Part 8
Manuscripts for publication, books, etc., for review, should be sent to the Editor at Englewood, New Jersey. ----------------------------------------------------- Advertisements should be sent to the Publishers at 66 Fifth avenue, New York City. ----------------------------------------------------- COPYRIGHTED, 1899, BY FRANK M. CHAPMAN. -----------------------------------------------------
The establishment of Bird-Lore has brought its editor in touch with many previously unknown friends, who, with the utmost kindness, have expressed their approval of the new publication and predicted for it a successful career. To thank all our correspondents individually has been out of the question, and we take this means, therefore, to assure them of our appreciation of their good wishes.
Doubtless they will be interested to know that within two weeks after the publication of Bird-Lore, the publishers had disposed of more copies than it was supposed they would sell in two months, while the demand for specimen copies was so large, that at the end of the same period our edition of 6,000 was nearly exhausted and we were obliged to issue a notice to the effect that the remaining copies would be delivered only to subscribers.
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The Lacey-Hoar Bird Bill has met with a greatly to be regretted fate. With earnest advocates of bird protection in both the House and Senate, and with sufficient support to ensure the passage of any desirable measure, the prospects of securing needed legislation seemed to be excellent. Doubtless both Congressman Lacey's and Senator Hoar's bills would have passed if they had been presented separately, but making the latter an amendment to the former, created a series of contradictions that apparently could not be adjusted in conference, and, as a result, measures the intent of which the majority of both houses evidently favored, failed to become laws.
However, the terms of neither Mr. Hoar nor Mr. Lacey have expired, and it is to be hoped that before the next Congress convenes they will have prepared a bill in which their interests in birds will be harmoniously presented.
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One of the most dangerous enemies threatening our birds to-day is the man who, under the mask of 'science,' collects birds and their eggs in wholly unwarranted numbers. He is dangerous not alone because of the actual destruction of life he causes, but because his excesses have brought into disrepute the work of the collector who, animated by the spirit of true science, and appreciating the value of life, takes only those specimens which he needs to assist him in his studies.
For this reason we feel it to be our duty to publicly protest against such wholly inexcusable nest-robbing as Mr. L. W. Brownell, of Nyack, N. Y. confesses himself to be guilty of in the January issue of 'The Osprey.' In describing a visit to Pelican Island, Florida, he states that in "about an hour he had collected all the eggs he could conveniently handle, about 125 sets."
This is an outrageous piece of bird-slaughter. It is especially to be deplored because Brown Pelican quills and back feathers are fast becoming fashionable, and, unless the species is protected, Florida will speedily lose one of its most characteristic and interesting birds. But how can we expect women, unfamiliar with the bird in nature, to aid in its protection, when people who have seen it in its haunts, and know how much it adds to Florida's coast scenery, ruthlessly destroy it.
=The Audubon Societies=
"_You cannot with a scalpel find the poet's soul, Nor yet the wild bird's song._"
Edited by Mrs. Mabel Osgood Wright (President of the Audubon Society of the State of Connecticut), Fairfield, Conn., to whom all communications relating to the work of the Audubon and other Bird Protective Societies should be addressed.
DIRECTORY OF STATE AUDUBON SOCIETIES
With names and addresses of their Secretaries.
=New Hampshire= Mrs. F. W. Batchelder, Manchester. =Massachusetts= Miss Harriet E. Richards, care Boston Society of Natural History, Boston. =Rhode Island= Mrs. H. T. Grant, Jr., 187 Bowen street, Providence. =Connecticut= Mrs. Henry S. Glover, Fairfield. =New York= Miss Emma H. Lockwood, 243 West Seventy-fifth street, New York City. =New Jersey= Miss Mary A. Mellick, Plainfield. =Pennsylvania= Mrs. Edward Robins, 114 South Twenty-first street, Philadelphia. =District of Columbia= Mrs. John Dewhurst Patten, 3033 P street, Washington. =Wheeling, W. Va.= Elizabeth I. Cummins, 1314 Chapline street, (branch of Penn Society) Wheeling. =Ohio= Miss Clara Russell, 903 Paradrome street, Cincinnati. =Indiana= Amos W. Butler, State House, Indianapolis. =Illinois= Miss Mary Drummond, Wheaton. =Iowa= Miss Nellie S. Board, Keokuk. =Wisconsin= Mrs. George W. Peckham, 646 Marshall street, Milwaukee. =Minnesota= Mrs. J. P. Elmer, 314 West Third street, St. Paul.
