86 Nightingales 



Accounts that have been from time to time published 

 of the reckless slaughter of kittiwake gulls at Lundy 

 Island, and other spots about our coasts, make one 

 blush for one's countrymen. 



But the law, aided by such books as those pub- 

 lished by Mr. Kearton and his brother, as well as 

 by other enthusiastic ornithologists, will no doubt 

 gradually bring about a reaction in favour of the 

 birds. 



In lamenting the capture of wild nightingales 

 upon their return to their summer quarters, I have 

 wandered in my thoughts in defence of other species. 



I remember taking the liberty to respond to an 

 invitation to address the members of a Ladies' Club, 

 which had its headquarters in Oxford Street. 



And I chose " Birds," with their approval, as my 

 subject. Those poor ladies ! I believe I talked for 

 an hour, in the course of which I suppose I showed 

 my great love for birds in particular, and for the 

 study of ornithology in general ; mentioning the fact 

 that I kept pet birds in cages, and relating anecdotes 

 about them. 



When I had finished speaking, members of the 

 Club were invited by the Chairman — a lady physician 

 — to say anything they thought fit upon the subject 

 of the evening. I must add that in the course of my 

 address I had, in a very plain manner, given to the 

 Creator of all good things the glory due to Him for 

 the beauty and wonder of design in the plumage of 

 birds. 



I think it was this touch that pinched the shoe 



