20



Willoughby Dewar—The Plumage Trade



urgently required, for the trade will again have to be fought, and the

general public will have to be roused from its apathy.


Those who love living birds, whether caged or free, must revolt

instinctively at seeing a bird’s dead body, or any part of it, flaunted

in a woman’s hat as though it had no more significance than a bunch

of artificial flowers or a knot of ribbon. Many, however, are still

unaware of the full horror of what they see. It is during the breeding

season that most of the birds are butchered, for it is then that they

have their nuptial dress and are most beautiful. The young, con¬

sequently, are left to starve. Often the marauders do not trouble to

kill outright ; the shoulder-tufts of the Egret (the “ ospreys ” of

the trade) are torn from the living bird ; wings of Albatrosses are cut

from them whilst alive, and the birds are left to bleed to death.


The story of these fold details could be multiplied indefinitely,

but one must turn to another point. Whole species of birds are being

exterminated, and the result of their disappearance must be

calamitous to the world at large. One firm advertises for sale the

feathers of the Vulture, and the Vulture, as is well known, is essential

as a scavenger in many lands. Other birds, equally victimized, are

necessary to check the ravages of insects and noxious grubs. The

trader and his agents spare none.


So well is the importance of a rich bird life recognized that in

many countries, such as India and Australia, the export of all plumage

is forbidden ; but smugglers defy the law and it can only be enforced

if we in the British Isles legislate against import. Sir Auckland

Geddes has promised a Plumage Bill on the lines required, but no

definite date has yet been given for its introduction, and it is sure

to be opposed by certain Members of Parliament on whom the trade

has put pressure. We therefore call on all bird-lovers to take action.

Individually or collectively let them insist on the Government

taking action with firmness and without delay. They, too, can

approach Members of the House of Commons. They can at once

make it known that they desire a Bill making it illegal to import,

buy, sell, or wear the skin and feathers of birds slaughtered for

millinery purposes, and that the Bill must be passed without damaging

amendments.



