22 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST 
HE NEED FOR AISI RDI CENSUS: 
By WALTER E. COLLINGE, D.Sc., F.L.S., M.B.O.U., 
The University, St Andrews. 
THE suggestion of a bird census of the British Isles, if not 
regarded as a scheme purely visionary, is likely to be received 
by many people with a smile and good-natured criticism. 
The idea of attempting to count the number of individuals of 
any species of wild bird will no doubt be regarded as unfeasible 
and due rather to misguided enthusiasm than to a conviction 
based upon scientific data. This indeed was the attitude 
adopted in the United States of America some seven years 
ago; but that such a scheme is possible and capable of pro- 
viding results of great value, has been amply demonstrated 
by the work of the late Mr Wells W. Cooke and _ his 
colleagues. 
When we recognise the great value of most of our wild 
birds to agriculture and horticulture, it is at once apparent 
that, if we know little or nothing as to its dimensions, we are 
neglecting a natural force of incalculable value. Moreover, 
unless we possess more exact information as to the approxi- 
mate numbers of the commoner species of wild birds and 
their relative abundance, it is almost impossible to frame 
adequate laws for their protection or repression, for in such 
cases so much depends upon whether a species is increasing 
or decreasing, and whether this increase or diminution is 
general or only of a local nature. 
At the present time we have frequent complaints that a 
particular species is too plentiful, and again that another is 
less abundant than hitherto; but we find that almost 
immediately these records are published they are con- 
tradicted by someone living in another district. In the 
absence of reliable statistical evidence it is impossible to say 
what measure of protection should be afforded: one species, 
and whether locally or generally ; and in like manner it is 
exceedingly difficult to state definitely to what extent 
