38 



The trade estimates that the In 1910 a decree forbidding the 



supply of moulted feathers makes shooting of Egrets was made in one 



up by far the greater part of the small sub- State of Venezuela, in 



total consignments from Venezuela, consequence of the destruction by 



where the shooting of an Egret is plume-hunters. Its efficacy is as 



now an indictable offence." yet unknown. 



Here, then, are three direct perversions of plain fact. No 

 more need be said to indicate the methods adopted by the feather- 

 trade's exponent. 



" Is it too much to ask," enquires Mr. Downham, that 

 Bird Protectors shall ally themselves with the trade which he 

 represents, accept its " assistance/' and in return give the 

 .assurances it proposes to " demand " that the trade shall " no 

 longer be harassed " ? 



It is certainly a great deal too much to concede. 



