THE WILD BIRDS PROTECTION ACT, 1880. 437 
whatever they might do to the young. On the contrary, the eggs of 
the Herring sink, as do likewise those of most fresh-water fishes. 
Anadromous fishes apparently deposit their spawn in running 
water, but in different ways; the native fishermen in India con- 
sider those of the Shad float, whereas we are aware those of the 
Salmon family sink; but even among these fishes we perceive a 
great difference in treatment of the eggs. The Smelt, says Parnell, 
“shed their spawn in immense quantities about two miles below 
Stirling Bridge, when, at that time, every stone, plank, and post 
appear to be covered with their yellowish ova.” The Grayling 
deposit their roe on the gravel, while the Salmon and Trout cover 
their ova, which are furnished with a tough and elastic outer 
covering, with sand and gravel. Other fresh-water forms spawn 
in muddy ponds or slowly-flowing rivers, where the eggs of the 
Salmonide, as a rule, would never arrive at maturity. Some fish- 
eggs, as already observed, float upon the surface of the water. 
The eggs of the Gar-fish, observes Mr. Dunn, are “found to be 
covered with flexible hooks, which, without any help from the 
parent fish, fasten themselves to any floating marine object.” In 
fresh waters the eggs of fishes may remain at the bottom, either 
covered or uncovered. 
(To be continued.) 
THE WILD BIRDS PROTECTION ACT, 1880. 
|FotLowine the precedent occasioned by the passing of the Wild Fowl 
- Preservation Act, 1876, and in compliance with the wishes of several 
correspondents who desire to be informed how the law at present stands on 
this subject, we print the Act which has recently received the royal assent, 
and which will come into operation on the Ist January next. 
The general effect of this, briefly speaking, is as follows:—The Sea 
Birds Act, 1869, the Wild Birds Act, 1872, and the Wild Fowl] Act, 1876, 
are all repealed, and a close time is provided for all birds between the 
Ist March and the Ist August. Those species which are mentioned in the 
Schedule may not be killed during the close time, under a penalty not 
exceeding £1; those not mentioned in the Schedule may not be killed 
under a penalty (for a second offence) of a sum not exceeding 5s. and 
costs. 
In the case of the latter class, the Act does not apply to the owner or 
occupier of the land on which any of these birds may be killed, or to any 
