The addition of new pretty species to our avifauna would probably notbe the only, nor even the principal benefit we should derive from thecarrying out of the scheme here suggested. The indirect effect of theknowledge all would possess that such an experiment was being conducted,and that its chief object was to repair the damage that has been done,would be wholly beneficial since it would enhance the value in our eyesof our remaining native rare and pretty species. A large number ofour finer birds are annually shot by those who know that they are doinga great wrong--that if their transgression is not punishable by law itis really not less grave than that of the person who maliciously barks ashade tree in a park or public garden--but who excuse their action bysaying that such birds must eventually get shot, and that those whofirst see them might as well have the benefit. The presence of even asmall number of exotic species in our woods and groves would no doubtgive rise to a much better condition of things; it would attract publicattention to the subject; for the birds that delight us with theirbeauty and melody should be for the public, and not for the fewbarbarians engaged in exterminating them; and the "collector" would findit best to abandon his evil practices when it once began to be generallyasked, if we can spare the rare, lovely birds brought hither at greatexpense from China or Patagonia, can we not also spare our ownkingfisher, and the golden oriole, and the hoopoe, that comes to usannually from Africa to breed, but is not permitted to breed, and manyother equally pretty and interesting species?