107 
THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS IN THE WEST RIDING. 
R: FORTUNE, E:Z-s- 
For some time the Wild Birds’ and Eggs’ Protection Com- 
mittee of the Y.N.U. has been endeavouring to get the 
existing Wild Birds’ Protection Act of Yorkshire into line, 
so that the Same order should apply to the three Ridings. 
It has not been found practicable to do this. The East Riding 
has met us in a fair spirit, the North Riding has quite ignored 
our suggestions, up to date. The West Riding authorities 
have dealt with our suggestions in a very broad manner, and it 
is very pleasing to record that this authority seems particularly 
alive to the requirements of wild birds. 
A new Schedule or Order has just been issued, and it may 
be interesting to note the additions to this. Practically we 
have got all the birds we wished to have scheduled, and it is 
particularly gratifying to note that both the Raven and Peregrine 
Falcon are now absolutely protected during the whole of the 
year. 
All birds, with the exception of our familiar friend the 
House Sparrow, are protected from the last day of February 
to the 12th day of August; but with the exception of those 
specially mentioned in Schedules A and B, owners or occupiers 
of land, or persons authorised by them, are at liberty to destroy 
them should they so desire. The birds named in Schedules 
A and B are protected absolutely, not only against the general 
public, but also against owners or occupiers, who must not lift 
their hands against them. 
Schedule A gives protection to the species included from 
the last day in February to the r2th day of August. There are 
four additions to this list, viz., the Great Northern’ and Red 
Throated Divers, Gadwall and Quail. There is absolutely no 
necessity for the inclusion of the first two species, as they 
are not likely to be seen in the West Riding between the dates 
named, if at all. The same remark might also apply to the 
Gadwall ; but as it is a species which is increasing as a resident 
in Norfolk, there is no reason why it should not extend its 
range to Yorkshire. At any rate no harm can be done by 
anticipating this event somewhat. The Quail nests in some 
part of the county every summer, and every inducement should 
be given it to continue to do so. 
There are about sixteen omissions from the previous list, 
1907 M arch Tie 
