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 We learn by the receipts that the libraries are not so much in use during the fall and winter as in the spring, when outdoor ob- servation can be carried on in connection with the reading, which proves that a prac- tical use is made of the books. Pictures always appeal to children, and to satisfy a demand for "more pictures," four new libraries of eleven books each, profusely illustrated, have been added this spring. We feel that there can be no more satis- factory way of reaching the children than through the medium of these good books, for to them not only the children, but the older ones in the community, will owe an influence in their lives which can hardly be overestimated. Gr.ace R. Moody, Librarian. FLORIDA SOCIETY It may be of interest to some of your readers to know that Florida, the land of sunshine, flowers and balmy breezes, has at last awakened to the fact that these com- bined are not all that make their state so attractive and so different. They find (even the most unconcerned) that their rivers, lakes and woods are strangely silent, and that some of the old-time charm and beauty has gone. The tourist misses the pictur- esque Heron, the White Crane with his wise look of intentness, as with one leg poised he waits by some quiet sheet of water for his daily meal. The woods are no longer alive with birds darting hither and thither and filling the air with their cheerful songs, the cheer-up, cheer-up that de- lighted our fancy. 'Fhe birtis whom we were sure some years ago said Deivey, Deivey, Deivey, and even the harsh note of the pretty Blue Jay are in some parts of the state things of the past. A visitor from Porto Rico told me there were no birds there and added, "to this you will soon come un- less you protect your few remaining birds." So some to whom these feathered songsters are real friends, and who grieved to see them so wantonly destroyed, met together and the Florida Audubon sprang into exist- ence. Hardiv had its work begun wluii it suffered a great loss in the death ot its founder, Mrs. L. F. Dommerich. But tiiose who are still members will try and carry on the work so wisely planned by her. At the first annual meeting, March 8, great in- terest was shown. Bishop Whipple* is still its honored president, and many persons of influence are enlisted in our ranks, and the work is again going on. Letters from all over the state are daily received by the sec- retary and new members are being added. In West Palm Beach and Daytona, very active interest is shown and strong measures taken to protect bird life. Literature and leaflets are being distributed throughout the state, and we trust in a few years our eyes and ears will be gladdened as of old. Sun- shine, flowers and the happy song of our thousands of native birds, and Florida is Paradise indeed. Mrs. I. V.ANDERPOOL, Secretary. For Our Encouragement "Birds are ten times as numerous as they were five years ago," said a farmer to me. as we were driving along a country road in North Missouri, in July, 1901. "How do )'ou account for it?" I asked. "Well," he replied, "there are several reasons. Principally, because they are let alone. The boys have stopped killing them. There is no more demand for them for women's hats. The farmers learned, too, that their orchards and grain crops were suffering from insects, and they were informed by writers in the newspapers and magazines that the remedy was in saving the birds. So tiieir children were told not to disturli tlu-m nor tiieir nests. " I have seen a number of articles written by women, in such papers as the New York Tribune and St. Louis Globe- Democrat. l)lea(ling for the birds, and remonstrating against the wicked custom of wearing them on hats. Such articles are quoted and talked about in tin- country, and have a great influence. Another thing;— we farm- ers iiave made a fight against the English Sparrow. We will not let him stav about our barns or liouses. Fhe children are regret of Bishop Whipple's death. — El>.
 * While this report is on the press we learn wilh ilrop