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B. I. Pocock — The Proposed Nciv Bill for



Although it was known that the existing law had accomplished a

great deal in the preservation of bird-life, it had in some cases achieved

too much by leading to the local multiplication of certain common

species up to the point of converting them into pests ; while it had

notoriously failed to protect many very rare birds. The administration

of the law, moreover, had been rendered exceedingly difficult, owing to

the number and perplexing character of the orders that had been added

since the date of its coming into force ; and it was felt that its enforce¬

ment was seriously obstructed by the inadequacy of the powers granted

to the police.


The recommendations contained in. the report of the Departmental

Committee are ably directed towards remedying these and other

defects. They are too numerous to mention in detail, but the most

important is the establishment of an Ornithological Advisory Committee

of experts, whose primary function would be to advise the central

authority on all matters connected with bird protection. Into their

other duties we need not now enter, but the immediate adoption of

that proposal is regarded as an essential step towards the scientific

administration of the law. Hardly less important are the extended

powers to be given to the police in the way of search and detention of

suspected persons ; of entry on private land, without permission of the

owner, for the purpose of preventing offences, and of seizure of bird,

egg, nest, or instrument suspected of being the subject of an offence.

It is, moreover, clearly and definitely to be laid down that the enforce¬

ment of the law is as much one of the duties of the police as the enforce¬

ment of the Diseases of Animals Act, or of similar measures connected

with the Ministry of Agriculture.


A tentative list of birds to be protected is contained in two schedules,

A and B. In schedule A, comprising species to be absolutely protected

during the breeding season, that is to say, from the 1st March to the

1st September inclusive, appear the following : Raven, Goldfinch,

Siskin, Woodlark, Marsh Warbler, Nightingale, Pied Flycatcher;

Wryneck, Nightjar, Woodpecker, Kingfisher; Merlin, Kestrel, Hobby.

Peregrine ; Arctic Skua, Great Skua, Terns ; Fork-tailed Petrel; Black-

throated Diver, Red-throated Diver, Eared Grebe, Great Crested

Grebe, Sclavonian Grebe; Dotterel, Ringed Plover, Ruff (Reeve)^



