Editorials

113 A Bi-monthly Magazine Devoted to the Study and Protection of Birds OFFICIAL CIRGAN OF THE AUDUBON SOCIETIES Edited by FRANK M. CHAPMAN Published by THE MACMILLAN COMPANY Vol. Ill Published June 1, 1901 No. 3 SUBSCRIPTION RATES Price in the United States, Canada, and Mexico twenty cents a number, one dollar a year, post- age paid. Subscriptions may be sent to the Publishers, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, or 66 Fifth avenue, New Vork City. Price in all countries in the International Postal Union, twenty-five cents a number, one dollar and a quarter a year, postage paid. Foreign agents, Macmillan and Company. Ltd., London. COPYRIGHTED, 1901, BY FRANK M. CHAPMAN. Bird-Lore's Motto: A Bird in ike Bush is Worth Two in the Hand. It is often remarked, with equal truth ami triteness, that laws are not self-acting; and, in many instances, the same state- ment might be applied to the makers of laws. Thus, the average legislator has little or no interest in securing the passage of laws designed to protect non-game birds. He is, however, as a rule, not opposed to such legislation, and when its desirability has been made known to him the facts in the case are so clear, the argtiments so im- answerable, that he rarely fails to give a bird-protective measure his support — be it said to his credit. The ditficiilty has been in bringing tlie matter to his attention in such a manner that he cannot but realize its importance. Circular letters and other forms of indirect appeal are not stifHcient, but the experience of Mr. Dutcher and Dr. Palmer during the past winter proves conclusively that if the liird-protectionist properly pleads his cause iiefore the legislative game coniniittce he will win the day. So these gentlemen, representing the American Ornithologists' Union anil the Biological Survey of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, have journeyeil from Maine to Floriila to urge upon the legislators of various states the necessitv of giving to their birds adequate legal protection. In some instances they found a sympathetic senti- ment already established by local Audubon or Ornithological Societies, in others, their almost unaided efforts secured the reconsid- eration of a bill which had previously been rejected; and it speaks volumes for their energy, skill, and tact when we say that wherever they have gone good laws have been secured. In Florida, however, the legislature is still in session, but with every prospect of passing the law introduced and personally advocated by these tireless workers for the cause of bird protection. In Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Delaware, District of Columbia, and Wy- oming where we are glad to hear an Audubon Society has just been formed) good laws have been passed ; and there is every reason to hope that Connecticut and Florida will be added to the list. Califor- nia loses its place on this honor roll solely through the surprising act of its governor, who vetoed a bill which had passed both branches of the legislature. Now let us make the legal protection, which has so happily been secured, actual protection by subscribing liberally to the Thayer fund. Mr. Dutcher's success with the small sum at his disposal last year tells in the most satisfactory manner possible how much may be accomplished at a com- paratively low cost. The new laws which have been secured now greatly widen tin- held which may be profitably covered, and it is greatly to be hoped that fimds may be at once forthcoming to hire wardens wher- ever they can be employed to advantage. Already twenty-five wardens have been employed, but the number should be largely increaseil if b'rd-lovers wouhl send their contributions to William Dutcher, 525 Manliattan Avenue, New ork citv. The publication of reports of Audubon Societies has necessarily been postponed to give space to Mr. Van Name's important paper on practical bird protection. Every (IMC lisiiiL: in the country can do some- thing in the direction outlined by Mr. 'an Name, even if his efforts be confineil ti> iii> (nvn garilen.