The necessity of State action for protection of wild birds. 123


It would be difficult to decide which group of birds has attained

to the highest rank as nest-builders—whether the Magpies’ retreat,

barricaded by its thorny, basket-like covering, or the pensile nests of

some Starlings, should be awarded the prize ; but we know that both

the Crows and Starlings are very clever, though undoubtedly, as

with human beings, their brain-power is not equally developed in all

the species.



THE NECESSITY OF STATE ACTION FOR

THE PROTECTION OF WILD BIRDS.


By Walter E. Collinge, D.Sc., F.L.S., M.B.O.U.,


Carnegie Fellow, and Research Fellow of the University of St. Andrews.


It is now generally agreed that birds as a class are highly

beneficial, and function as an important natural force in the control

of the many insects that attack agricultural crops, fruit orchards and

forests. Realising this many countries have enacted laws for their

protection and preservation, whilst some maintain departments

wherein their feeding habits, migrations, increase and decrease, and

general movements are studied, with great benefit to their respective

nations.


The question is frequently asked, “ Why should the State

interfere with wild life ; why should not birds and all other wild

animals be left alone ? ”


In order to give an adequate reply to this question it is

necessary to consider at some length the activities of wild animals

and their relationship to mankind.


The nation or^the individual who possesses objects of great

value seeks by ail legitimate means in their power to preserve such

from wanton destruction or harm in any sense. Such action is

highly commendable, for surely it is only right that anything that

is conducive to the welfare of mankind, and that we of the present

generation have the privilege of enjoying, should, if possible, be

handed down for the benefit and enjoyment of generations to come.

It is the duty of the State, therefore, to guard and conserve most



