Page:Bird-lore Vol 08.djvu/295

 Reservations 245 the proper season, is a fact, and, owing to the character of the territory and of its inhabitants, it seems impossible to prevent it. Florida has no method of game law enforcement worthy of the name, and until the legislature passes a law creating a self-supporting Game Commission, the interests of the state will suffer. The opportunity to make a vast game and bird pre- serve of the state of Florida and thus attract thousands of sportsmen and other tourists within her borders, who will contribute millions of dollars annually to the wealth of the state, has too long been overlooked and neglected. Some energetic and public-spirited Floridian should endeavor to break into the lethargic condition of his fellow citizens and save one of the greatest assets of the state, which nsw is being rapidly wasted by selfish individuals who do not understand the meaning of the words patriotism or good civics. The illicit traffic in plumes is carried on with cer- tian New York dealers, who are willing to engage in an underhand and disgrace- ful trade which is on a par with smug- gling and receiving stolen goods. It is pitiable that such men can be found in any community. The laws of New York should be amended in such manner as to reach and severely punish men who tempt the plume-hunters of other states by furnishing a market for their unlaw- ful goods. The wardens in Louisiana are directed by the officers of the Audubon Society, their wages being paid from an appropriation by the National Asso- ciation. The remarkable results achieved are detailed in the State Report (see p. 258). Only one warden was employed in Texas, — at Matagorda Island. The birds were not molested by man, but many eggs were covered by drifting sand, and were thus destroyed. This is the first time that the unstable character of the sand beaches was known to be a peril to the breeding birds. It is as impossible of prevention as storm tides, and quite as destructive. The extensive coast-line of Texas, it is hoped, can be thoroughly explored during the coming season, and effective warden care provided for all the colonies of sea-birds that undoubtedly breed there. > WARDEN HALFORD Made at Point a l'Hatche, Louisiana