THE WILD birds' PROTECTION ACT OF 1894. 45 



the fact in mind, has placed the name of that fine bird upon its 

 county list. The Bittern, if allowed to live, would breed in some 

 of the preserved sanctuaries which suit its tastes; also the Ruff; 

 both of these birds are offered protection for their eggs by the 

 counties which they visit. 



Among the names of rare birds mentioned in the Shetland 

 schedule are included those of the Great Northern Diver, Sea 

 Eao;le, and Whimbrel. The Countv of London is ambitious, and 

 shows its love for birds in presenting a long list, in which the 

 Osprey, Honey Buzzard, and Bearded Titmouse appear in 

 company with other species which it would be curious to find 

 nestincf in Kensington Gardens or in Grosvenor Square. 



Elgin is hopeful, offering protection for the eggs of the Whooper 

 and Bewick's Swans. 



The information contained in the schedules already published 

 is a sufficient indication of the drift of public opinion, and it 

 enables us to forecast what will be the result when all the counties 

 of the Kingdom combine to give a nesting sanctuary to the birds. 



Unless the Act is universally adopted, its object cannot be 

 attained. Partial protection is worse than useless, for egg 

 collectors, especially those whose collections are nearly complete, 

 will invade the localities which have failed to take advantage of 

 the Act, and British specimens acquired surreptitiously on pre- 

 served ground may be labelled as taken in counties where the law 

 is not in force. Probably the very fear of intrusion will be the 

 cause of all counties, sooner or later, partaking of the protection 

 which the Act affords. 



It is thought by some that the Act will be inefficient, that 

 things will go on much as before, and that egg stealers will run 

 their chance of conviction. We do not share that opinion, for 

 poachers never willingly show their spoils, and there is no pride 

 in exhibiting ill-gotten gains ; and besides, there is the Society for 

 the Preservation of Birds to deal with. This Society was formed 

 in 1889, "called into existence," as stated in its circulars, "by 

 the pitiless destruction which has for long past been carried on 

 all over the world, hundreds of thousands of birds being sacrificed 

 yearly, especially during the nesting season, to supply the 

 demands of a barbarous fashion in dress and decoration." 

 Founded in its infancy for a special object, the Society is 



