PROTECTION OF BIRDS ON THE CONTINENT. 7 
most governments. Everybody sees that it is high time to stop 
the mania for destruction raging at various parts of the globe 
and threatening to completely annihilate some species. As for 
indigenous birds their condition has latterly become more critical, 
as the demands of fashion made on them raises them almost to 
the same value as the birds of paradise, glossy starlings, hum- 
ming birds and other exotic species of brilliant piumage. 
To protect all these birds by an international law appeared 
to be most desirable, but in the course of a very long discussion 
many difficulties presented themselves. 
Approaching the subject of protection from various aspects, 
the members of the assembly, although in favour of protecting 
useful birds, were more or less influenced by laws and customs 
already existing in various countries. 
“ I know well enough,” said M. Fatio, the representative of the Swiss 
Confederation, “ that the authorities in northern countries would not hesitate 
about preventing destruction and illegal trade in birds, if it were an easy matter. 
“ In the name of agriculture, as well as forestry, in the name of justice and 
humanity, on behalf of Switzerland, of the ‘ Societe des Chasseurs,’ and in the 
name of the Swiss Society for the Protection of Animals, I ask various governing 
bodies to do their utmost to obtain : — (i) The prevention, during the second part 
of winter and in spring, of all pursuit of migratory and useful birds and of all 
gibicr de passage. (2) The prohibition of all trade during the same seasons in 
such birds, dead or alive and their eggs. (3) The prohibition of the use of all 
engines, at all times, for taking birds en masse. (4) The prevention of all trade, 
except for stated reasons, in birds generally admitted to be useful. 
“ Lastly, a second proposal which, whilst affecting private property in different 
countries, cannot fail, by reciprocity, to be efficacious in checking poaching, always 
encouraged by the increasing facilities for international commerce. This proposal 
would consist in the prohibition of all dealing in game during the close season 
without special permission. 
“Abuses cannot be removed at the first attempt, but with lime and decision I 
think that a general and legal protection of birds, so desirable in every respect, 
may be obtained. 
“ Of course, every state would reserve to itself the right of destroying rapacious 
birds, and birds becoming temporarily injurious from their too great abundance. 
“ As it is not possible in a numerous assembly such as this Congress is to 
draft a law for the international protection of birds, therefore, I propose that a 
committee be appointed for obtaining as quickly and as completely as possible 
the opinions of various European States with regard to the best ways and means 
for arriving at a general understanding. All questions of detail or exceptional 
bye-laws may be left to the consideration of the chief authorities in each country.” 
(To be continued.) 
THE DISAPPEARANCE OF BRITISH PLANTS. 
By JAMES BRITTEN, F.L.S. 
N interesting report on this subject was presented to the 
British Association last year, and was reprinted in the 
Journal of Botany for December. It may be well to call 
the attention of Selbornians to the conclusions arrived 
at, which are in themselves of interest. 
