[ iv ] 
in'the opinion of very! many, from being over-womaned,” and the 
obvious remedy is the introduction of more of the virile element into its 
personnel—a consummation which I individually consider highly desirable. 
A combinat : on of heart and head, in which there is a large predominance 
of head, is always more logical in the method of its treatment of tangled 
issues and complicated interests than one wherein the controlling 
influences bear a diametrically inverse ratio to each other. At present, 
the Society is the only body definitely existing for the express purpose 
of looking after the common prosperity of birds, and it is possible and 
probable that a more rational and scientific spirit would permeate its 
counsels it the ‘‘lump” were’duly “leavened” in the^ sense I have 
indicator! . Depend upon it, the operations of the Society can never be 
givon the tone and direction I—and many with me—deem indispensable, 
so Inn? as a rugged persistence in the advocacy of extreme views and 
intolerable measures lends encouragement to field-ornithologists to stand 
scoffingly aloof. In the matter of wearing the delicate aigrettes, for 
instance, men make no extravagant demands; they would rest quite 
satisfied if women would adopt the “ imitation thing,” but not on this 
wise the deliverances of sundry of the good ladies who have mounted the 
hobby of the protection of birds. With such, in this particular connexion, 
it is a case of all or nothing. Half measures, though clearly conceding 
the very essence of what is being striven for, do not appeal'to them. 
There must not be even so much as imitation ; the fashion itself shall be 
strangled ! How ludicrous to suppose such a thing possible as the 
suppression of no ephemeral feminine fashion at the mere bidding of a 
body behind whom lies no legal force ! Why the clamourings of small 
children for the moon are as likely of realization, and little more grotesque. 
If anything I have advanced in the following pages shall conduce to 
the welfare of our wild birds, I shall rejoice that I have ventured to 
mingle my obscure personality in a question of profound and wide-reaching 
interest. Meanwhile, I am content to leave my opinions and proposals to 
the judgment of such accomplished naturalists as Professor Newton, Mr. 
Howard Saunders, Colonel Irby, and Mr. J. E. Halting, who, together 
with Canon Tristram, represent a present day ornithological tribunal of 
the highest and most unequivocal standing. Finally, whilst rendering 
ungrudging testimony to much good work accomplished by the Society 
for the Protection of Birds, to which, by the way, I have the honour to 
belong, I would once more earnestly counsel its members—men aud 
women alike—to bear in mind that enthusiasm backed by ignorance is a 
combination prepotent for mischief, and greatly to be dreaded. I associate 
myself with no novel or cryptic teaching when tersely avowing to the 
vice of the means can be sacrificed the virtue of the ends. 
Melton Mowbray, April , 1901 . 
H. S. DAVENPORT. 
