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proviso to the effect that in any district a County Council may apply 
to the Secretary of State to make an order exempting from the operation 
of the proposed Act certain birds—to be scheduled. Such a measure, 
in my opinion, were it not likely to be countered by ample exemptions, 
would prove tyrannical. It is, moreover, nothing in its favour that it 
can only be made tolerable through emasculation at the hands of local 
authorities. I would point out at this juncture that woodpigeoms, rooks, 
and sparrows cannot—except by faddists—be regarded! as inoffensive 
birds; it follows, then, that in the event of any of the hundred and 
one local authorities failing to counteract the provisions of the contem¬ 
plated Bill by some order obtained from the Secretary of State, the 
three species named would be exempt from interference during a period 
of the year when they are capable of much mischief. But there are 
other absurdities. Should the measure become law in its proposed form, 
not only would it be illegal for gamekeepers to gather the eggs of wild 
pheasants for the purpose of hatching them under hens, but carrion- 
crows, magpies, sparrow-hawks, and jays—four species notoriously 
prejudicial in their various ways and in varying degrees to gamekeepers’ 
interests-—would be accorded the same immunity from Feb. 1 to August 
31 as the three species earlier named. Surely those who are responsible 
for the provisions of this impending measure have scant cause to plume 
themselves on their handiwork. It is all very well to argue that County 
Councils will have it in their power to adjust any difficulties that may 
arise, but the wisdom, according to my views, is decidedly questionable 
which begins by creating a number of statutory offences, and then pro¬ 
ceeds to place it in the power of this or that local authority to say that 
they shah not be deemed such ! Legislation that coerces and irritates 
is to be deprecated. Besides, in a small country like ours, what material 
need is there for a number of arbitrary geographical distinctions ? Land- 
owners generally are kindly disposed towards birds, and all that 
they require is that their hands should be strengthened. The exag¬ 
gerated protectionists will exclaim, of course, but I do not think that 
our wild birds stand in need of much extra protection. I certainly con¬ 
sider it would be an advantage if County Councils came, so- to say, more 
into line with their respective “ lists,” but if only the law, as it stands 
at present, were duly enforced, and adequate penalties imposed in every 
case where it has suffered infringement, the aspirations of those who love 
birds, truly and soberly, and are solicitous for their welfare, would be 
