240 WILD LIFE OF SCOTLAND 



to birds, which are never likely to want an 

 argument in their favour, or an advocate to make 

 use of it. 



The same fair play should be extended to 

 mammals also. The shield should be made large 

 enough to cover our native tiger the wild cat, our 

 native bear, as it is sometimes called, the badger, 

 and those two grand weasels, the pole-cat, and the 

 marten. 



The somewhat indignant protest of an outraged 

 love of wild creatures has not been altogether 

 without its effect. A slight reaction has already 

 set in, which is even affecting sportsmen, who 

 are at the same time naturalists. There is good 

 reason to believe that the destruction of eggs and 

 wild birds, albeit of vermin, will be everywhere 

 restricted, if not absolutely forbidden. The rest is 

 sure to follow, if not then too late, and the old 

 balance will be in some measure restored. 



