the wearing of aigrettes her mind was very strongly made up on 
this custom of slaughtering larks for the table. In conclusion, 
she would reiterate the importance of spreading knowledge of the 
principles, on which the Society acted, as well as information 
respecting the life and habits of the birds which were so great an 
ornament and advantage to this country. The good work could 
not be permanent unless the interest in it was maintained in this 
way. No Society which was sentimental only could last; but 
there was reason to believe that this Society rested on a foundation 
of common sense and common humanity, and was supported by 
the learned and scientific, as well as by many other true lovers of 
the feathered creation. 
The resolution was carried unanimously. 
The Earl of Stamford, in moving the re-election of the Com¬ 
mittee which he said had hitherto served the Society so admirably, 
referred to the loss they had suffered in the death of a distin¬ 
guished Vice-President, Sir George Grey, whom they would 
remember seeing on that platform only a few years ago, and who 
was extremely interested in and devoted to the work of the Society. 
It was through Sir George’s influence that he (the speaker) joined 
the Society in the first instance, and he was undoubtedly a great 
friend to the cause which this Society had at heart. He had passed 
away full of years, leaving a noble example of sympathy with the 
weak and oppressed, an example that would never fail in its influ¬ 
ence wherever the English language was spoken. Those present 
were aware that the Committee were necessarily the executive of 
an institution like this, but perhaps a society for the protection of 
birds, more than most societies, depended for its success on the 
zeal and energy of its individual members. On questions of 
general policy they might look to the Committee to point the way 
and carry out their wishes, but in many respects each individual 
had great influence, if only he would exercise it by disseminating 
the principles of the Society. Of course, legislation could do 
something, but it could not do so much as personal influence ; in 
any case, legislation was of very little value unless backed up by 
public sentiment. The Report was most satisfactory, and it was 
pleasant to think that a feeling of humanity was gradually 
becoming more prevalent in the community. An instance of this 
was afforded by the pleasure Londoners manifested in watching 
the birds in St. James’s Park. The presence of these creatures 
formed one of the attractions of London during the winter season; 
and while years ago the tendency would have been to throw stones 
at the birds, any such act would now be most bitterly resented by 
the people themselves. It was gratifying to think that in every 
respect there was a hopeful growth of popular sentiment in the 
direction of humanity; that growth each of his hearers could 
encourage as opportunity served, and so gradually overcome the 
