8 THE BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



the preservation of Sea-Birds " came into operation. Three 

 years later it was followed by one for the " protection of certain 

 wild birds during the breeding season," and in 1877 by a more 

 general "' Act for the preservation of Wild Fowl." 



In these Acts, especially in so far as they referred to wild 

 fowl, there was the suggestion that the wild bird was only of 

 value if edible or suitable for sport. In 1880 they were repealed, 

 and the first really disinterested attempt to save the situation 

 was provided by the " Wild Birds Protection Act." However 

 critical we maybe of the clauses and working of this Act, it was 

 framed by honest men with the welfare of birds at heart, and 

 in spite of its many shortcomings laid the foundation for saner 

 methods. Moreover, though few results were noticeable at first, 

 it undoubtedly checked some of the worst transgressors, the 

 very fact that there was a law making them pause. The main 

 clause provided a close season for wild birds during the months 

 March to July inclusive. It prohibited shooting, trapping, 

 snaring and the exposure of birds for sale during the breeding 

 season, and it gave special protection at all seasons to a number 

 of specified birds. But it had one great fault — the recognition 

 of private ownership, for, except with regard to the scheduled 

 species, it did " not apply to the owner or occupier of land, or 

 to any person authorised by the owner or occupier of any land, 

 killing or taking any wild bird on such land not included in the 

 schedule hereto annexed." The ostensible reason for the 

 exemption was to provide for the destruction of crop-devouring 

 Sparrows and other destructive birds ; it was put in for the 

 sake of the farmer and market gardener, but it also gave 

 freedom to the game-preserver and his keepers. So long as 

 there are game laws and private sporting rights such considera- 

 tion is fair, but, unfortunately, neither farmer nor keeper paid 

 much attention to the schedule. Specially protected and 

 valuable birds from the economic outlook were and still are 

 destroyed, and it is most difficult to secure a conviction. Sea- 



