The Audubon Societies 97 letter be sent to the vice-presidents and members of the Executive Committee, embodying the wishes of the Society to the following effect : namely, that they should seek to increase the membership of the Florida Society, and arouse as much inter- est as possible in the work of protecting our feathered friends, and to interest per- sons in their own town to form a local society, and to interest all children in the neighborhood, and to urge that the city or town where they reside pass necessary ordinances to protect the birds, and further that all such officers report progress to the meetings of the state society. On motion of Mr Baumgarten, the meet- ing adjourned to the call of the Executive Committee. Maitland, Fla., March jo, igoo. Mr. Frank M Chapman. My Dear Sir — I have been asked to send you a brief account of the organiza- tion of the Audubon Society of Florida. We owe a debt of gratitude to Mrs L. F. Dommerich for the interest which she has awakened for the protection of the birds of Florida. No state or terri- tory in our country has- been as richly endowed in plumage and song birds as this state. It has been the meeting place of tropical and northern birds. At my first visit to Florida, fifty years ago, I saw at almost every turn on the St. John's river, the Pink and White Curlews, and scores of other brilliantly plumaged birds. Within the past twenty years I saw, on one occasion, in the woods bordering on Lake Jessup, not less than two thousand Paroquets. Many of these beautiful creatures are no longer to be found, unless in the Ever- glades. The murderous work of extermi- nation has been carried on by vandals, incited by the cupidity of traders who minister to the pride of thoughtless people. Our best work will be through the teachers of the public schools, for they can reach the hearts of the children, who wantonly destroy both birds and eggs. We have been delighted at the enthusi- asm and interest exhibited by the people of Florida in this blessed work. Our Saviour taught us that these feath- ered friends and companions of men are a special object of our Heavenly Father's care. And should he not have his chil- dren's help in their protection ? With high regards. Yours faithfully, H. B. Whipple, Bishop of Minnesota. MINNESOTA SOCIETY Our work goes on with many bright and cheery incidents, which show a gradual gain for the good work of bird protection. Many new branches have been established throughout the state, and many letters received from persons interested in the work shows that the circulars sent out are doing good. Bird-Lore should be credited with much of it. Last spring we had Olive Thorne Miller with us, and her lecture course was well attended, giv- ing us valuable assistance. While there are some discouraging days caused by the want of interest shown by some good women, who still wear upon their hats the bodies of our beautiful birds, we notice that the custom is decreasing, and Bird-Day law is introducing into our schools the study of ornithology. John W. Taylor, Pres. KENTUCKY SOCIETY It is with great pleasure that I write of the formation of the Audubon Society of Kentucky. We have taken hold of the work at once, directing our efforts first toward giving our birds protection under the law as it exists in our statute, and toward the encouragement of a healthy sentiment in the schools for bird life. We have bought a large chart for use in the schools, and we propose two public meetings a year in addition to our educa- tional and social meetings from time to time. Interest is manifested already. We think we have made a happy choice in our president and vice-president, estima- ble ladies, discreet and tactful, and withal touched with the value of our work. Ingram Crockett, Sec.
