At every meeting on this issue that I have attended, the concern has always been that we did not have enough information to make a proper judge- ment, therefore we should get that information before we make any rash de- cisions that could set dangerous precedents. Some of that information is now starting to be available. Much, much more is still needed. The Natural History Society has now officially come out as being against the shooting of cormorants. Now if we can only convince the Fish and Wildlife D1v151on and the government of PEI!

Art Smith is the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Division, P.O. Box 2000, Charlottetown, ClA 7N8. The Honorable Gilbert Clements is the new Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs. His address is Riverside Drive, Montague, COA 1R0.

A special thanks to Diane Griffin for being an impartial chairperson for a divided April meeting and to Geoff Hogan, past NHS president, for making the effort to come back early from Toronto to voice his concerns at the May 6 meeting.

Natural Histoy Society news

Whew! While the cormorants have been the hot topic, the Society has been active in other areas. The May 6 meeting drew close to 50 people, plus a CBC-TV cameraman, to fill the room in the Health Building. President Rosemary Curley spoke on the nest record cards (get in touch with her if you'ld like an excuse to get out birding). The selection of a provincial tree may become a reality within the next year. Give some thought to what tree should represent PEI and bring your suggestions to the October meeting of the NHS. The tentative plan is to hold a provincial vote to pick the favorite. Rosemary also told members that the breeding bird atlas cards are in (another fine excuse to go birding). .

The proposal by Parks Canada to build a bridge over the Lake of Shining Waters raised some questions. There was no public discussion by Parks Canada and the NHS is going to send a letter of inquiry.

The deadline for the July August issue of the Island Naturalist will be July 1. All articles and bird sightings should be mailed to me at P.O. Box 879, Montague, COA 1R0. And please note that the next meeting of the Society will be held Tuesday, October 7. There are no summer meetings.

And as usual, the highlight of the May meeting was the annual slide show, judged by Andy Dean. The number of entries was down this year but there were many fine slides shown. Terry Power took first prize with a close—up of a fox. Second prize went to Mary Beth Harris and third prize was awarded to Rosemary Curley and Marion Copleston. Many thanks to Andy for entering the lion's den to give his comments. He also showed some of _ his own works that members thoroughly enjoyed.

But all was not to be fun and games at this meeting. Sue Stephenson, an NHS Director and past editor of the Island Naturalist, announced she was leaving PEI to take a position in Ottawa with Nature Canada. Sue has devoted so much of her time to both the NHS and Island Nature Trust and she will be missed for the good work she did and also for her friendship.

I suppose we'll just have to come up with a better offer to lure her back. For now, Sue can be contacted at Apt. 208, 2995 Albion Road., Ottawa, Ont. KlV 9V9. Ruth Richman was elected to replace Sue as a Director.

Last but not least, two summer field trips were planned. Jane Symmes ; will lead one at Deroche Pond, a Nature Trust property. Meet at the Mt.r <_ Stewart Irving at 9:30, July 5 and bring a lunch and bug dope. If you need; further info, contact Jane at 675-4806. Terry Power will lead a trip in _Tr early August, but no date has been set. It will be at the Townsend Woodlotr in Souris and if you would like to go, get in touch with Terry at 659-2245.