The Conducting of Audubon Societies
It is one thing to organize a society or club and quite another to set it upon a permanent footing and keep it in step with the constant requirements of progression. At a time when a great majority look askance at the startling array of societies that they are asked to 'join,' it behooves all Bird Protective bodies to conduct themselves with extreme conservatism, that they may not bear the stigma of being called emotional 'fads,' but really appeal to those whom they seek to interest.
Many men (and women also) have many minds, and a form of appeal that will attract one will repel another. It is upon the tactful management of these appeals and the bringing of the subject vitally home to different classes and ages, that the life of the Audubon Societies depends.
Leaflets have their influence with those who already care enough to take the trouble to read them. Special exercises in schools have a potent influence for good. But the best method of spreading the gospel of humanity, is that by which it was first spread 1900 centuries ago, by personal contact and the power of the human voice. A few spoken words are worth a score of printed ones. A compelling personality is worth a well of ink in this Bird Crusade of 1899. Let the heads of societies come in contact with the members as much as possible, and gather them in local circles. Let those who are able to speak about birds do so, and let those who lack the gift of words read aloud from the works of others.
Whenever possible, urge local secretaries to hold bird classes during spring and summer in their respective towns. If no one person knows enough to teach the others let them club together, buy a few books, and, going out of doors, work out the problems of identification as best they may, until every little village has a nature study class working its way, Chautauqua-Circle fashion. Remember one point, please. No society can succeed that is content to count the quantity rather than quality of its members. One hundred intelligent members who know how to spread the _why_ and _how_ of the crusade are worth 10,000 who have merely 'joined' because someone they were proud of knowing asked them to and it was easier to say 'yes' than 'no,' especially as the _saying_ was all it cost. Also, no society succeeds that _bores_ people into joining it. Remember that no matter how near one's own heart a project may be, we have no right to _force_ it upon others. We have no right to take people by the throat, so to speak, to make them pause and listen, but setting a high standard, holding out a helping hand and making the way attractive to those who wish to reach it is a different thing, and is the only sane policy under which Audubon Societies can be conducted. One word to you who wish to see the societies flourish, who love birds, but are shy and retiring, and do not care to commit yourselves to joining anything. You may safely join the cause in _spirit_ by sending a nice little check to the treasurer of your local state society. Piers Plowman discovered long ago that he couldn't "spede" far without money, neither can the Audubon Societies.--M. O. W.
A Letter from Governor Roosevelt
At the annual meeting of the New York State Audubon Society, held in the American Museum of Natural History on March 23, 1899, a letter was read from Governor Roosevelt, which is of such interest and importance that we print it in advance of a report of the meeting, which will appear in a future issue.
Governor Roosevelt regretted his inability to be present, and addressed the following letter to Mr. Frank M. Chapman, Chairman of the Executive Committee:
_My dear Mr. Chapman_:--
I need hardly say how heartily I sympathize with the purposes of the Audubon Society. I would like to see all harmless wild things, but especially all birds, protected in every way. I do not understand how any man or woman who really loves nature can fail to try to exert all influence in support of such objects as those of the Audubon Society.
Spring would not be spring without bird songs, any more than it would be spring without buds and flowers, and I only wish that besides protecting the songsters, the birds of the grove, the orchard, the garden and the meadow, we could also protect the birds of the sea shore and of the wilderness.
