SIR H. MAXWELL ON PROTECTION OF BIRDS. 151 



selves, but we are acting injuriously to our neighbours, and, in time, 

 cannot but come to suffer loss ourselves. 



I have taken the lapwing as a typical example of a migratory, 

 insectivorous bird, but the same considerations apply to the 

 preservation of other species. I daresay you have seen complaints 

 in the Times about the scarcity of swallows in some districts. I 

 cannot say I have observed it myself, but it is said that very large 

 numbers of these and other small birds are netted on alighting 

 on the shores of the Mediterranean. Bird-catchers there have a 

 peculiarly hateful way of attracting birds to their nets. They 

 thrust red-hot needles into the eyes of living birds and then set 

 them as lures to the passing flocks. Birds thus deprived of sight 

 generally die, but those that survive acquire a peculiarly plaintive 

 note, which seems irresistible to their kindred, and these, settling in 

 large numbers round them, are taken in nets and sent to market. 

 It is obvious that people on the Italian and P'rench shores of the 

 Mediterranean thus intercepting the spring flights of migrants are 

 depriving more northern lands of their full supply of beneficial 

 visitors. 



This shows how necessary is international action in any scheme 

 for the preservation of desirable species of birds. 



I shall now very briefl)' indicate how the British legislature has 

 interfered to protect birds other than game. 



I. SUMMARY OF THE ACTS. 



Wild Birds Protection {Pri/icipa!) Act, 1880 (43 & 44 Met. c. 35). 



(i) Shooting or snaring all wild birds during a particular period {close time) 

 is prohibited, and in the case of certain wild birds, named in the Schedule, 

 special and fuller protection is granted. 



(2) Offering for sale, after March 15th, any wild bird recently killed or 

 taken is prohibited. 



(3) Provision is made for the extension or variation of the close time. 



Wild Birds Protection Act, 1881 (44 & 45 Vict. c. 51). 



(i) Amends the law as to the offering for sale in respect of wild birds 

 killed abroad. 



(2) Adds the Lark to the Schedule. 



Wild Birds Protection Act, 1894 (57 & 58 Vict. c. 24). 



(i) Enables orders to be made, on the application of County Councils, 

 to prohibit the taking or destroying of the eggs of certain wild birds, and of the 

 eggs of any wild bird in particular breeding areas. 



(2) Enables orders to be made to add further species of wild birds to the 

 Schedule. 



Wild Birds Protection Act, 1896 (59 & 60 Vict. c. 56). 



(i) Enables orders to be made to prohibit the taking or killing of any 

 wild bird beyond the breeding period (or close time), and orders prohibiting 

 the taking, &c., of all wild birds, in particular places, during the period to which 

 the Act of 1880 does not extend. 



(2) Enables application to be made by the Council of a County Borough 

 to prohibit the taking of eggs, and to add birds to the Schedule. 



