I30 Bird -Lore ception that proves the rule) who, in the tirst enthusiasm at the knowledge that the milliners had offered a compromise, read this agreement to mean that if we would promise to allow the milliners to traffic un- molested in the feathers of all birds not Xoi-th Amcrudn, they would in turn re- frain from dealing in the plumage of the native birds. They hailed this as at least a sure means of saving our own birds, even though it put a premium upon the slaugh- ter of the equally valuable species of other countries, saying "Foreign countries must look after their own birds ; we cannot sacrifice ours because they cannot protect theirs. " Also arguing that, as it seems at the moment improbable that the United States will pass a law making the use of the plumage of foreign birds illegal, there can be no harm in promising not to work in favor of such a measure Considering the proposition from even this ultra practical standpoint, no such con- struction can be put upon it as it is worded We are asked plainly to pledge ourselves to refrain from pushing any legislation which the millinery trade shall consider unjust to itself. The ethical side of the question is even more plain, but of equal importance. No Audubon Society that is true in spirit, as well as in letter, to its platform and con- stituents can sign this agreement ; for to ■do so is literally saying to its members, "We will not interfere with you even if you cover your hats with birds so louff as ihey are marked 'killed in Europe ' ! " As I have always said, the law is the only path by which satisfactory protection can be given to the birds The law is the voice of public opinion, sometimes tardily heard, but sure to speak at last. Public opinion has been turned toward bird protection largely by the very societies who are now asked to pledge away their legislative power for what? A mess of pottage com- posed of inedible native birds ! The fact that international laws may be difficult of passage is no reason for ceas- ing to work for them. "Every man for himself and the devil take the hinder- most," is a poor motto for organizations such as ours. It was this spirit that op- posed bitterly the International Copy- right bill not so very long ago. Not- withstanding this. International Copy- right is now a law ! Mabel Osgood Wright. Reports of Societies RHODE ISLAND SOCIETY ( Third Annual Report, March 26, igoo) In the third annual report of the So- ciety, it cannot be said that Rhode Island women have given up wearing feathers, or that our boys have stopped collecting eggs ; but there can be no doubt that a public sentiment in favor of bird protec- tion has been aroused and is steadily growing, not only in our state, but in all parts of the country. Audubon Societies exist in at least twenty different states, and many other organizations are work- ing on the same line. During the past year five Bird Commis- sioners have been appointed by the Gov- ernor of Rhode Island, and from the character of those who have accepted the office, we have every reason to believe that the laws will be enforced. A com- mittee appointed by the Audubon Society will do what is possible to secure better legislation in regard to certain useful birds which are now unprotected, such as Hawks, Owls, Meadow - Larks, and Gulls. The Society has endeavored to keep its aims constantly before the public About fifteen hundred leaflets have been dis- tributed. Thirteen hundred pictures of birds, copied by the Massachusetts Society from their calendar, and accompanied by text, have been purchased and sent to the superintendents of our country schools and given by them to scholars interested in nature study. The present Commissioner of Public Schools, Mr. Thomas B. Stockwell, is anx- ious to promote the study of birds, and at the request of your secretary, has kindly written a letter to the school super- intendents of the state, asking them to