The Loon ought to be, and, under wise legislation, could be a feature of every Adirondack lake; Ospreys, as every one knows, can be made the tamest of the tame, and Terns should be as plentiful along our shores as Swallows around our barns.
A Tanager or a Cardinal makes a point of glowing beauty in the green woods, and the Cardinal among the white snows.
When the Bluebirds were so nearly destroyed by the severe winter a few seasons ago, the loss was like the loss of an old friend, or at least like the burning down of a familiar and dearly loved house. How immensely it would add to our forests if only the great Logcock were still found among them!
The destruction of the Wild Pigeon and the Carolina Paroquet has meant a loss as severe as if the Catskills or the Palisades were taken away. When I hear of the destruction of a species I feel just as if all the works of some great writer had perished; as if we had lost all instead of only part of Polybius or Livy.
Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt.
Reports of Societies
PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY
The Audubon Society of Pennsylvania was organized in October, 1896, and was the first society to follow the admirable example set by Massachusetts. During the first year 2,200 members were enrolled and nearly 30,000 circulars distributed. The first annual report was sent out in November, 1897, and it mentions a 'Hat Show,' and a course of lectures to be given in Philadelphia during the spring. Both of these were carried out with marked success, the 'Hat Show' attracting much attention to the work of the society, and the lectures adding materially to its income, as there are no dues of any kind connected with membership. The second annual report appeared in November, 1898, and announces an increase of 1,100 members during the year. It referred to the fact that as a direct result of the 'Hat Show' several of the best milliners had established special Audubon departments. Lectures were given in many parts of the state with most satisfactory results, and finally, the coöperation of school teachers was solicited to observe May 5, 1899, as Bird-Day. A course of five lectures, by Mr. Stone, will be given this year at the Acorn Club, Philadelphia, beginning March 16. A number of new slides have been bought by the society to illustrate these lectures, and the course promises to be more interesting than ever. Since the second report was issued seven new local secretaries have been secured, making 42 in all. It is hoped that this number will be doubled during the coming year, for as the membership, which is now nearly 3,800, continues to increase, the need of workers throughout the state becomes more important every day.
Julia Stockton Robins, _Sec'y._
INDIANA SOCIETY.
In 1889 the Indiana Academy of Science appointed a committee, of which I was chairman, to secure the passage of a satisfactory law for bird protection. The committee accomplished nothing. It was continued, and in 1891 secured the enactment of the enclosed law. The Academy of Science has, through its efforts in the way of advancing science work in the public schools of the state, encouraged and taught bird protection. In this it has had, since 1890, the coöperation of the Indiana Horticultural Society.
In 1897 at different times several bodies were interested in the movement in favor of bird protection. These appointed committees united in a call for a meeting to be held at Indianapolis. A programme was prepared, and the meeting held in the State House April 26, 1898. I send you a copy of the call and programme; also of the constitution of the Indiana Audubon Society. The Governor, and Superintendent of Public Instruction have both been much interested, and as a consequence Bird Day and Arbor Day were celebrated October 28, 1898. The "Outline of Township Institute Work" has gone into the hands of every teacher and school officer in the state.... You will see that the work we are doing is practical, even though it is not so much as some States are accomplishing. I have not the enrollment or statement of publications issued, but counting the issue of the State Department of Public Instruction, 20,000 copies of different articles, at least, have been distributed.
Amos W. Butler, _Sec'y._
ILLINOIS SOCIETY.
The past year has shown a very marked improvement as the results of bird protection and the general work of our Illinois Audubon Society. While the fashion for decorating hats with feathers still continues, yet there is a very noticeable decrease in the display of aigrettes and the feathers of wild birds. I have visited the establishments of several of our Chicago wholesale milliners and find that the larger portion of their stock, this fall, is made up of the feathers of the domestic fowl and game birds. Our Audubon Society has had two public meetings this year, which were well attended, and the interest in its work has rather increased than abated. Our membership has increased to 3,426. We have liberally distributed leaflets, including 500 of our circulars, stating the purpose of the society, to the editors of local newspapers in the state, with request that they aid the society by publishing same and calling attention to it editorially.
