Communications
COMMUNICATIONS.
TO THE EDITOR:
With your permission I wish to say a word to the readers of THE CONDOR and especially to those who are citizens of, as well as ornithologists in the states of California, Oregon, Nevada and Utah.
Mr. Bailey in the last paragraph of his article “Unprotected Breeding Grounds” in the May-June number of THE CONDOR, sounds a note of warning in regard to certain of the marsh and water birds, but especiaIly of the grebes; his statement that thousands of grebe skins are shipped from one lake alone can be verified by a visit during the winter months to any of the great cities of the north and east where anyone can see large numbers of muffs and shoulder capes made entirely of grehe skins, and other garments, as well as bonnets trimmed with them. The writer has counted as many as thirteen grebe breasts in one shoulder cape.
As the Chairman of the National Committee of Audubon Societies I appeal to the bird students of the four states in question to take this matter in hand at once and see that steps are taken to have good bird laws passed at the next sessions (1903) of the legislatures of the four states named. There is barely four months yet before the several legislatures will assemble, which is only too short a period in which to create a sentiment in favor of bird protection and good bird legislation. If such legislation cannot be secured during the next sessions no other opportunity will be offered until 1905, and in the interval of two years untold damage to the birds of California, Oregon, Nevada and Utah will be done.
Very truly yours,
WM. DUTCHER
Chm. Nat'l. Com. Aud. Societies, New York City, June 10, 1902
