The Audubon Societies ^etts declares that game artificially reared shall be the exclusive property of the per- son raising it, but forbids the owner to sell it for food during close seasons. Illinois exacts a fio hunting license from non- residents, even though they lease or own a game preserve within the State, and Wy- oming in the famous ' Race Horse case,' carried up to the Supreme Court in 1896, has successfully maintained her right to compel Indians to obey her game laws (163 U. S. 504). During the last fifty years, the sentinient in favor of bird protection has developed rapidly. Many laws have been enacted, amended, and sustained by the courts. That these laws are still imperfect is partly the result of carelessness and partly of strong opposition due to ignorance or sel- fishness. Our game laws, unlike those of Europe, are maintained for the good of the people as a whole, not for the benefit of ^ly one class, and their enforcement de- pends very largely on a general apprecia- tion of the principles upon which they are based. Reports of Societies MASSACHUSETTS SOCIETY rhe Massachusetts Audubon Society is now five years old. There are abundant proofs that it has been an important agent in increasing an interest in the study and protection of birds; and it is rapidly ac- quiring an etpiipment of permanent service to bird students. While there are many friendly critics who protest that our methods are too general and that we lack aggressive force, we are convinced that the society has made for itself a firm place in the affections of a large number of people, and is alreadv a respected institution of the state. Last winter the society tnok .ictiM- measures to ;ii(l the passage nl the legis- lative bill for "making Suiuhu close sea- son for birds and game." This winter a bill was presented to repeal tliiv er beneficent law; again the six i(i made earnest effort to defeat the measure. liu- society has also done exiellent dutv in in- riuencitig the legislature, iillcctin^ two other important bills relating to bird pro- tection. Our register now numbers 3,334 persons: of these 42 are life associates, having paid $2^; 530 are associates, paying $1 annually, and 502 are junior members, persons under sixteen years, and having paid 10 cents; the others are life members, having paid 25 cents. We have issued thirty-three different pub- lications; many of these have been freely distributed throughout the country; other publications dealing with bird protection we have secured by purchase or gift for dis- tribution. Our two Audubon Calendars have been favorably received; a third is in preparation with original drawings by the same artist; this will be issued in time for the 1901 Christmas sales. We issued the second chart of common birds last August. The sale of the charts had not been as large as was anticipated, probably because we have not been able to properly advertise them. Last winter the society arranged with Mr. Frank M. Chapman to give his lecture "Bird Studies with a Camera." His large audience greatly enjoyed the lecture, the proceeds of which added to our treasury. This winter the society secured Mr. Ralph Hoffmann for a course of six lectures; his subjects are, Winter Birds; Early Spring; The Month of May; Nesting Time; Sum- mer Ornithology; Birds and Man. The lectures are well attended by an apprecia- tie audience. We expect that a ii-cture course will be an annual feature of the societies' work. February i, of this year, our traveling lecture started on its journeys. The lec- ture is entitled "An Invitation to Bird Ac- (|uaintance," and was written ami donated liv Mr. Hoffmann. A lantern and fifty slides make up the outfit. The slides were niatie troiii negatives presented bv Messrs. Ildlxrt K. Job, Lvman I'nderwood, Her- lurt W. (ileason, James II, I'liierton. Rnlxri -S. Mciirison. .AlreaiK it has isite»l. ni is booked to visit, over fiftv schools, iliibs and societies. Lhe lecture is sent free to anv responsible person in NLissaclui- ^ett^ who guarantees its safe return and will
