138 BIRDS IN TOWN AND VILLAGE 



The subject is a large one. In this place the 

 question of the introduction of exotic birds will 

 be chiefly considered. Birds have been blown by 

 the winds of chance over the whole globe, and have 

 found rest for their feet. That a large number of 

 species, suited to the conditions of this country, 

 exist scattered about the world is not to be doubted, 

 and by introducing a few of these we might accelerate 

 the change so greatly to be desired. At present a 

 very considerable amount of energy is spent in 

 hunting down the small contingents of rare species 

 that once inhabited our islands, and still resort 

 annually to its shores, persistently endeavouring 

 to re-establish their colonies. A less amount of 

 labour and expense would serve to introduce a few 

 foreign species each year, and the reward would be 

 greater, and would not make us ashamed. We have 

 generously given our own wild animals to other 

 countries ; and from time to time we receive cheering 

 reports of an abundant increase in at least two of 

 our exportations — ^to wit, the rabbit and the sparrow. 

 We are surely entitled to some return. Dead animals, 

 however rich their pelt or bright their plumage may 

 be, are not a fair equivalent. Dead things are too 

 much with us, London has become a mart for this 

 kind of merchandise for the whole of Europe, and 

 the trafiic is not without a reflex effect on us ; for 

 life in the inferior animals has come or is coming 



