ENGLISH BIRD-LIFE 413 



conditions so severe that only the fittest survive. The list of 

 birds which, as British, are extinct or nearly so, is a large 

 one and includes the Spoonbill, Avocet, Bustard, Kite, 

 Marsh Harrier, Osprey, Capercallie (re-introduced), Crane, 

 Chough and other species. 



Gannets on the Bass 



In every instance these birds have succumbed to civiliza- 

 tion in one or more of its aggressive forms, as it has de- 

 stroyed forests, drained marshes, killed for sport or collect- 

 ed for alleged scientific purposes. 



Other species, for example Hawks, Jays and Magpies, 

 supposed to be harmful to game-birds or their eggs, have 

 greatly decreased or disappeared before the constant per- 

 secution of the game keeper. I saw but four Hawks, three 



