Page:Bird-lore Vol 08.djvu/99

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The Audubon Societies 75 Under this decision it is very evident that it is unlawful in the state of New York to sell or have in possession the plumage of Herons, sold under the trade name of ' Aigrettes.' — W. D. An Important Meeting One of the most important gatherings of men engaged in the protection of birds and game which has taken place in recent times was the National Meeting of State Game Wardens and Commissioners at St. Paul, Minn., January 25, 26 and 27. Here for three days the heads of game-protective de- partments from thirteen states and the Yel- lowstone National Park discussed questions which are so vital to the perpetuation of our American wild bird and animal life. The selection and employing of game-wardens, the best means of raising revenue, the non- shipment of game, the non-sale of game, bag limits, and prosecution of violations of the game- and bird-laws were some of the various subjects which claimed their atten- tion. It was a convention, a conference, a congress of chieftains which here assembled for a time to sit and smoke in council by the Father of Waters. The good of such a meeting can hardly be overestimated. Men learned here that their problems were, in many cases, the problems of others, or that their long-cherished plans had been tried and were operating successfully elsewhere, or caught inspiration from the ideas of others. For many years those engaged in the work of the Audubon Society have been proceed- ing along similar paths and in many cases going hand in hand with this force of men. The secretary of the National Association was, therefore, pleased to accept the invi- tation extended him to address this body on 'The Work of the Audubon Society.' The subject was treated in considerable detail, with the result that many of the state wardens and commissioners expressed great interest in the work of the Audubon Society, and declared their intention of pur- chasing large quantities of the leaflets relat- ing to the economic value of birds which are issued by the National Association, for the purpose of giving these leaflets a wide distribution in their states.— T. Gilbert Pearson. A Suggestion to Woman's Clubs An excellent method of showing an inter- est in bird protection, one which ought to be followed by every Woman's Club in the country, was given by the New Century Club of Utica, New York, when they for- warded $11 as a contribution to the work of the National Association. This made the club a sustaining member of the National Association of Audubon Societies, with dues paid for two years. Thirty of the members of the club pledged themselves "to refrain, for one year, from the use of feathers for ornament, whether feathers of domestic fowls or of other birds, except Ostrich feathers; being especially moved to this action by the murder of Guy M. Bradley, warden in Florida, who was killed while engaged in his duty of protecting the birds under his care." The Woman's Clubs stand for improve- ment. Can the forty-five hundred clubs in the General Federation, with their quarter million members, achieve any greater world benefit than to forbear to use aigrettes? If the National Federation Officers will decree that the use of aigrettes is forbidden because -of the cruelty necessary to obtain them, the influence will be felt in all parts of the world. — W. D. Good Work in Mexico The following letter (translation) shows that the cause of bird protection is receiving attention elsewhere, and eventually will result in a great international society. "It now gives me pleasure to advise you of the receipt of your favor dated the 31st of last January, together with a clipping of the New York City (paper) (taken from 'Mod- ern Mexico') relative to the excessive de- struction of Herons in Mexico. As you know, I am formulating a game-law with the counsel of the Department of the Inte- rior, and have hopes that it will be promul- gated within the next few months. "I have already addressed the authorities of Tehuantepec requesting data on the sub- ject which inspired your letter, and recom-