The Audubon Societies 41 gloves, haunts the cheaper shojis, lunching on either beer or soda water, and in sum- mer rides a man's wheel, chews gum, and expectorates with seeming relish. The headgear of a fashionable audience, gathered at the first night of a new play, was another encouraging sign. Those who arrived without bonnets wore in their hair a single flower, a filet of ribbon or some flexible metal, or lace choux. I only recognized half a dozen Egrets among them, and these were worn by women of the dubious age and complexion that may be excused from the shock of abandoning time-honored customs. During the five minutes" millinery show allowed, before the rise of the curtain causes the well-bred to unhat, absolutely no feathers were dis- coverable, save a few white breasts. Ostrich, and Maribou plumes ; the effect of so much softly draped, delicately tinted gauze, mingled with gold, silver and flowers, giving greater brilliancy to the house than had a Bird of Paradise, a Humming-bird, or a Cockatoo been perched on every head. We may ask ourselves if the change has any special significance. Is it a mere freak of fashion ? Is it owed to the law or to the lady ? Let us credit it to the law anJ the lady, and hope that the two are standing with locked hands, as they exchange New Year's greetings and form a twentieth century alli- ance in the cause of Bird Protection, as they have so often done in other things that elevate the race.— M. O. W. Reports of Societies NEW YORK SOCIETY Among the salient features of the recent work accomplished by the New York Audu- bon Society, especial mention should be made of the satisfactory results which have attended the issuing of the Bluebird button, and the cstablisiiment of the free associate membership — open to those under eighteen years of age. The trininpii ol tlif pa>t r:ir :l^ ilic success of the Hallock Bill, signed l) (jovernor Roosevelt on May 2, 1900. An earnest jiiea, signed In Mr. Chapinan niul Mr. Dutcher, was sent to all adult mem- bers of the society, to urge favorable action on the bill upon the assemblymen and senators at Albany. The response to this appeal from all parts of the state proved the advance made by the army of bird pro- tectors, and greatly strengthened the untir- ing efforts of Mr. Hallock, Mr. Dutcher and Mr. Cha[)inan in securing the passage of this law. The new law, in poster form, has been sent to over 3,500 postmasters. Large linen posters have also been circulated. At the annual meeting, held June 2 at the American Museum of Natural Historv, it was stated that since the former report 11,719 leaflets had been distributed. Since that date 11,405 have been put into circula- tion. The total number printed by the Society approximates 125,000. Over 100,- 000 have been distributed. Since the last report of the New York Society appeared in Bird-Lore, the following valuable leaf- lets have been issued : ' The Educational Value of Bird Study,' by Mr. Chapman; 'Consistency in Feather Wearing,' by Mrs. Wright (kindness of Connecticut Societj); 'Save the Birds,' by Mr. Dutcher (first issued by Pennsylvania Society); 'The Passing of the Tern,' by Mr. Chapman, reprinted from Bird-Lore; 'Law Posters and Leaflets,' and ' Letter of Appeal,' by Messrs. Chapman and Dutcher. 'I'he present membership is 2,479. Through the courtesv of the American Museum of Natural Histor)', the members of the Audubon Society residing in the immediate vicinity of New York city have enjoyed the privilege of hearing the special course of lectures, piven by Mr. Chapman at the Museum, on 'Birds in Nature.' It would be unjust not to speak of the great help afforded by many of our local secretaries, especially in the all-important work among the children. The New York Auduivin Society is con- stantly deterred in its efforts by the lack of funds. To develop the educational side of - iiii>iuuiit will re(]uire large additional income, and how to devise means to attain this is the immediate task before us. Emma If. I.oi kwooh, Sfiretmy.
