The Wilmingtonian., 1886-04-10
PRICE TWO CENTS.

the seacoast between Philadelphia and For
tress Monroe are systematically robbed of
their birds for the benefit of thoughtless
iashio nable women. Wings of handsome
birds are quoted in the Baltimore papers at
from 30 cents to 81 apiece, and birds eggs at
from five to eight cents each. In Washing
ton the daily papers contain half column ad-
yertisement giving particulars Of beautifully
colored birds wings and breasts, which are
offered for sale by the dozen CT gross"
eve are going through the same exper-
ience that have long been complained of in
England, where active measures are now
taken to save birds. Over there an auction
room advertises for sale 1928 birds OF para
disc, 1874 pheasants, 40, LAG Brazil birds and
1856 $50 birds from the East Indies. 1t is a
noticeable fact that the greater slaughter
and sale of song birds the less is the demand
for ostrich feathers,
"All birds are beneficial" continued Mr..
Allen, they destroy insects, worms and
noxious larva. To the farmers and the
gardeners their services are invaluable.
The country would be overrun and the crops
destroyed but for the birds Of America. In
considering the causes of their destruction
legitimate sportsmen and bird collectors for
museums are of no particular account COM
milliner and dressmalxer, which are hun
dredfold greater than all others. 1t is true
that State laws are supposed to prohibit this
shameful and indscriminate slaughter of
birds, but their provisions are violated with
impunity by men who, under the cloak Of
taxidermist's permit, become legalized agents
for city millinery establishments, and do
not hesitate to shoot birds in all places and
seasons. Ofcourse this wanton abuse of
lawful privilege is not practised by all alleg-
ed scientific collectors, but enough of them
are violating their permits TO Work great de-
struetion among the birds.
Last of all timely reference is made to tie
detestable practice of collecting and
bird-nesting.
"There is another serious evil 1t is the
egg collector. In many localities on the
Atlantic coast the inhabitants make bust
ness Of robbing nests. The value Of birds
eggs for food is trivial besides the value Of
birds to farmers in destroying worms and
insects. In many places there are great CO.
lonies of sea birds. There the natives collect
their eggs by the boat load and sell them in
their village by the barrel. This is done on
Cape Cod, rol99 Island, in New Jersey,
Florida, @1f'tts fess. and other States on the
coast"
"Wbat does your society propose to do
toward remedying these evils ?" asked tho
reporter.
"We shall arouse public sentiment aud
win the support Of leaders of fashion. We
have already received most encouraging let
tiers from New York ladies of wealth and
power in the fashionable world. We shall
encourage the formation of bird protective
associations and ti-bird-wearng leagues.
A strong public sentiment on this subject
will spring up as soon as the facts are once
understood.
Sin England powerful society has been
formed and is now at work against the fash
ion Of killing and wearing birds for fashions
sake. The nobility are among its members
headed by such men as Tennyson and Rob
ert Browning. Lady Mount Temple has
already established an anti. bird-wearing
league of her own, which is meeting with
encouraging success"