On February 7, 1898, an Interstate Convention was held in Chicago, represented by the game and fish wardens, and delegates appointed by the legislatures of the six states which responded to the call. At the request of Mr. Witmer Stone, I presented at this convention the text of a new law for the protection of birds and their nests and eggs, as drafted by our committee on Bird Protection. The convention agreed to submit the proposed law to each of their respective legislatures.
Great credit is due to the efficient work which has been done in our state by Warden H. W. Loveday and his deputies. Since the first of the year over one hundred prosecutions and convictions have been made, for the wanton killing and trapping of song and insectivorous birds by men and boys largely Italians and Bohemians. In 1897 there were 580 convictions in the state for the illegal killing and transportation of game birds. This year the game has been so carefully watched and such prompt action taken of reported cases of violation, that the poachers and market hunters have been less bold, and the number of arrests and seizures of game have been reduced over one-half.
On April 9, 1898, as a result of the efforts of County Superintendent of Schools Mr. Orville T. Bright, a meeting was held in Chicago in the interest of the school teachers of Cook county. Over three hundred were present, and the meeting was devoted exclusively to birds, and addresses given by several members of the Audubon Society. A "Finding List" of sixty species of birds, compiled by Mr. Frank E. Sanford, Superintendent of the La Grange, Ill., Schools, was distributed. This is a most effective method to inspire the teachers and in turn impart their love for birds to the scholars.
Ruthven Deane, _President_.
IOWA SOCIETY.
Under the auspices of the Keokuk Woman's Club, the Audubon Society of Iowa was organized April 5, 1898.
The first work taken up was the establishment of Bird Day in the public schools.
The second meeting was held in Rand Park. Short talks were made by Hazen I. Sanger, John Huiskamp, Rabbi Faber, Doctor Ehinger, and a paper was read by Miss Read.
We have bought and distributed through the schools, from kindergarten up, bird pictures and bird literature.
One of our men milliners asked to become a member.
On August 6 the officers of the society met and adopted articles of incorporation, this being the first Audubon Society to be incorporated under the laws of Iowa. The laws of Iowa give fair protection to the birds; our work is in creating the right sentiment.
Nellie S. Board, _Sec'y._
MINNESOTA SOCIETY
Mr. John W. Taylor, President of the Minnesota Audubon Society, reports the passage of a law establishing Arbor and Bird Day in Minnesota, and writes: "It is, as you can well imagine, a source of great gratification to the lover of birds in the state, and especially to the Audubon Societies. Through this law we can do more towards bird protection than we could accomplish in many years' labor without it. It brings the subject before the teachers and children, and as you educate the child so you mould the man. We have now in this state 58 branch societies, besides many school organizations and children's bird clubs. The number of members I am not able to give, as I have not all the reports in. We have sent out considerable literature, and used the press largely to interest our people. We feel that we are doing wonders for the first active year we have had, and congratulate ourselves that the hardest work is done. We hope by April 1st to have a branch in every county in Minnesota."
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Reports from the New Hampshire and Wisconsin Societies and a notice of the American Society of Bird Restorers are necessarily postponed until June.
_... READY THIS MONTH ..._
Nature Study For Grammar Grades
_A Manual for the Guidance of Pupils below the High School in the Study of Nature_
BY
WILBUR S. JACKMAN, A.B.
Dep't of Natural Science, Chicago Normal School
Author of "Nature Study for the Common Schools," "Nature Study and Related Subjects," "Nature Study Record," "Field Work in Nature Study," etc.
REVISED EDITION
In preparing this Manual, it has been the author's aim to propose, within the comprehension of grammar school pupils, a few of the problems which arise in a thoughtful study of nature, and to offer suggestions designed to lead to their solution.
