Page:Bird-lore Vol 03.djvu/162

 The Audubon Societies 147 the ground we have gained, and this can only be done by the most conservative and at the same time unflinching enact- ment of the laws. If our new laws become dead letters, then must the birds also die. M. O. W. The Pennsylvania Society has a plan for organizing a series of traveling libraries to circulate throughout the state in order to awaken a wider interest in bird and nature study. A list of carefully selected books has been prepared and the libraries will be started as soon as the necessary funds are at hand. Having no dues, this Society is en- tirely dependent on voluntary contributions. Reports of Societies FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE AUDUBON SOCIETY OF KENTUCKY The Audubon Society of Kentucky re- grets that during the past year more has not been accomplished in the furtherance of bird study and bird protection in the state. But it believes that good has been done in the schools, where bird days are observed; and among the people at large where, a better sentiment prevails with regard to the aims of the Society. In specific work the Society has provided, for use in the schools, a handsome bird- chart that exhibits in colors many of our native song birds. It has caused i)osters to he [iroininently displayed on the principal roads, setting forth the penalty for violation of the statutes relating to birds. It has issued the following circular letter, together with other reading matter: Dear Sir: — From observation and trust- worthy statistics we learn that our wild birds are decreasing in numiiers every year. Believing that it is only necessary to call your attention to this in order to have your cooperation, we appeal to you to aid the Society in its efforts for bird protection. We iielieve tiiis may be done — First — By making clear the practical value of birds as destroyers of insects harm- ful to crops. Second — By preventing, as much as pos- ble, the destruction of the eggs of wild birds. Third — Bv repnrliiig to tlie Society the names of the violators of the law protecting birds. We would particularly call your attention to the reports of the Department of Agri- culture as to the usefulness of Robins and Field Larks to the farmer; and as these birds are often the especial marks of boys and irresponsible negroes and whites from the towns, we ask that you do all you reasonably can to protect them. A postal card or a letter, addressed "Audubon Society," Henderson, Ky., will receive prompt attention. Very truly yours, Audubon Society of Kentucky. It has purchased a circulating library of the best bird books, including such authors as Burroughs, Chapman, Wright, Torrey and Coues. The Society gratefully acknowledges the interest taken in its work by the Societies of the Falls cities and the substantial aid rendered it in the gift of a number of " Perry " pictures. The Society would most earnestly ask the cooperation of all bird lovers, especially in the formation of branch societies through- out the state. To this end it would like to hear from all interested in birds. The Society has no membership fees, de- pending entirely upon contributions for support, and any respectable person may become a member. In closing, the Society would call attention to some fundamental principles of bird laws. (Here follows a digest of Federal and State laws.) During the last fifty years, the sentiment in favor of bird protection has developed rapidly. Many laws have been enacted, amended and sustained by the courts. That these laws are still imperfect is partly the result of carelessness and partly of strong o|)position due to ignorance or selfishness. Our game laws, unlike those of Europe, are maintained for the good of the people as a whole, not for the benefit of any one class, and their enforcement depends very largely on a general appreciation of the jirinciples ujion which they are based. In(i<.m Crockett, Sfirtiary. llendirsiin, K.