COUNTESS OF WARWICK'S RECEPTION.
181
First List of Lepidoptera suggested for Protection.
Papilio machaon, L.
Leucophasia sinapis, L,
Pieris crataegi, L.
Melitaea athalia, Esp.
Melitaea cinxia, L.
Apatura iris, L.
Limenitis sibylla, L.
Polyommatus arion, L.
Cyclopides paniscus, Fab,
Hesperia acteon, Esp.
Trochilium scoliaeformis, Hub.
Zygaena meliloti, Esp.
Zygaena exulans, Hoch,
Nola strigula, Schiff.
Nola albulalis, Hub.
Nola centonalis, Hub.
Eulepia cribrum, L.
Liparis chrysorrhoea, L,
Clisiocampa castrensis, L.
Drepana sicula, Schiff.
Dipththera orion, Esp.
Acosmetia caliginosa, Hub.
Dianthaecia irregularis, Hufn.
Plusia orichalcea, Fab.
Epione vespertaria, L.
Fidonia conspicuata, Schiff.
Scoria dealbata, L.
Cidaria reticulata, Fab.
Lithostege griseata, Schiff.
Agrotera nemoralis, Scop.
Pterophorus rhododactylus, Schiff."
Mr. J. E. Harting (Secretary to the Linnean Society, and late Editor of the
"Zoologist") continued the discussion from the point of view of Mammals
and Birds. He said : "I think that I shall be only echoing the senti-
ments of many present in expressing the gratification afforded to
members of Field Clubs, such as ours, by being permitted to ramble
through such beautiful woodlands as we have seen to-day, and to visit
such historically and archaeologically interesting places as Easton Lodge.
It is in the course of such rambles that we are enabled to view some of the
most beautiful natural scenery of England, which, thanks to the fostering
care and good taste of the owners has remained unaltered through all the
changes that have affected land near great towns and centres of industry.
" One thing only they have been unable to preserve—that is in its entirety
—the ancient fauna, the beautiful wild creatures (Mammals and Birds chiefly,
but some Insects also) which are gradually disappearing, and have already
disappeared in many places through the senseless persecution of them by
those who should know better.
" Acts of Parliament and orders of the Home Secretary obtained through
the intervention of County Councils, are all very well up to a certain point ;
but when through excess of zeal and want of knowledge, species are ordered
to be protected in summer which are only found here in winter, and people
are forbidden under a penalty to take in their own county the eggs of birds
which never breed there, the law is brought into contempt, and stands a good
chance of being completely disregarded. This is more than ever likely to be
the case now that County Councils have obtained protection for different
birds in different counties between different dates ; so that at the present
time the law relating to the protection of wild birds and their eggs is in a
hopeless state of confusion. Years ago I pointed out in print that there
was no necessity to forbid the taking of eggs ; all that was needed was to
enforce the law of trespass, and the law which prohibits the killing of the
parent birds during the breeding season. If this were done, the taking of a
few eggs would do no appreciable harm.