ABSTRACT
The Society for the Protection of Birds, founded in February, 1889, “in the hope of inducing a considerable number of women, of all ranks and ages, to unite in discouraging the enormous destruction of bird life exacted by milliners and others for purely decorative purposes” (to quote from the first annual report), was not the earliest protest raised against this shameful slaughter of brilliant and beautiful birds. Meanwhile the scope of the Society was rapidly extending, and it had become evident that something of a much broader and more inclusive character was called for than had originally been contemplated. Sympathy with its efforts quickly brought naturalists and other bird-lovers into its ranks; ornithologists as well as humanitarians recognized from the first the potentialities of such an association as a leader in promoting laws for bird protection, Increased aims and efforts naturally demanded increased funds.
