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General papers, 1888-1937

 Series

Scope and Contents

From the Fonds:

This collection of correspondence, manuscripts, scrapbooks, and printed matter, created between 1888 and 1937, deals primarily with William T. Hornaday's role as a conservationist. Documented in detail are his activities as administrator of the Permanent Wildlife Protection Fund, which he founded in 1913-1914 and directed until his death. Conservation issues discussed in these papers include the passage of the Bayne Law in New York State, the status of the fur seal herds, wildlife censuses, excessive hunting, the importation of wild bird plumage for millinery purposes, and the protection of migratory game and wildlife through bag limits, closed seasons, and sanctuaries.

Other subjects include the planting of shade trees for the streets of Buffalo, New York, 1893-1895; notes on mountain sheep, 1901; and a survey of zoology in schools, 1905-1910. Also present is correspondence concerning real estate in Buffalo and publication of Hornaday's Taxidermy and zoological collecting (Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1911). A short series of miscellaneous writings includes a portion of a photocopy of Hornaday's unpublished autobiography, Eighty fascinating years.

Dates

  • 1888-1937

Access Restrictions

Some scrapbooks in series 4 are too fragile to be physically accessed, although the first ten scrapbooks have been digitized and are available at www.wcs.org/library. Please contact the WCS Archives regarding other possible access restrictions.

Extent

From the Fonds: 8.8 Linear Feet (22 Hollinger boxes)

From the Fonds: 11.2 Cubic Feet (33 oversize flat boxes)

Language of Materials

From the Fonds: English

Repository Details

Part of the Wildlife Conservation Society Archives Repository

Contact:
WCS Library/Archives
2300 Southern Blvd
Bronx New York 10460 United States