214 THE IMPORTANCE OF BIRD LIFE 



This is the condition that existed in Europe 

 until comparatively recent times and is even so 

 to-day in Italy. Seventy years ago it was not an 

 uncommon thing to see larks, linnets, thrushes, 

 starlings, and magpies hanging by the gross in 

 the shop-windows of any city in Europe. They 

 were toothsome morsels, greatly sought after by 

 epicures. Hundreds of persons made a living by 

 their capture, which was contrived with nets, 

 traps, and guns ; and their sale brought a consider- 

 able income to the shopkeepers. 



But the wholesale slaughter of birds has had its 

 ups and downs. At one period in the history of 

 Europe it might be frowned upon by the governing 

 powers ; a generation later it might be encouraged. 

 Thus, in France, immediately before 1789, game- 

 birds were rigidly protected by law and might be 

 killed only during short open seasons. The slay- 

 ing of other kinds for food, while not forbidden, 

 was not popular. Then came the French Eevolu- 

 tion, and a wave of communism swept over the 

 country. Laws limiting the personal freedom of 

 the individual were abolished, game-laws included. 

 The birds and game of France were turned over 

 to the people to do with what they willed. 

 They willed to eat them. 



When Napoleon forced himself to the throne 

 of France, he lost no time in reestablishing the 

 game-laws. But all birds other than game were 



