THE NECESSITY OF STATE ACTION FOR THE PROTEC- 
TION OF WILD BIRDS.^ 
By Walter E. Collinge, D. Sc, F. L. S., M. B. O. U., 
Carnegie Fellou-, and Research Fellow of the University of St. Andrews. 
It is now generally agreed that birds as a class are highly bene- 
ficial and function as an important natural force in the control of 
the many insects that attack agricultural crops, fruit orchards, and 
forests. Realizing this, many countries have enacted laws for their 
protection and preservation, whilst some maintain departments 
wherein their feeding habits, migrations, increase and decrease, and 
general movements are studied, with great benefit to their respective 
nations. 
The question is frequently asked, " Why should the State interfere 
with wild life; why should not birds and all other wild animals be 
left alone?" 
In order to give an adequate reply to this question it is necessary 
to consider at some length the activities of wild animals and their 
relationship to mankind. 
The nation or the individual who possesses objects of great value 
seeks by all legitimate means in their power to preserve such from 
wanton destruction or harm in any sense. Such action is highly 
commendable, for surely it is only right that anything that is con- 
ducive to the welfare of mankind and that we of the present genera- 
tion have the privilege of enjoying should, if possible, be handed 
down for the benefit and enjoyment of generations to come. It is 
the duty of the State, therefore, to guard and conserve most jealously 
every object that tends to the uplifting and advancement of its 
people, irrespective of whether such objects possess any direct utili- 
tarian value or not. 
In the case of wild birds we have both an aesthetic and a utilitarian 
value attached to them. On the former we do not propose to dwell 
at any great length, for the love of wild birds is interwoven with our 
national life. In painting, statuary, poetry, and prose this is at once 
evident. We have associated with bird life purity, valor, fidelity, the 
love of freedom, and the exalting love of maternity. We have used 
the bird as the emblem of peace and contentment and to express the 
1 Reprinted by permission from the Avicultural Magazine, Vol. X, 3d ser.. No. 7, May. 
1919. 
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