Legislation. 89 



at any rate provision should have been made for reasonable relaxa- 

 tion in the case of bona fide collectors for scientific purposes, whilst 

 at the same time some efficient stop should be placed on those who 

 successfully and systematically trade in the eggs of our rarer birds in 

 defiance of the law." 



As Sir Walter Gilbey has so pertinently remarked (53) "Bird 

 protection within reasonable limits is an excellent thing, but 

 sentimental ideas cannot be allowed to over-ride practical con- 

 siderations, and those who know the extent of the injury done by 

 birds will agree that protection has been carrfed too far." 



It is to be hoped that any future legislation will take into 

 consideration the work of recent investigators ; will have a definite 

 object in view ; and also be subject to revision at stated times and 

 for different parts of the country according to varying conditions. 



