
‘THE WILD BIRDS’ PROTECTION ACT OF 1894. 43 
The Wild Birds’ Protection Act of 1894, and the 
Future of British Oology. 
By Colonel W. H. M. Durute. 
[Read 23rd February, 1897.] 
Ir was natural that the Wild Birds’ Protection Act of 1880 
should be followed by further legislation with a view of protecting 
the eggs of certain species, for it was obviously futile to attempt 
to preserve our rare birds while at the same time their eggs were 
liable to be taken;.so, in due time, the amended Act of 1894 
was passed into law. 
This Act empowers a Secretary of State, on application by a 
County Council, to prohibit the taking or destroying the eggs of 
any species of wild bird in any place within the county—forfeiture 
of the eggs, and the payment of a sum not exceeding one pound 
for every egg taken, is the penalty on conviction. 
Up to the present date the Act has been taken advantage of 
by the County Councils of thirty-seven counties in England and 
Wales, and by a dozen in Scotland. Each of these counties has 
promulgated an order explaining the meaning of the Act, and 
clearly defining the manner in which it is to be carried out. 
One or other of the four following plans has been adopted as 
a basis for framing these orders :— 
(I.) A specified list of birds is given, the taking or destroying 
the eggs of which in any part of the county is 
prohibited. 
(II.) A list of birds is given, the eggs of which are protected 
within certain fixed limits. 
(III.) Certain areas are described, within which the taking 
of all wild birds’ eggs is prohibited. 