That pupils need some rational and definite directions in nature study, all are generally agreed. But to prepare the outlines and suggestive directions necessary, and to place these within the reach of each pupil, is more than any ordinary teacher has time to do, even granting that she is fully prepared for such work. The utter futility of depending upon oral suggestions during the class hour, when the pupils are supposed to be doing individual work, is easily apparent on a moment's reflection. With a manual of directions in hand, each pupil may be made strictly responsible for a certain amount of work, either in the field or in the laboratory. This removes all occasion for that interruption in his work, which is, otherwise, due to the pupil's attempt to _think_ and at the same time _hear_, what the teacher says.
Recent Publications on Nature Study
=Bailey's First Lessons With Plants.= $.40 _net_ "Extremely original and unusually practical."
=Ingersoll's Wild Neighbors.= $1.50 "Instructive as well as delightful."--_Popular Science Monthly._
=Lange's Hand-Book of Nature Study.= $1 "The style of the book is fresh and inspiring."
=Murché's Science Readers.= Vol. I. 25 cents. Vol. II. 25 cents. Vol. III. 40 cents. Vol. IV. 40 cents _net_. Vol. V. 50 cents _net_. Vol. VI. 50 cents _net_.
=Weed's Life Histories of American Insects.= $1.50 "An unusually attractive book."--_Dial._
=Wilson's Nature Study in Elementary Schools.= First Nature Reader 35 cents Second Nature Reader 35 cents Teacher's Manual 90 cents
=Wright's Citizen Bird.= $1.50 An interesting story, giving to the children much accurate information about American birds.
"Most delightful book on the subject yet printed in the United States. I wish every boy and girl could read it."--J. M. Greenwood, Sup't Kansas City, Mo.
=Wright's Four-Footed Americans.= $1.50 Four-Footed American Mammals treated in story form in the manner of _Citizen Bird_.
=Wright's Birdcraft.= $2.50 _net_
PUBLISHED BY
THE MACMILLAN COMPANY, New York
* * * * *
Vol. 1 20c. a Copy No. 3 JUNE, 1899 $1 a Year
=Bird-Lore=
Edited by
FRANK M. CHAPMAN
The Macmillan Company
ENGLEWOOD, N. J.
NEW YORK LONDON
_R. Weber_
COPYRIGHT, 1899, BY FRANK M. CHAPMAN
=Bird-Lore=
June, 1899
CONTENTS
Gannets on Bonaventure. Illustrated _Frank M. Chapman_ 71 Clark's Crows and Oregon Jays on Mount Hood. Illustrated _Florence A. Merriam_ 72 The Masquerading Chickadee. Verse _Edith M. Thomas_ 77 Matins. Verse _Rosa Meyers Mumma_ 77 Home-Life in a Chimney. _Mary F. Day_ 78 Three Cobb's Island Pictures. Illustrated _William L. Baily_ 81 The Cardinal at the Hub. Illustrated _Ella Gilbert Ives_ 83 A Catbird Study. Illustrated _Dr. Thos. S. Roberts_ 87
FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS On the Ethics of Caging Birds _Olive Thorne Miller_ 89 A May Morning _Fred H. Kennard_ 91
FOR YOUNG OBSERVERS A February Walk. _Mildred A. Robinson_ 94 Illustration--Robin on Nest. _T. S. Hankinson_ 95 Robin Rejoice. Verse _Garrett Newkirk_ 95
NOTES FROM FIELD AND STUDY 96 Inquisitive Magpies, _J. Alden Loring_; Songs of Birds, _Frank E. Horack_
BOOK NEWS AND REVIEWS 97 Evans' Birds; Weed on the Feeding Habits of the Chipping Sparrow, and Food of the Chickadee; Fannin's Check-list of British Columbian Birds; Dearborn's List of Birds of Belknap and Merrimack Counties, N. H.; Book News.
EDITORIAL 99