THE STATE PROTECTION OF WILD PLANTS 633 



These people are not experienced in distinguishing between 

 allied species, nor do they know the habitats (it is to be hoped) 

 of the rarest plants, which is some satisfaction to the person 

 interested in the welfare of our native flora. 



Perhaps the scientific collector is the person who does the 

 greatest harm. He possesses the intimate and expert knowledge 

 which enables him to go to the exact spot where rarities grow 

 and to discriminate between closely connected species, a difficult 

 task at best. Whilst the hawker causes wholesale extermination 

 of common plants usually the most beautiful, causing local 

 extinction, the scientific collector collects the rarities in the few 

 spots in which they grow and can ultimately bring about their 

 universal extinction. 



The very general attention given at the present time in the 

 elementary schools to nature-study is another likely means by 

 which wild-flowers may be diminished in number. Having 

 regard to the normal desire of the teacher to inculcate a love of 

 nature and at the same time to impress upon his pupils the 

 necessity of regarding the beauties of the countryside as a 

 treasure not to be misused, it may be hoped that there is not any 

 need to fear widespread difficulties from this cause ; but the 

 possibility exists and must be guarded against, as the young 

 mind has no idea of taking thought for the future. 



There are a considerable number of minor causes at work 

 contributing to bring about the diminution or extinction of 

 species, locally or universally, in the British Isles but it is not 

 our present purpose to consider these, as they have been dealt 

 with elsewhere. The consideration of the main causes enume- 

 rated is assuredly enough to make it necessary to discuss the 

 possible remedies that at present lie to hand. 



The general character of many of the factors which lead to 

 the extinction of plants requires that any remedies that may be 

 introduced should be comprehensive, wholesale, effective and 

 permanent. Moreover no remedied measures will have any of 

 these qualities unless they also carry authority. 



It is needless to suggest that the most effective means will be 

 the establishment of State protection. 



It should be some incentive to us in this country to work 

 towards this ideal, that, as mentioned already, the Prussian 

 Government has a well-organised department of the State 



