A FEATHERED FRIEND.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]
Sin,—May I call attention to the example set by the County Council of Gloucestershire in giving protection to the eggs of the lapwing and the bird itself throughout the year, an example which should be followed by other counties without delay, as this harmless and beautiful bird, at one time a common object in all our fields, is now decreasing throughout the country ? The lapwing (also known as the peewit and green plover) is the only wild bird in the United Kingdom of which omnivorous man eats both the eggs and the flesh, and as large trade is done in the exportation of these "table com- modities " for consumption in the United States. The bird is invaluable to the farmer, no other species being so useful in keeping down such pests as snails, wireworms, beetles, aphides, and the larvm of various insects which infest grass, turnips, wheat, etc. Everyone is agreed as to its utility, and its only enemies are the selfish gourmands who are responsible for its destruction.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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