SELBORNIANA 
223 
and of birds that are easily domesticated can, for instance, be 
used without any doubt. Again, from the sentimental point of 
view the feathers of birds that are songsters should be avoided ; 
and from the economic point of view, while the feathers of insec- 
tivorous birds should be debarred, the feathers of graminivorous 
and frugivorous birds might be used.” 
Murderous Millinery. — The Press can, one is thankful to 
know, always be reckoned upon as supporting any rational effort 
of humanitarianism. The Glasgow Evening News and other 
papers have commented favourably upon the steps taken by the 
Council with reference to the fashions of the present season. 
The following is the language of the Daily Mail of October 12 : — 
“Notable Action by the Selborne Society. 
“Bird-lovers will be glad to learn that the Selborne Society has issued an 
appeal to a number of expert ornithologists, requesting them to furnish reports to 
the Society as to the species of birds now exhibited in milliners’ windows for the 
decoration of women’s hats. 
“ As a result, it is to be hoped that the ruthlessness of the slaughter which is 
caused by this traffic will be brought home to those directly concerned. 
“We learn from a correspondent who is taking a prominent part in this 
inquiry that the number of different species now to be seen in the London shops 
is greater than ever. The ranks of the graceful little sea-swallows and gulls have 
been heavily taxed. The black-headed gull, which has become such a popular 
favourite at the bridges along the Thames during the winter months, is also 
especially prominent, whole birds in summer dress being by no means rare. 
“ Probably, when the various reports arrive, over two hundred different kinds 
of birds will be found to figure therein. Among the more striking birds used 
for millinery decoration to-day are various species of humming birds, birds of 
Paradise and sun birds, kingfishers, egrets, herons, pigeons, owls, swallows, 
titmice and parrots. 
“ By way of adding insult to injury, these are often dyed the most hideous 
colours, and are thrust into shapes that suggest death by torture on the rack. 
“ Perhaps one of the most offensive exhibitions of this kind yet devised was 
that of a pair of love-birds skewered together, and supporting a double train of a 
foot or more in length, made up of the wings of others of the same species. As 
many as twenty pairs of wings were used for this purpose. Fancy two-and- 
twenty victims displayed on one hat ! After this, who shall call the Bornean 
head-hunter a savage ? 
“ Besides whole birds there will be found scores of nondescripts, such as the 
body of a thrush or skylark, with a pail of terns’ wings, and the head and wings 
of the beautiful white egret, dyed green, fitted to the tail of a gull. Tufts of 
egret plumes and the side plumes of the bird of Paradise are as much seen as 
ever, though the cruelty entailed in their collection has been again and again 
proclaimed from the house-tops. 
“ The present action of the Selborne Society has been prompted by the an- 
nouncement in the Drapers' Record that the birds used for millinery are not real, 
but are ‘ manufactured ’ by gluing duck and pigeon feathers over a lump of cotton- 
wool. This is merely trifling with the real facts.” 
The Practical Action taken by Audubon Societies in 
America to afford Protection to Birds. — Mr. T. S. 
Palmer, of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Biological 
Survey, the official in charge of game preservation, writing 
recently to a member of the Selborne Society, points out that 
an important step toward bird protection in the United States 
