PROTECTION OF WILD BIRDS IN INDIA. 1113 



It would be interesting to know how the practice of wearing plumes 

 and feathers for ornamental purposes originally arose, but it is without 

 doubt of very ancient date. It is one of those relics of remote ages— akin 

 to some superstitions in the religions of modern times — which in spite of 

 its disastrous effects, still lingers, and is an outrage on every feeling of 

 humanity. Through countless generations, man has been persistently 

 shaking off all traces of his barbaric ancestors, and when the progress 

 made by him is closely scrutinised, even after this enormous lapse of time, 

 it is surprising to find that faint traces of his ancient customs still adhere 

 to him with a wonderful tenacity. Times are, however, changing ; power- 

 ful Ornithologists' Unions are at work ; and the feeling is growing stronger 

 daily that our feathered friends must be protected at all costs. Nothing 

 short of an international law will, perhaps, ever accomplish this ; but it is 

 obvious that Governments can no longer countenance so pernicious a trade, 

 the sole object of which is to minister for a short space of time to female 

 vanity, or gratify the passing freak of a summer fashion at the cost of an 

 enormous sacrifice of life. At the present time feathers, skins and other 

 such like tawdries satisfy the demands of millinery, but when these fail, 

 who would be bold enough to prophesy that insects with bizarre and 

 fantastic shapes, or exotic butterflies with gorgeous colouring will not 

 next be called into requisition to meet the demands of a new fashion ? The 

 attention of Governments of the day will doubtless then be drawn to 

 the preservation of other species by zealous entomologists pressing for 

 legislation in a fresh direction. But to return to the subject. It seems 

 clear from the measures already taken that India is no longer a haunt for 

 dealers in birds' skins and feathers, and it is high time now that they 

 realised their precarious positions. We take this opportunity of suggesting 

 that no heed should be paid to deputations and memorials urging absurd 

 and frivolous objections, such as birds dropping their feathers naturally : 

 or \\ millions of people being deprived of their means of livelihood ; or the 

 prohibitions not affording the least protection to birds, etc. 



The points which strike us as deserving of further consideration by 

 Government are — 



(i). To prohibit the export of plumage from one Indian port to 



another (vide the Burma case of 1909-1910). 

 (it). To prohibit the possession in India of birds' skins and 

 feathers, except in reasonable quantities for personal use, 

 or for scientific purposes only. This, it is thought, is the 

 only measure which will ever put an end to the illicit trade 

 so far as India is concerned at all events. For as long as 

 there is a demand for feathers and skins, smuggling is 

 bound to continue. 

 In conclusion, we venture to express a hope, and we feel confident that 



