LUCKNOW CIVIL DIVISION. 447 
ever with snow-white Egrets and Herons, with a village urchin 
or two thrown in, will soon-—only too soon—be a memory of 
the past. That such wanton destruction should be tolerated 
by the powers that be seems to me inexplicable.* There is no 
occasion to enact game laws or close seasons and so add to the 
miseries and perplexities of the people. They are not the 
real offenders, while they have laws enough to observe in all 
conscience. A single stroke of the pen prohibiting the ex- 
portation of bird skins altogether, except such as are bond 
fide trophies or scientific specimens, or the infliction of a pro- 
hibitive export duty, would at once put a stop to the iniquities 
of which I and others have so long and fruitlessly complained. 
No half measures will do, but “it. is hopeless, Tisupposea to 
expect anything else, if we get anything at all. 
If I have written strongly it is because I feel strongly on a 
subject that requires immediate attention, The destruction 
not only of Grebe, Herons, Egrets, Pheasants, &c., but of 
beautiful small birds of every description, is going on apace, 
and while the depredators are reaping a rich harvest by pil- 
fering the nation’s property—its game birds and the beautiful 
songsters ofits woods and fields—those who ought to protect 
them by holding aloof are simply participating in their de- 
struction. This state of affairs can only lead to extermination, 
when, of course, every one will regret the result, but—who 
wouid have thought it ? Echo then may well answer—who ? 
Returning to our birds, I may as well begin by modifying or 
attesting what I said of some of those included in my pre- 
vious paper. 
Subsequent observations confirm the opinion I previously ex- 
pressed that the chestnut phase is the breeding plumage of the 
Paradise Flycatcher (Muscipeta paradist). Tt is no use argu- 
ing to the contrary, because a few white birds may be seen 
during the breeding season. The Purple Honeysucker (Cinnyris 
asiatica), tor instance, may be seen in his breeding plumage all 
the year round, yet no one ever questions its right to wear it 
out of season, or doubts that his winter livery is usually 
like that of his sombre lady-love. I have seen a Para- 
dise Flycatcher early in May of a regular brown 
and white piebald appearance; later on the two long 
feathers of its tail were the only white about it, and still 
later on, when I took its nest and eggs, the bird had a 
short tail and had donned its entire chestnut livery. I think 
this is pretty conclusive. 
This Flycatcher has no dread of water. The other day 
* An Act has now been passed to put a stop to this wicked and wanton destruction.— 
Ep., 8. F 
