. R. M. Strong, president of the I.A.S., concluded the evening’s pro- 
gram with a forceful talk on the problems of the Society. It was founded 
in 1897, primarily to fight the use of wild bird feathers in millinery. With 
that objective accomplished, it has concerned itself with conservation in 
general. 
‘We have very great problems to solve if our nation is to survive,” he 
declared. “A constant fight must be waged to save our parks, forests, and 
wildlife, for they are under greater danger of destruction than ever be- 
fore in the nation’s history.” 
To inform the public of these dangers, to overcome prejudice, and, above 
all, to overcome indifference and apathy, is the work of the Society today, 
said Dr. Strong. But if it is to extend its influence, it must become truly a 
state-wide, and less a Chicago regional, organization. One way is to develop 
divisional groups in different parts of the state. And more members must 
participate in the Society’s work. It has had only four presidents since 
1897 — Ruthven Deane, the founder; Orpeus M. Schantz, Dr. C. W. G. 
Hifrig, and Dr. Strong, who has held the office for nine years. Charles O. 
Decker was treasurer for 20 years. When he resigned a year ago, Harry R. 
Smith accepted the office temporarily in addition to his duties as executive 
secretary and membership committee chairman. He resigned the treasurer 
position this winter and the Society at the moment has no treasurer. Too 
much work is given to too few people. 
1211 Michigan ave., Evanston 
