The Plumage Question and Aviculture.



61



are eaten without hesitation, so that one cannot quite see where the

species is benefited.


In fine, whatever bias we have, let us not jump to hasty con¬

clusions, but calmly consider all evidence from every possible point of

view ; and, for our own sakes if for no other, never attribute to the

lower animals the same dreads and preferences which we ourselves

possess.



THE PLUMAGE QUESTION AND

AVICULTURE.


By J. Lewis Bgnhote, M.A.


In the August number of Tropical Life there appeared an

article entitled “ Economic Zoology—a Neglected Industry,” which

dealt chiefly with the possibilities of farming the Egrets for the sake

of their plumes. As the subject is closely connected with Avi¬

culture, we may perhaps be excused for bringing it to the notice of

our readers. With regard to the procuring of the plumes of wild

birds for the adornment of ladies’ hats, certain facts are indis¬

putable. Firstly, the trade involves the serious diminution or

extermination of many of the most beautiful species that nature

has evolved, and secondly, this destruction has been carried on in a

manner which involves no little cruelty to the innocent victims of

the appetite for adornment. To put a stop to these undoubted evils,,

societies and private individuals in various parts of the world have

attempted, and in some cases, succeeded in passing laws ensuring

absolute protection to the birds. This has led to serious dissatis¬

faction among members of the Plume Trade and others interested

in this traffic, as well as from Agriculturists, who are finding their

crops ravaged by harmful and non-ornamental species.


It must be acknowledged that the laws, so far passed, have

had little or no effect in stopping the trade ; most species of birds

naturally shun the advance of civilisation and it is, as the pro¬

tectionists themselves acknowledge, practically impossible to enforce

any laws in the remoter parts of the world.


Looking at the matter from the standpoint of a perfectly'



