Be the roads many—illustrated lectures to arouse public sentiment, birdless bonnets, leaflets, thousands of pledge cards signed by ready sympathizers—the goal must be conservative, well thought out legislation, free from any taint of emotional insanity. If we are to keep the bird it must be by the aid of the law, the only voice that must be listened to, speaking the only language understood by all the races that go to make up the people of the United States.—M. O. W.
Reports from Societies
RHODE ISLAND SOCIETY
An exhibition of birdless hats—'Audubonnets' as they have been facetiously styled—was held in the parlors of the Narragansett Hotel, in Providence, on the 9th of October. The response to the invitations, which were sent by the society to the leading milliners, was very gratifying, nearly all of them entering cordially into the scheme. About one hundred and fifty hats were exhibited, and it is safe to say that such a beautiful and artistic display of millinery was never before seen in Providence. Most of the hats were especially designed for the occasion, and an endless variety of styles and trimmings was shown. The result proved conclusively that the plumage of wild birds can be easily discarded without violating the laws of fashion.
The exhibition had been well advertised and, in spite of unpleasant weather, the parlors were thronged with visitors throughout the day. Many sales were made, the proceeds going to the exhibitors.
Four ribbon prizes were awarded, but it is the opinion of the committee in charge that prizes, even of that nature, were a disadvantage.
The 'Providence News' thus comments upon the exhibition: "It was only the other day that the 'News' was moved to remark from the evidence of the fashion plates, that bird plumage was to be more than ever the fashion this season. But there is evidence that the protest against it is a mighty one, and if the birds in other communities have supporters of the number and character that they find here in Rhode Island, the milliners who oppose the sentiment of the Audubons will at no early day be compelled to reform or to go out of business."
Annie M. Grant, Sec'y.
PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY
During the year that has followed the issuing of our second annual report the Society has spread to nearly every county in the State. The membership has grown from 3,300 to 5,000, and a steady increase of interest is shown in the letters received by the secretary.