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BIRDS IN A VILLAGE. 
The subject is a large one. In this paper 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 island, 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 of 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 traffic is not without a reflex effect on us; for 
