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two last-named birds on the list are only cold weather visitors. The snipe during 
their sojourn frequent in large numbers rice fields and wet meadows at various 
elevations, but chiefly on the plains. The woodcock on the other hand during 
residence lives in the woodlands on the upper parts of the hill ranges, at elevations 
over 4000 feet. The painted snipe (Rhynchaea Bengalensis) is a permanent 
resident in India, and frequents the same haunts as the common snipe. Its 
plumage is pretty and peculiar, and it is therefore killed on this account. 
A Society for the Protection of Birds in India has been inaugurated, and 
Mr. William Jesse, M.B.O.U., F.Z. S., Principal of La Martiniere College, 
Lucknow, has undertaken the duties of Hon. Secretary. 
Appeals made to the Viceroy, His Excellency Lord Curzon, have led to the 
issue by the Government of India of a Circular to all the Local Governments and 
Administrations, dated from Simla, August 31st, 1900, in which the attention of 
the Governments is invited “ to the subject of the Wild Birds’ Protection Act, 1887, 
and the measures which have been taken for the prevention of the extermination 
of the wild birds of this country.” 
In paragraph 3 of this Circular it is stated that “ The Government of India are 
not in possession of recent information as to the extent to which the destruction of 
the wild birds of this country is being prevented by the measures referred to, and 
as a considerable time has now elapsed since orders were passed for their trial, the 
Governor-General in Council desires to learn to what extent they have been 
enforced, and how far they have been attended with success.” 
In paragraph 4 the following questions are asked : “ To what extent the skins 
of birds of handsome or useful plumage are exported, and whether this trade has 
increased or decreased of late years ; also whether there is reason to believe that 
the destruction of wild birds, especially of non-migratory insectivorous birds, 
during what should be close seasons for them, is extensive throughout the country ; 
and, if so, whether it is leading to the extermination of any species of wild birds.” 
The replies to this Circular will be looked for with great interest by the Society 
for the Protection of Birds, and by the newly-formed Branch of this Association in 
India. 
It is earnestly hoped that all who desire the effectual preservation of the birds 
of India will communicate with Mr. Jesse, by whom subscriptions and donations 
in aid of the work will be gratefully received. 
London, January 1, 1901. 
Copies of this Pamphlet may be obtained of the Society for the Protection of 
Birds, 3, Hanover Square, London, W. ; and of the Hon.. Sec. of the Indian 
Branch of the Society, William Jesse, Esq., La Martiniere College, Lucknow. 
Witherby & CoPrinters, 326, High Holborn, IV.C. Telephone No. q2 Holborn. 
