NOTES. 275 



effect of which was to exclude from the Union any member 

 who took or connived at the taking of any bird or egg of 

 certain species which were extremely rare as breeding birds in 

 the British Isles. The proposer explained that his rule was 

 founded on purely scientific grounds, his opinion being that 

 it was unscientific, and, therefore, directly contrary to the 

 interests of the premier Ornithologists' Union of the world, 

 to exterminate or risk the extermination of any bird in any 

 particular portion of its breeding area, and so alter its natural 

 geographical distribution. The details of the rule w^ere much 

 criticized, and it was generally thought to be too drastic in 

 character, although the majority at a largely attended meeting 

 were without doubt in favour of the " spirit " of the proposed 

 rule. It was decided to refer the matter to the Committee 

 for consideration. 



At a Special General Meeting of the Union held on De- 

 cember 10th Dr. F. Du Cane Godman, the President, being in 

 the chair, the Commitee communicated their report, and 

 submitted a new rule for the consideration of the members. 

 The proposal to adopt the new rule was seconded by H. F. 

 Witherby, who withdrew his proposed rule. Amendments moved 

 by the Hon. Walter Rothschild and Dr. J. Wigles worth were 

 carried, and amongst others w^ho took part in an exhaustive 

 discussion were the following : — Messrs. R. M. Barrington, 

 W. Bickerton, P. F. Bunyard, W. Eagle Clarke, Dr. F. D. 

 Drewitt, Messrs. J. Gerrard, N. Gilrov, A. F. Griffith, Dr. E. 

 Hartert, Sir T. Digby Pigott, Mr. A.'^Trevor-Battye, Lt.-CoL 

 R. G. Wardlaw-Ramsay, and the Honorary Secretary, Mr. J. L. 

 Bonhote. The rule as amended was then put to the meeting 

 and was carried unanimously. The new rule will require con- 

 firmation at the next annual meeting of the Union. As finally 

 amended it reads as follows : — 



" If, in the opinion of the Committee, any member shall have- 

 acted in a manner injurious to the interests of or good name of 

 the Union, or shall have personally assisted in, or connived at, 

 the capture or destruction of any bird, nest or eggs in the British 

 Isles, by purchase or otherwise, likely, in the opinion of the 

 "Committee, to lead to the extermination or serious diminution 

 of that species as a British bird, the Secretary shall be 

 directed to send a registered letter to the member, stating 

 the facts brought before the Committee, and asking for an 

 explanation of the same, but without mentioning the source 

 from which such information was obtained. After allowing 

 a reasonable time (not less than a clear fortnight after the 

 receipt of the Secretary's letter) for reply, or for appearing in 

 person before the Committee if he so desire, the Committee, 

 provided that not less than four are agreed, shall have 

 power to remove that gentleman's name from the List of 



