THE LIBELS ON BIRDS. [TO THE EDITOR. OF THE 0
SPECTATOR." J 'SIR,—For "last word" on the subject of birds pecking their fellow-birds to death merely because of their ex- itibiting unusual plumage, I should like to suggest that your correspondent, Mr. G. A.. Craig, proves rather the cruelty of those on board his vessel than the cruelty of -the birds. For where is the analogy between the birds that, from natural causes, have developed white feathers, and the birds that, for a most unnatural "amusement," have been :smothered with soot P A love of cleanliness, rather than a dislike of black feathers, may have accounted for the vigorous measures resorted to by the companions of those poor, ill- treated sea-birds. Or, possibly, birds, like many other things, are imitative; and, while the rooks and the sparrows here never meet with anything but kindness, the poor sea-birds that followed (so mistakenly) Mr. Craig's vessel were first caught with fish-books that their wings might disfigure bonnets and hats, and to vary the "amusement," those that were not destined for "trimming" were "covered with soot," and then turned loose amongst their frightened and un- recognising companions ! Quite possibly, if I were to white- wash poor Jacko,' then turn him loose among the "Rookery rooks," they would not be so untroubled at his appearance as they are at the white feathers of Nature's painting.—I am,
[The "love of cleanliness" could hardly necessitate the pecking of the blackened bird to death. Our correspondent is not at all too hard on the cruelty of the sailors, but we do not think that he makes out a very good case for his birds.—Ep.
8"peciater,] -
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