Vol. xxxviil. 80 
had been counted. Since 1915-1916 no food could be given, 
so the Mallard had rapidly decreased to about the numbers 
of the 1883-1895 period; but while the Pochards had 
considerably diminished in numbers, the Tufted Duck had — 
much increased. In the present year, 1918, three pairs 
of Shovellers had hatched out broods, a number which 
had not varied for some years. 
Mr. H. M. Wa tuts brought forward the following pro- 
posal for a limited and carefully guarded scheme of 
Acclimatization :— 
During the last century the list of British birds has 
been steadily growing. Systematic watching at Spurn, 
Cley, certain coast islands, and Romney Marsh have brought 
the assurance that there are possibly fifty species of birds 
which occasionally touch us on migration, and a dozen or 
more which habitually do so in certain weathers. Which 
is interesting, but affords small comfort to the bulk of 
working ornithologists, who cannot afford to put in a week 
on the Norfolk coast on the chance of spotting a Barred 
Warbler, a Blue-Throat, or Shore Lark. . 
We are willing to take the words of the fortunate 
observers who get down to Dungeness for a week-end 
and return with accounts of Surf-Scoter and Cream- 
coloured Courser. When we get there these birds are sure 
to have moved on. We should prefer that they stayed. 
For the List of British Birds is wholly increased by visitors. 
Our residents get few, or no additions, saving the doubt- 
fully welcome Little Owl. Indeed they tend to diminish. 
My proposal amounts to this, that the B.O.C. should 
appoint a committee to consider the feasilibity of imtro- 
ducing a few birds to these Islands as permanent resident, 
breeding species. 
IT am not ambitious. The introduction of a new migrant 
would be a very difficult business. If it were a European 
species its introduced members would in all likelihood 
attach themselves to their relatives in their winter quarters, 
and come no farther north than the main body of the clan. 
