AUGUST. 229 



29th. Still very cold and dull, but the sun has been trying to 

 break through all day. Swallows and Martins gathering together in 

 little companies. 



30th. Dull, but not nearly so cold. Robin singing. Rooks 

 passing over my house to their feeding grounds, cawing loudly as 

 they went. 



With further reference to my recent notes as to the re- 

 introduction into England of the Great Bustard, it seems that the 

 project is due to "the public spirit of an English gentleman resident 

 abroad, whose love of Natural History has induced him to incur 

 considerable expense and trouble in the matter." So says that good 

 sportsman, Lord Walsingham, in a letter to the "Norfolk Chronicle," 

 asking for protection for the birds set at liberty. This, according to 

 his Lordship, is now un fait accompli. Norfolk is the county chosen 

 in which to turn them out, and let us hope that the pot-shot hunters 

 will give the birds a chance.* These sort of sportsmen (?) stop at 

 nothing, and the Duchess of Bedford has had several of her Storks 

 and Manchurian Cranes shot this year, as well as some Gannets 

 within a few hours of their liberation. It is sixty years ago since 

 the Bustard nested in this Country. 



31st. Unusually heavy dew early, but bright and warm later. 

 Robin singing, Bat flying round the garden just after 7 p.m. It is 

 quite dark by 7.30 p m. now. 



* Since this was written some of the Bustards have been shot, and fines 

 (not half heavy enough) inflicted upon the malicious individuals responsible for 

 such unscrupulous practices. We believe the birds still left are doing fairly well. 



