1 2 STRA Y FEA THERS FROM MANY BIRDS. 



which our endless varieties of domestic fowls have 

 sprung. 



In most civilised countries the commercial value of 

 Game Birds has caused them to be protected by stringent 

 laws ; and in many parts of the world the breeding and 

 preserving of these birds is quite an important branch of 

 industry. Take, for instance, our own country as an 

 example. Almost every big landed proprietor is a large 

 breeder and preserver of game, spending considerable 

 sums of money annually in keepers and other necessaries. 

 These Game Birds represent an enormous amount of 

 capital, and the shooting of them is an expensive luxury, 

 only to be indulged in by the well-to-do. Every year 

 the game industry becomes more important. Grouse- 

 moors, and Pheasant and Partridge shootings let for 

 ever-increasing sums, and the right to shoot these 

 precious birds steadily increases in value. Their 

 commercial value as food, however, fortunately does 

 not advance at the same pace ; and, the more plentiful 

 the game, the lower its market price. Probably the 

 number of Pheasants and Partridges killed in the United 

 Kingdom every season approaches close upon three 

 quarters of a million of birds truly a luxurious and 

 noble supply of food ! As game breeding and pre- 

 serving becomes more general the birds become 

 cheaper ; and not only is a healthy and manly sport 

 encouraged, but an important food-supply is increased. 



