Mrs. Elizabeth W. Peckham, secretary of the Wisconsin Society, sends to Mr. Stone the first annual report of that body, from which we extract the following:
"This society was organized April 20, 1897. The first efforts of the executive board were in the direction of securing the coöperation of the press in this city and throughout the state. The response was most generous, and it is probable that more effective work has been done through this agency than in any other way.
"The next appeal was to clergymen of all denominations, who were asked to preach upon the fashion of wearing wild bird feathers. Here, again, they received valuable aid and encouragement.
"In May, 100 circulars were sent to Milwaukee milliners, asking their assistance in the work of reform, and announcing that there would be held, in the fall, an Audubon millinery opening. This opening, which took place in October, was well attended, and served its purpose in calling attention to the existence and meaning of the society.
"The coöperation of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and also of the Board of School Directors of this city, has been secured. The response of the Milwaukee School Board was especially cordial and encouraging. Talks upon the subject of bird protection have already been given in several of the city schools, and it is intended that the main work of the society for the coming year shall be done among the teachers and school children of the state.
"The society is much to be congratulated in that, before it came into existence, Bird Day had been established in Wisconsin. We can only appreciate our good fortune in this respect by noting the difficulties that are thrown in the way of the Audubon societies of other states when they attempt to win the consent of their legislatures to this step. We owe this great advantage to Mr. J. E. Morgan, of Sauk county.
"Although our Audubon Society is one of the largest in the United States, we are working under great disadvantages, since we have, so far as we can discover, the smallest income of them all. In order that no one may be excluded, we have made our life membership fee exceedingly small, so that it brings in an amount quite insufficient to meet the expenses of printing, buying and distributing literature. We therefore make an earnest appeal to intelligent men and women to become members of the society, or to send us contributions of money. We are especially anxious to increase the number of our associate members, who pay one dollar a year, and thus provide us with a steady income."
Mrs. Peckham reports a total membership of 5,141, and writes that since the publication of the report from which we have just quoted, "through the coöperation of our State Superintendent of Public Instruction, our society has formed 175 branches among the school children. These branch societies include over four thousand members, including teachers and children."
NEW HAMPSHIRE SOCIETY