i6 
ran side by side with that carried on by the Society for the Protec¬ 
tion of Birds. There could not be too many agencies in operation 
to check the abominable extermination of bird life. He earnestly 
hoped that all present would give their adhesion to the “ Sport 
Regulation Bill,” introduced by Mr. A. C. Morton, M.P. That 
Bill is based on the principle, that all humane reform must come by 
instalments, and, inasmuch as there has been no humane legislation 
since the days of bear-baiting, it is high time that some progress 
should be made, especially as public opinion is quite prepared for a 
further step in that direction! The Bill draws a distinction between 
what may be called legitimate and illegitimate sport. In the former 
category, it classes taking animals in the open, in the latter the 
setting at liberty of captured tirds and shooting at them. As this 
Bill would put an end to all trap-shooting of pigeons and other 
birds, he thought the League might claim the support of the 
Society, which he hoped would circulate the Bill as much as 
possible among its supporters. (Cheers). 
The Resolution was carried unanimously. 
Mr. Colam, after acknowledging the vote of thanks to the 
R.S.P.C.A., spoke of the difficulty experienced by their officers in 
stopping bird-catchers during the close time and proving them to 
have been at work, without the permission of the owners or occupiers 
of the land. He added, with emphasis, Please understand that 
only during the close season have wild birds any protection ; at any 
other period of the year they may be subjected to any torture, even 
roasted alive, with impunity.” He added that the law was anomalous 
as regarded the protection it afforded, and moreover did not protect 
more than a tithe of the whole animal creation. “ Coursing ,y 
would have long ago been put down by the R.S.P.C.A., had it been 
possible to do so. (Cheers). 
The Chairman spoke of the valuable suggestions offered, and 
especially that of the lady (Mrs, Chaplin) who proposed to tax 
caged birds. He hoped the encouragement given to the Committee 
would induce perseverance in this cause, and he expressed himself 
greatly interested in the meeting, and glad to have had the privilege 
of attending it. (Cheers). 
The proceedings then terminated. 
