New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-12-28
EGRET FARMS A MYTH.
THE PLUMEs ARE NOT PLUCKED FROM
HDRONS IN CAPTIVITY.
FRANK VI. CHAPMAN. OF THE STATE AUDUBON
SOCIETY. CoRRDCTs SOME STATEMENTS
REGARDING DGRETs

SOCIETY. CoRRBcTs SOME STATEMENTS
REGARDING DGRETs.
To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir Some weeks ago there appeared IN me COL
umns OF we'll known magazine paragraph to
the effect that herons' plumes, or egrets were
gathered from the ground after being shed
by the bird and also were plucked from captive
birds, there longer any why these
feathers should not be worn by the most humane
minded
The high character OF the Journal in which these
statements were made gave TO them apparent
authenticity which caused many through
out the country TO write 10 officers OF the Audubon
societies to learn whether in their opinion the
facts published were true. or whether. they
had previously supposed, egrets were taken
from the backs OF herons which had been shot by
plume hunters. These letters finally became 80
numerous that II was evident the paragraph re-
ferred to had awakened widespread interest, and.
It was clearly founded erroneous or mislead-
ing information It deemed highly desirable
that q correction should be made in the original
place Of publication.
Certain officers OF tho Audubon societies. in
Guiding several prominent ornthologists. wrote to
the magazine In question explaining the known
methods pursued by plume hunters and asking
that in view OF the harm which might result from
the editorial a confirmation or correction OF the
statements be made.
These letters brought replies from Mrs. Isobe
Strong stating that she the author Of the
paragraph referred 10 and that It was based on In
formation furnished her by Mrs. Robert LOUIS
Stevenson, who had been told by missionary to
India that egrets picked up from the
ground during the breeding season OF herons Mrs
Strong added that while living in Hawaii she had
been told the same story by Navy officers coming
up from South America"
As the ornithologists to whom this letter was
sent DO not think that what Mrs. Strong herseIt
characterized "hearsay evidence snouid De
considered of greater weight than the ndisputable
facts within their knowledge. l therefore beg OF
you space to comment on the manner In which
herons plumes are and not secured
In the first place. they gathered from the
ground? 50 far as know they are not Exam
nation OF specimens Of the birds shows as might
be expected and as is the with all feathers
which are in any way exposed 10 abrasion that
the herons retain their plumss or egrets' unuI
they are very much worn whereas the egrets oi
commerce so far as we have observed are fresh
or unfrayed.
Furthernoore. aside from tho fact that herons
usually nest over mud water. where their
plume. II found would be in unstable conui-
tion 10 II not ridiculous 10 suppose that the plume
hunter would spend days trampng through inc
muddy OF swampy places In which herons i've IN
a laborious search for single feathers. when by
few well directed shots he could secure more ana
better plumes than he could find in weeksY
/ can imagine the reply various Florida plum
ers' 1 have met would make II asked no" inn"'
plumes shed by herons they had ever pckedup' Ihey
got their plunss as other pumers do. by shooting
the birds that wore them. and with a dexterouS
cut removing the akin between the shoulders 10
which the plumes grow Such pieces OF SKIN WIN
the plumes attached were sold In all FIoridad cui 4
a@ Was passed Ss o. 6rt se I the Killing Of
ana me sale OF their plumes hather sinsu.a.. :.