TH E



Avicultural Magazine


BEING THE JOURNAL OF

THE AVICULTURAL SOCIETY

FO R THE STUDY OF

FOREIGN & BRITISH BIRDS

IN FREEDOM 8c CAPTIVITY



Third Series. —Vol. XI.—No. 2 .—All rights reserved. FEBRUARY, 1920.



THE PLUMAGE TRADE


Bv Willoughby Dewar (Hon. Secretary, Plumage Bill Group).


Before the War some thirty-five million wild birds’ skins were

annually imported into this country. They served no useful purpose

whatever, beyond employing a little sweated labour in London’s

East End, and a little more alien capital. Englishmen, one is glad

to know, have little j>art in this disgusting traffic.


These millions of lovely feathered creatures were simply being

slaughtered to adorn the hats of women who never gave a thought

to the butchery necessitated by fashion. A Bill was brought before

the House of Commons in 1914 to put an end to this horror by pro¬

hibiting further imports of plumage other than that of the Ostrich,

Eider Duck, and birds killed for food, excepting such specimens as

might be needed for scientific purposes. The Bill was supported by

humane men of all parties, but was virtually wrecked by the traders’

opposition, and finally shelved on account of the War.


Once again an effort is being made to stop this commerce, which

offends all those who delight in the feathered world. A Group has

been formed in London to demand another Bill, and to watch its

passage into law. Sir Charles Hobhouse, Bart., P.C., who has long

taken an active interest in the matter, is President, and Lieut-C'ol.

Swinburne, of 23 Eaton Place, S.W. 1, is Treasurer. Funds are



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