ment of a public sentiment in American and in English womanhood that 
shall be opposed to this bird slaughter. If once they realize the wrong, 
they will extinguish it.” 
Similar protests conje from other countries. 
An article in the Field (15th November, 1890) describes the utterly 
reckless manner in which the slaughter of birds for export, solely for the 
sake of their plumage, is being carried on in India. Mr. R. Morgan, the 
district forest officer, North Malabar, records the snaring of the beautiful 
Halcyon Smyrnensis, of which he has seen 5,000 skins in a case knocked 
down in Stevens’ auction rooms at 6d. a head. In other parts of India, 
we are told that the destruction of ornamental-plumaged birds threatens 
their extermination, it being carried on in the height of the breeding 
season, when the plumage is in the most perfect condition. So great has 
the demand for the feathers of ornamental birds become, that the native 
agriculturists will even sell their oxen and ploughs to purchase guns and 
ammunition, in order to participate in the pursuit of these birds; finding 
more immediate profit in destroying the lives of their little fellow-workers, 
than in labouring with them in the production of food. 
In conclusion, the Field remarks : “ There can be no question that the 
destruction of insectivorous birds, whether by liming, net, snares, or guns, 
should, during the breeding season at least, be vigorously suppressed. 
The appeal to the women of so-called civilised countries not to encourage 
the ruthless slaughter of birds during the nesting time, when the young 
are necessarily doomed to perish by slow starvation, has been made, and 
made in vain.” 
This stern condemnation, published in a very widely-read paper, may 
perhaps meet the eye of clergymen, and induce some of them to speak a 
few words, which, uttered from a few pulpits, might save the lives of 
many birds. 
Better still, if it lead them to inculcate the duty of righteous and 
merciful dealing with every living creature, inseparable from the dominion 
given by God to man. 
It ought not to be left to laymen, not even to such an one as John 
Buskin, to teach us “ not to kill or hurt any living creature needlessly,” 
but “ to strive to save and comfort all gentle life, and guard and perfect 
all natural beauty upon earth.” E. Phillips, 
A copy of this leaflet has bsea offered to the Queen and graciously accepted, 
with an intimation from Sir Henry Ponsouby, that “Her Majesty’s attention has 
been already directed to the subject.” 
Society for t§e ^rofecfion of ^ir&s 
President— Her Grace the Duchess of Portland. 
Vice-President, 
and Hon. Sec. for Croydon Branch, 
Mrs. E. Phillips, 
11, Morland Road, Croydon. 
Hon. Treasurer, 
and Hon. Sec. for Bayswater Branch, 
Miss C. V. Hall, 
11, Morland Road, Croydon. 
Hon. Sec., Miss Hannah Poland, 29 , Warwick Road, Maida Hill, W. 
Copies of Leaflet or Cards of Membership can be obtained from the Ladies whose Addresse 
are given above , or from the Local Secretaries. 
