146 Bird- Lore birds on this reservation and on the adjoin- ing islands owned or leased by the Louisiana Audubon Society indicated a wonderfully successful breedingseason. President Miller, of the Louisiana Society, is now making his annual tour of inspection and, as he has t aken his photographic outfit with him, it is hoped that his report will be illustrated with pictures showing the benefit of faithful war- den protection. Mr. Miller reports that "The captain of the Schooner 'Little Annie,' who was ar- rested for egging on one of the Audubon Islands in 1905 was convicted April 23, 1906, and was fined #25 and costs or 30 days in jail. The news of this conviction will travel all along the coast." Bird Key, Tortugas, Florida. — A letter received from Prof. Alfred G. Mayer, Director of the Marine Biological Labora- tory, on the Tortugas, is of so much interest and is so encouraging that extracts from it are given: "June 5, 1906. I have visited Bird Key and talked with youi warden B. E. Roberts, who seems interested in his work, and the protection this year may be considered practically perfect. There are about three times as many birds as in 1898; the Sooty Terns are especially increased in number, although the Noddies have also in- creased. In 1898 there was no efficient pro- tection, and the increase may be safely regarded as being due to the protection of the Audubon Society." — W. D. A Justifiable Thrashing.— Miss Boyn- ton, who is doing such good bird work among the children in the Bahama Islands, W. I., writes as follows : "I shall be very grateful for the additional sets of Leaflets which you kindly offer to send. I can use almost any number, and, believe, with good results. "I have a nest of a Humming-bird which seems to me rather curious. It is made of cotton so evenly wound and so lightly packed that I could not at first accept the statement that it was the work of a bird. The boy who brought it, however, was almost tearful in his recital of the act of another boy, who tore down the branch and k///ed the tiny mother and two little birds who were in the nest. He punished the murderer with a thrashing. "It seems that the children can be taught loyalty to the birds from this incident, and if the nest will be of any interest to you I am commissioned to forward it." — W. D. Cats. — In the April number of 'The Emu' it is reported that the cat question is already a serious problem with bird pro- tectionists in Australia. One of the editors suggests, as a remedy, an annual tax of one shilling for each cat owned. It seems that the abandoned cat is becoming a nuisance everywhere. Some of the keepers of the Lighthouse on Great Duck Island, Maine, which is a noted breeding resort for Gulls and Petrels had some cats which were a serious menace to the young birds. The matter was reported to the Inspector of the First District, T. H. Wilmer, Commander, U. S. N., who issued the following order, which effectually settled the cats at that station : "Great Duck Island is a favorite breeding ground for certain classes of birds. The Lighthouse Board is in hearty sympathy with the work of the Audubon Society, and sent a circular to keepers of light-stations making a violation of the state bird and game-laws a cause for dismissal from the Light-house Service. " Investigations have shown that cats are one of the greatest causes of destruction of birds. I feel that it is as much a violation of the law to allow your cats to destroy birds and eggs as for you or your children, or others under your control, to do so. " You will confer a favor upon me, as well as upon the Society, if you will closely con- fine all cats on the island until after the first of September, or else send them to the main-land." — W. D. AN APPEAL The Association has a large deficit ; there is urgent need of funds with which to pay its wardens in September; new mem- bers are needed. Will you take a personal interest in this matter? — W. D.
