VII 

 THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS 



ALWAYS favouring the protection of our native birds, 

 and using many endeavours on their behalf, it was 

 not until about the year 1867 that Mr. Morris com- 

 menced that determined and systematic agitation 

 for his friends in feather which was carried on for 

 so many years, and was ultimately crowned with 

 success. Few people would credit the unwearied 

 labour that he ungrudgingly expended on behalf 

 of the birds, and the difficulties and discourage- 

 ments that were thrown in his way. This labour 

 of love would have been deemed a life's work for 

 some. 



His suggestion for a tax on guns was practically 

 the opening of his campaign. It was just before the 

 close of the parliamentary session of 1867 that the 

 " Rector of Nunburnholme " presented a petition to 

 the House of Commons praying that a heavy tax be 

 imposed on the possession of a gun, and that the 

 law of trespass be made more stringent, with the like 

 object in view, namely, the protection, within certain 

 limits, of all our native birds. Among other reasons 

 he set out the following : 



"That birds perform a most useful part in the 

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