3902 On the Persecution of Birds and Animals. 



that universal kindness towards the animal creation, which is so 

 remarkable in the Norwegian character. 



Now the persecution of which I complain is twofold. 1. That cru- 

 sade against birds and animals, which arises from the erroneous im- 

 pression that they are injurious to the farmer and gardener. ft. The 

 indiscriminate and wanton persecution of all kinds of birds and ani- 

 mals, for no cause or purpose whatever. 1 am sure the readers of the 

 ' Zoologist ' will agree with me, that this is a subject well deserving 

 the attention of naturalists ; and if we could induce a dispersion of 

 narrow-minded prejudices, and an adoption of greater benevolence 

 towards the animal kingdom, we should do more for our favourites, 

 than volumes of anecdotes in their praise. To effect this desirable 

 object is undoubtedly difficult, as we have to contend with false im- 

 pressions long entertained, with deep-rooted and long-established 

 views of expediency, handed down, in many cases, from our forefa- 

 thers, as well as with a certain innate love of destruction peculiar to 

 mankind from the days of Nimrod to the present time : we are often 

 met with most dogged obstinacy, most persevering determination to 

 cling to the old custom, irresistible ignorance, and secret but not the 

 less strong suspicions that we are concealing the truth. Perhaps this 

 prejudice is strengthened, in some measure, from the well-intentioned 

 but often erroneous arguments of many warm-hearted naturalists 

 themselves : in defending their favourites, they often overrun the 

 mark ; and, too loud in their praises, and too eager to acquit them of 

 committing injury, they do not perceive that they are but strengthen- 

 ing the preconceived opinions of their opponents, who, knowing that 

 rooks will eat seed sown, and that moles will stop drains, see that 

 their defenders are one-sided arguers, prejudiced on their side, in their 

 behalf, and so turn a deaf ear to their arguments. But now let the 

 cause be fairly and truly drawn ; let nothing be concealed ; let the 

 injuries as well as the benefits done by the bird or animal be clearly 

 shown, and I have little fear for the result. Men will learn to see 

 how wonderful the balance held by Nature without the intervention of 

 man ; that He who gave the bird his life to enjoy, at the same time 

 provided food for the sustenance of that life, without any dependance 

 on man. The rook may be tempted by the newly sown and newly 

 springing corn, or by the ripening crops ; but during all the rest of 

 the year what thousands of grubs does he not destroy — what multi- 

 tudes of wireworms which lesser birds with weaker bills cannot reach ? 

 The mole may burrow into the drains, and, in a well -drained farm, 

 may do considerable damage ; but, for the generality of land, what an 





