Notes and Comments. 71 
but apparently not spotted, natural size. Figs. 9-11= 7hyla- 
ctum Sylvant V. Carus: 9, a group of small ones ; 10, a group 
of rather larger ones; 11, a single individual, much larger; all 
with young ones attached, and natural size. Figs. 12-14= 
Thylactum variolosum (Gaertn.) : 12, a mass, twice natural size; 
13, showing mode of growth on an Ascidian, natural size; 14, 
a larva, magnified. Figs. 15 and 16=Pelonaza corrugata Forb. 
and Goods. : 15, Test, natural size; 16, part of branchial sac, 
magnified. 
THE SLAUGHTER OF KINGFISHERS. 
We heartily agree with the following note which appears 
in a local magazine in Hull, and can only regret that Hull is not 
the only place where this senseless slaughter is allowed. When 
will the police authorities understand that their duties do not 
end in seeing that the placards are duly posted in more or less 
prominent places in their districts? The attention of the police 
has been called to this case. We have also been advised of 
similar slaughter of kingfishers near Huddersfield. As we 
have previously pointed out, however, in Yorkshire at any rate, 
the ‘Wild Birds’ Protection Act,’ so far as the police are con- 
cerned, is very largely a farce. ‘ Hull is not a lovely city. The 
objects of beauty are not very many, and the praiseworthy 
endeavours of some of its citizens to multiply them, only make 
slow progress. But sometimes, even within the boundaries of 
its smoky fields, nature is kind. Flowers still open in summer, 
and sometimes from brighter scenes come birds which bring us 
a message of grace. So it has been this winter in the parish 
of Newland. Wanderers in our fields might see the glorious 
vision of the little kingfisher, with its tropical luxuriance of 
colour, winging his way along the waterside, for just now he 
finds more food here than inland. Such a thing should be the 
pride of a great city, better than an art gallery in himself. 
Alas for our civilisation! This is the barbarian’s chance. 
Parliament has passed the Wild Birds’ Protection Act, the 
Hull Corporation and the East Riding County Council have 
scheduled the kingfisher for protection all the year round, what 
does it matter? Men go out with their guns and slaughter 
every one they can find. We have reason to believe that no 
fewer than ten of these birds have been killed in this way during 
the last few weeks. Such a thing is a disgrace to the com- 
munity, and anyone who could give evidence for the conviction 
of the perpetrator of it would be a public benefactor.’ 
1907 March 1. 
