38 LOST AND VANISHING BIRDS 



the actual preservation of threatened species. Let 

 not these remarks be misunderstood ; for we yield 

 to no one in our desire to see our feathered friends 

 and favourites shielded from harm, or more heartily 

 condemn their often useless and unnecessary 

 slaughter. But let us put our own house in order 

 first ; there is much to do at home in the intelligent 

 protection of our native birds, and in guiding 

 public opinion, before we turn elsewhere. It may 

 be perfectly true that abroad certain birds are 

 sorely persecuted for their plumage ; but the facts 

 are often grossly exaggerated; and the inconsistency 

 of these ignorant " humanitarians " repels rather 

 than attracts sympathy, and defeats its own ends. 

 Doubtless there will always be fair women ready 

 to adorn their persons and enhance their charms 

 by the aid of borrowed plumes, all Leagues and 

 Societies notwithstanding, and in moderation and 

 humane discrimination who shall say them nay ? 

 but the crusade against the abuse of the practice 

 would be far more effective if more rationally and 

 sensibly conducted. We offer these words of advice 

 out of no ill-feeling to these well-meaning folk, and 

 assure them of our sympathy and support in every 

 movement for the intelligent preservation and 

 protection of the birds. In some respects accredited 



