THE GUN AT HOME AND ABROAD 
near as possible to the time when these birds migrate to Europe, and 
that during the close season all trade in, and transport of, quail shall 
be forbidden. The Congress further recognizes it to be desirable that 
an International Convention should suppress all shooting of woodcock 
between February 1 and October 1, and that in all countries signatory 
of the Convention, the sale, purchase, transport, and transit of woodcock 
should be forbidden from February 1 onwards. The Congress recognizes 
it to be desirable that an International Conference should meet as early 
as possible to discuss and settle the text of an International Convention 
in order that effective protection may be assured to migratory game- 
birds, by the adoption of equivalent measures in all countries. This 
International Convention would then be laid before the various Govern- 
ments for their ratification and adhesion. 
In a letter to the “ Field ” of October 1, 1910, Mr F. C. Selous has 
embodied the careful account of Count Clary, President of the St Hubert 
Club of France, on the destruction of quails. 
Count Clary writes : “ Quails were formerly very abundant in France, 
Belgium, and Germany. For some years past, however, they have been 
diminishing in numbers to such an extent that their complete disappear- 
ance is to be feared. In France this diminution is estimated as at least 
two -thirds (of the original stock). In Belgium quails are scarcely seen 
any longer, yet these birds are very prolific, and were formerly plentiful 
in that country. What, then, are the reasons for this disquieting decrease 
in their numbers ? These must be looked for on the coasts of the 
Mediterranean, in Morocco, Tripoli, Egypt, Sicily, and Italy, where 
thousands, nay millions, of quails are caught alive during the periods of 
migration, in enormous nets. In Belgium alone 400,000 of these quails 
are eaten every year, whilst in England the consumption is even greater, 
and formerly the single port of Marseilles received annually as many as 
1,500,000 quails. These quails, put on board of steamships in batches of 
70, 80, or 100,000 at a time, are carried over sea to the great Mediterranean 
ports, such as Marseilles or Genoa, or even directly to England. In the 
month of October the provision dealers commence to receive their supplies 
of quails, some of which they sell during the shooting season, but the 
greater part of which they reserve for sale during close time. 
“ These quails are kept in crates, and after having been fattened, are 
sold gradually at a high price during the season, when the sale of other 
game-birds is no longer legal. 
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