94 OUTDOOR LIFE IN ENGLAND 



the sum of twopence as a registration fee, and 

 agreeing to the objects of the society as stated in 

 the rules. 



Any member may become an associate on pay- * 

 ment of not less than one shilling annually, or a 

 life associate by a donation of a guinea. 



All who desire to do so (and who would not ?) 

 may aid this praiseworthy society in the following 

 ways, viz. : 



1. By joining it, by inducing others to do so, 

 and by forming local branches. 



2. By inducing landowners to prevent bird- 

 catching and nest-robbing. 



3. By circulating the society's pamphlets. 



4. By forbearing to wear the feathers of any 

 birds (the ostrich excepted) not killed for food, 

 and endeavouring to induce others to follow their 

 example. 



Can any sight be more painful to a lover of 

 nature than that of a British bird in a cage ? I 

 am utterly at a loss to understand how anyone 

 can derive the smallest degree of pleasure in keep- 

 ing such birds in captivity. Such a proceeding 

 ever seems to me to be indicative of ignorance or 

 brutality. The poor, panting, fluttering, pining 

 captive may sing, it is true sing as if its heart 

 were full of joy, and its owner deludes himself in 

 the belief that such is the case. But listen to the 

 song of a skylark in a cage, and then, when the 

 burst of melody is finished, note the frantic efforts 

 which the poor songster makes to burst its prison 



