10 
Tt was also ascertained that within this enclosure there appeared 
in the course of a year no fewer than ninety species of birds, of 
which fifty were insectivorous. Of course it is probable that these 
numbers might have been largely increased as regards birds, had 
it been possible to maintain a more rigorous watch over tbe visits 
of our feathered friends. 
We have thus brought to a close the early history of the move¬ 
ment for the protection of bird life in India, which, beginning in 
1869, culminated in “ The Wild Birds Protection Act of 1887.” 
The long protracted discussion which ensued prior to the passing 
of the Act was no doubt due to reluctance on the part of the 
Supreme Government of India, to introduce rules which might 
give rise to irritation or discontent amongst a large body of the 
population. For the great mass of the Indian people there is no 
voice or organ to jmblisli what we call ‘‘public opinion,” the want 
of which renders it necessary to proceed with great caution in 
experimental legislature. So far the working of the Act does not 
appear to have interfered with the privileges or prejudices of the 
agrarian population, and there can be no doubt that, as already 
predicted, it will lead on to something better in due course. 
December, 1900 . 
