148 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 



The scheme, and the lists of species enumerated for 

 protection under it, have received our careful consideration 

 and critical examination, and in our opinion it is well-con- 

 sidered, practical, and highly beneficial in its aims, and leaves 

 little or nothing to be desired. 



As naturalists, we extend to it our hearty approval. We 

 recognise its merits, and desire to express to His Lordship 

 our high appreciation of his enlightened action, which should 

 place Scotland facile princeps in the matter of the adminis- 

 tration of our Wild Birds Acts. We cordially recommend 

 the adoption of the scheme en bloc by the County Councils 

 of Scotland ; and we trust that those who have influence 

 in County matters will use their suasion in its favour. 



At first we were inclined to advocate the adoption of a 

 larger number of natural areas, instead of the two here pro- 

 pounded, but confess that we are now converts to the smaller 

 number, which, among other things, has simplicity on its 

 side a most desirable and all-important recommendation. 



The following are the documents to which we have 

 referred : 



\Letter to the Conveners of County Councils^ 



SCOTTISH OFFICE, 

 WHITEHALL, S.W., 2gf/i April 1898. 



Dear Sir, I enclose a copy of a circular letter which has 

 been sent from this office to the Clerk of your County Council 

 on the subject of the Protection of Wild Birds. 



I hope the policy indicated and the considerations on 

 which that policy is based will commend themselves to your 

 judgment, and that you will confer the favour upon me of 

 taking a personal interest in the matter, and will bring it 

 before your Council on an early date. 



The lists of birds now suggested have been most care- 

 fully considered in this office, the existing orders have been 

 examined, and as few changes made as will suffice to secure 

 uniformity over the areas selected. The best ornithological 

 advice open to us has been consulted, and I venture to hope 

 the result will prove satisfactory to you and to your Council. 



I will only add, that, if there are any points in our 

 circular letter which may not, at first sight, appear quite 



