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The Audubon Societies 203 Death of Mrs. Dommerich In the death of Mrs. C. F. Dommerich, which occurred in New York city, Novem- ber 9, 1900, the cause of bird protection has lost a staunch and efficient supporter, who had chosen for her field of work a state where her services were greatly needed. It was through Mrs Dommerich 's efforts that the Florida Audubon Society was formed in March, 1900. Under her lead- ership it promised to be an organization of more than usual influence, and it is sin- cerely to be hoped that in its ranks there is some one who will carry on the work which Mrs. Dommerich so successfully inaugurated. Seizure of Gulls in Baltimore Acting under advice received from the U. S Biological Survey, the Game and Fish Commission of Maryland seized, in Oc- tober last, 2,600 Gulls and Terns in the possession of Dumont & Co., of Baltimore. Under the provisions of the state law the birds were confiscated, no defense being made. A criminal case, to determine whether Dumont & Co. are liable to the fine imposed by the state law, of from $1 to $5 for each bird found in their posses- sion, is still pending. This case thoroughly aroused the whole- sale feather dealers of Baltimore, who re- quested Dr. T. S. Palmer, of the Biological Survey, to examine their stock. As a result of this examination they promptly with- drew all prohibited feathers, including Grebes' breasts and Herons' aigrettes, and each firm made a statement to the effect that hereafter it would not deal in birds protected by state or federal law. In this instance the state law covered the ground, but it is clearly much strength- ened by the support of the Lacey bill, and it is evident that the section of this bill which makes a bird subject to the law of whatever state it chances to be in will, under Dr. Palmer's energetic administra- tion, exert so restraining an influence on the trade in feathers that, fearing to in- volve their customers in legal difficulties, feather dealers will eventually abandon the use of the feathers of our native birds. Reports of Societies DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA SOCIETY The annual meeting of the Society was the largest and most successful one ever held. After the election of officers, and reports of treasurer, secretary, and committees, the secretary read a History of the Audu- bon Movement in America, beginning with an account of the original general Society, followed by the State Societies, in the order of their inception, and a concise history of each organization, its officers, membership, main objects, and most suc- cessful lines of work. Mr. Harry Oberholser followed with 'Glimpses of Audubon,' an interesting talk about the famous naturalist, illus- trated with a number of views of his first home in America, and pictures from his works. Mr. Wood gave great pleasure and amusement by his clever imitations of the notes, calls and cries of "our friends in feathers and furs." At this meeting it was announced that Mrs George Colton Maynard's book, 'Birds of Washington and Vicinity,' had been adopted as a text-book in our public schools, 500 copies having been ordered for that purpose. A complete set of the publications up to date of each Society has been bound and placed in our free library, as well as a full set of the papers, reports, etc., of the Society in England for the Protection of Birds, very kindly given to us by its honorary secretary, Mrs. Lemon. Our collection of expensive books of reference placed in the library for the use of teachers and students grows each year, as does our membership. One hundred bird specimens were bought, and used by individual students and by members to illustrate talks and lectures. Classes for the study of birds were held by Dr. Palmer and Mr. Oberholser in the normal school during the spring. In May, June and July, popular talks were given by Miss Elizabeth V. Brown