Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1905-04-26
AUDUBON SOCIETIES
THE GOOD WORK OF THE MA
TIoNAL COMMITTEE.
Different Departments of the United
States Government Lend Valu-
able Aid-Breeding Birds
to Be Protected.


the consequent increase in the popula-
ton of practically every colony pro-
tected. Not long ago these helpless
birds and their eggs were considered
the legitimate plumber of every plume
hunter and egg-hunter who chose to
visit the breeding grounds. Wherever
the Audubon society has gained foot
hold, however, the would-be bird-de-
stroyers find themselves confronted
with warning notices against trespass
and massacre, and, unless they take the
hint, they are apt to meet loyal and de-
termined wardens who have sand
enough to enforce the law, peaceably If
possible, but with the assistance of a
shotgun if necessary. Such man is
Guy M. Bradley, who, in the good launch
Audubon" recently purchased by the
society. is continually cruising among
the keys and islands in the extreme
south of Florida, or patroling on foot
the swamps and everglades of that wild
region. His work is lonely, sometimes
dangerous, but he performs it faithful
ly and it may be some satisfaction to
him to know that his loyalty to the cause
of bird-prOtection is understood and ap
preciated over the length and breadth
of these United States. Charles G. john
son, keeper of the Sand Key lighthouse
station, is another good warden, VINO
looks well after the interests of the
gullS and terms which breed near his
station. He and his assistant prevent
any landing on the breeding ground
during the nesting season, and they will
not permit shooting at any time. AS
a result, these birds have had a very
favorable year. Benjamin Peacon is
he name of the warden appointed TO
guard the birds nesting on Dry Tor
tugaS during last season. He resided
on Bird Key, and reports satisfactory
increase in the number of terms which
nestled there. These and other good men
are employed as wardens by the ma
tiOnal committee, which has accom-
plished wonders considering the COM
paratively small sum of money it has
so far had at it's disposal. But as the
interest in bird-protection increases,
and the good work of this committee be-
comes more generally recognized, it is
hoped that there will be funds enough
to provide for the protection of every
colony of breeding birds upon the coast
of North America. The national COM
mittee receives no greater encourage
ment from any quarter than that which
comes from the United States govern
ment.
The department of the interior the
department of agriculture, the depart
ment of commerce and labor, the navy
department and others have been equal
ly appreciative and considerable sin
gle executive order, signed by President
Roosevelt, reflects the attitude of the
government towards the work OF the
Audubon society. This order was issued
largely on the strength of a report made
to the national committee by Mr.. Frank
NJ Miller president of the Louisiana
Audubon society, who had been cruising
among the islands in the Gulf of Mex
leo east of the state coast line. He
found that hundreds of thousands of
the eggs of royal and least terms, laugh
ing gulls and black skimmers, were be-
ing collected and used by glue manu-
President Roosevelt at once set aside
seven of these islands for the use Of
the department of agriculture. as pre-
serve and breeding ground for native
birds" By this timely act President
Roosevelt earned the gratitude Of every
bird-lover in this country, and with a
single stroke of his pen he not only
actually saved the lives of thousands
of sea birds, but set an example which
future presidents will be expected to
live up to.
The national committee has just been
incorporated under the title of the Ma
tional Association of Audubon Socie-
ties of America. and is now in legal
position to receive requests from those
to whom the great movement appeals.
Already one generous and modest lover
of animals has added a codicil to his
will devising to the national committee
the substantial sum of 100000. which,
upon its receipt is to be securely in
vested, and the interest only to be used
But there is so much work yet to be
done. that even this generous sum will
go but short way towards the accom-
plishment of it, and it is hoped that
other wealthy bird-lovers will see their
way to helping the cause along The
work of the national association should
now appeal to more people than ever
before. since it embraces the protection
of desirable wild animals as well as
birds. Mr.. William butcher is still the
chairman. and his address as before is
SIS Manhattan avenue, New York.
Next week we will consider the ways
in which all sorts and conditions OF peo-
ple can help the Audubon movement
ERNEST HAROLD BAYNES.
Facts in the Case.
Scribbler-I'm glad 1 wasn't Shakes
peare.
Dribbles-Because why?
Scribbler-Because I'd be a dead one
now.
nrfxblac-Voc fhof,c riCht ond