THE PROTECTION OF WILD BIRDS IN ESSEX. 257
will also be a distinct advance, and will be a means whereby
"Harbours of Refuge," or "Paradises" (to use old Parkinson's
word), for birds, in which they would enjoy complete immunity from
interference, may be established in Epping Forest and other open
spaces, and about which we hope to have more to say in the future.
We understand that the Wild Bird Committee have also sent a
representation to the Home Secretary asking that the law should be
altered so as to permit the impounding of Bird-catchers' engines
when used during the close-time. This would, it is anticipated,
stop them from giving false names and then raiding other districts
with impunity. Under the Act of 1896 the Court has the power of
forfeiting the "traps," but only after conviction.
By reason of the Chaffinch becoming scarcer, being specially
sought after by the Bird-catchers, and in a great measure dis-
appearing from the metropolitan portion of the county, a
representation is to be made that this bird may be included in
the Schedule of the Act of 1880, so far as relates to that portion
of Essex within the Metropolitan Police District.
We are sure that all lovers of birds will be pleased to be informed
of the progress now being made for the protection of their feathered
friends, and will do their best to see that the Orders are observed
within their own districts. The Bird Protection Society might do
good service by issuing a leaflet, giving an epitome of the various
Orders, so far as Essex is concerned, with the names of the birds
scheduled ; this would be exceedingly useful to those who are
disposed to aid in making the law upon the subject widely known.
There is, however, one aspect of the law for the protection of
wild birds which demands the serious consideration of the student
of nature. These Acts and Orders are becoming numerous, and
are resulting in the increase of some species of birds. It must be
remembered, however, that all the protected birds are non-raptorial,
and there will be danger in the disturbance of the balance of nature
which conceivably may ensue from the excessive numbers of certain
protected species, while others which, under normal conditions,
control these species, continue to be ruthlessly exterminated. There
is also an unfairness in the principle of the legislation which im-
presses a non-sporting observer very keenly. The general public,
the farmer and the gardener (possibly having theories of their own,
rightly or wrongly conceived, about the habits of birds as affecting
their own personal interests) are asked to actively co-operate in the