366 ON BIED-NETS. 



Godwits, Woodcocks, Knots, Dunlins, Oystercatchers, Storm-Petrels, Shell- 

 Ducks, Wild Ducks, Widgeons, and Teal, together with Black-headed, 

 Kittiwake, Common, Herring-, and Great Black-backed Gulls. 



'^The Pectoral Sandpiper described as netted by Hornigold, near Lynn, 

 was, I understand, taken in this manner. 



" At Holme, near Hunstanton, Mr. A. W. Partridge, of Thetford, has 

 been also successful with these long nets (some seven feet in depth, and 

 raised three feet from the ground), but has there ranged them on the seaward 

 side of the broad tidal basin, which I have before described as a favourite 

 resort of the shore-birds at low water. 



" A somewhat similar method is adopted at Morecambe Bay, as Mr. J. 

 H. Gurney informs me ; but the nets, of a like description, are set on the 

 sea-walls during dark nights." 



Sir John Lubbock mentions (' Prehistoric Times,' 3rd edit. 1872, p. 557) 

 that " the northern tribes visited by Kane caught large numbers of birds, 

 especially Little Auks, in small nets resembling landing-nets, with ivory 

 handles ; yet this people were entirely ignorant of fishing/' 



The Little Auk (Alca alle) does not appear in the above list of captured 

 species. 



In ' Rambles of a NaturaUst,' Mr. J. H. Gurney, Jun., has an article on 

 netting sea-birds on the Wash. He says Mr. F. J. Cresswell, of Lynn, has 

 carried this "to perfection;'' and I am much indebted to his kindness 

 in allowing me to have drawings of his nets, and to Mr. J. H. Gurney for 

 his good offices in obtaining permission. 



Before, however, describing the lithographs of the sketches, it may be 

 best to hear what Mr. J. H. Gurney, Jun., tells us. This was the result on 

 the 18th of December, 1862 :— 



