INSECTIVOROUS BIRDS. 12* 



copy of a letter, dated 5th January, from Mr. John Rudd Rainey, Zemindar of 

 Khulna, and copy of the Englishman of 31st December, containing a report of 

 a lecture delivered hy him before the Agricultural and Horticultural Society of 

 India. With reference to these papers, I am to say, that a reconsideration of Act 

 XX. of 1887, "An Act for the Protection of Wild Birds and Game," for the more 

 effectual protection, in the interests of Agriculture, of insectivorus birds would have 

 the support of the Chamber of Commerce. — I have, &c», 



(Signed) S. E. J. Clarke, 



Secretary. 



From Jno. Rubd Rainey, Esq., F.R.G.S., 



Proprietor of Khulna Estate, Rainey Villa, Khulna; 

 To S. E, J. Clarke, Esq., 



Secretary to Bengal Chamber of Commerce, Calcutta. 



Dated Rainey Villa, Khulna, the 5th January 1888. 

 Sir, — I have the honor to request that you will be good enough to submit for 

 the consideration of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce the accompanying copy of 

 the address delivered by meat a meeting of the Agri-Horticultural Society on the 

 29th ultimo, on the "Effectual protection of insectivorous birds in the interests of 

 agriculture," and with reference, thereto, I beg to offer the following remarks : — 



2. That in this essentiaRy agricultural country, anything calculated to promote 

 agricultural interests in it will, undoubtedly, advance the interests of the teeming 

 millions, the tillers of the soil ; and as the Bengal Chamber of Commerce 

 have always taken a deep interest in all matters concerning the welfare of the 

 people of this country, and especially interested themselves in the interests of the 

 vast body of agriculturists in times of famine and other calamities, 1 hope fchia 

 influential body will support the good cause I am advocating, and make a repre- 

 sentation to the Government of India on the subject, in order to move the Su- 

 preme Legislature to pass a more liberal measure in the all-important interest 

 of agriculturists. 



3. That as the Government, on account of financial embarrassment, have 

 imposed taxes which are highly obnoxious to the masses, and notwithstanding 

 the deservedly profound respect universally entertained towards the present 

 head of the Supreme Government, it is straining the loyalty of the subject to 

 the utmost extent, hence anything calculated to increase the agricultural pros- 

 perity of this country is also calculated to relieve the Government from this 

 financial pressure. 



4. That as His Excellency the Viceroy has always'evinced his desire to follow 

 on the lines of the agricultural policy of his distinguished predecessor aid 

 late lamented countryman, the Earl of Mayo, we have every confidence that any 

 fitting representation made to him regarding any legislating measure being re- 

 cast, in order to avert such terrible calamities as famines and the enormous 

 misery resulting therefrom, would not fail to meet with the consideration that 

 this important subject deserves. 



5. In conclusion, I have to say that I do not speak on this matter only as a 

 sportsman and naturalist, but also as an extensive landholder ia Bengal, whose 



