ee 
THE WILD BIRDS’ PROTECTION ACT OF 1894. 45 
the fact in mind, has placed the name of that fine bird upon its 
county list. The Bittern, if allowed to live, would breed in some 
of the preserved sanctuaries which suit its tastes; also the Ruff; 
both of these birds are offered protection for their eggs by the 
counties which they visit. 
Among the names of rare birds mentioned in the Shetland 
schedule are included those of the Great Northern Diver, Sea 
Eagle, and Whimbrel. The County of London is ambitious, and 
shows its love for birds in presenting a long list, in which the 
Osprey, Honey Buzzard, and Bearded Titmouse appear in 
company with other species which it would be curious to find 
nesting in Kensington Gardens or in Grosvenor Square. 
Elgin is hopeful, offering protection for the eggs of the Whooper 
and Bewick’s Swans. 
The information contained in the schedules already published 
is a sufficient indication of the drift of public opinion, and it 
enables us to forecast what will be the result when all the counties 
of the Kingdom combine to give a nesting sanctuary to the birds. 
Unless the Act is universally adopted, its object cannot be 
attained. Partial protection is worse than useless, for egg 
collectors, especially those whose collections are nearly complete, 
will invade the localities which have failed to take advantage of 
the Act, and British specimens acquired surreptitiously on pre- 
served ground may be labelled as taken in counties where the law 
is not in force. Probably the very fear of intrusion will be the 
cause of all counties, sooner or later, partaking of the protection 
which the Act affords. 
It is thought by some that the Act will be inefficient, that 
things will go on much as before, and that egg stealers will run 
their chance of conviction. We do not share that opinion, for 
poachers never willingly show their spoils, and there is no pride 
in exhibiting ill-gotten gains ; and besides, there is the Society for 
the Preservation of Birds to deal with. This Society was formed 
in 1889, ‘“‘called into existence,” as stated in its circulars, “ by 
the pitiless destruction which has for long past been carried on 
all over the world, hundreds of thousands of birds being sacrificed 
yearly, especially during the nesting season, to supply the 
demands of a barbarous fashion in dress and decoration.” 
eer ounded in its infancy for a special object, the Society is 
