266 SCIENCE PROGRESS 



viz. without prejudice, and upon bare facts, to fix more precisely 

 the actual economic position such birds occupy. 



Before placing the evidence before the reader, it will be 

 well to carefully consider the charges that have been brought 

 against the preservation of game-birds, and the replies that 

 have been forthcoming. In so doing it is very important that 

 we consider only such charges and replies as have been made 

 by some responsible body of individuals, whom, we presume, 

 have carefully considered the evidence from all sides, before 

 framing their final opinion. We have therefore chosen the 

 opinions expressed by two important bodies of men, both of 

 which are directly concerned with the prosperity of agriculture 

 and all appertaining to the land. 



In the Report of the Land Inquiry Committee x we read, 

 p. 255, " The preservation of game is among the reasons why 

 the land is not at present producing its full yield." On p. 277, 

 '* Considered from the point of view of the national interests 

 the damage done by game is too serious to be overlooked. . . . 

 Moreover, our evidence shows that farmers are often hindered 

 from putting their land to its best use by the presence of 

 game. . . . Further, as already shown, there is evidence that 

 not merely is land uncultivated, but large areas are altogether 

 out of cultivation owing to the preservation of game. This 

 land, instead of providing food for the people, provides sport 

 and delicacies for the few, and is the source of much damage 

 and annoyance to neighbouring farmers." 



Now, if these charges are true, and not the outcome of 

 political prejudice and partiality, then the matter urgently calls 

 for immediate and drastic action ; but before we can accept 

 such sweeping charges it will be necessary to examine them 

 in greater detail. 



According to Lord Lovat, 2 " Grouse-shooting is, of all forms 

 of sport, the most profitable to the general population. ... It 

 produces a maximum of profit to the wage-earner with the 

 minimum of waste, an otherwise unproductive subject is con- 

 verted into a source of profit." 



Lord Lovat is a landlord, and no doubt enjoys grouse- 

 shooting, so it may be said that his view is a prejudiced one. 



1 London: 191 3, vol. i. Rural. 



1 The Grouse in Health and Disease. London, 191 2. 



