XVill lyTEODt'CTIOX. 



the estuary of the Tees ; this is rapidly disappearing. The 

 shores of the lower portion of the Tyne and " Jarrow Slake," 

 also extensive feeding grounds, have of late years ceased to exist 

 as such. Coquet Island, too, which was not long ago an exten- 

 sive breeding station of the Terns, is no longer a home of these 

 birds, three or f oiu' species of which bred there in great numbers. 

 These changes have affected, and are affecting, sensibly, the 

 character of our] local avifauna. The operations of man will in 

 the future affect it more and more, and will in like manner in- 

 fluence the distribution of the feathered tribes over the whole of 

 the United Kingdom. 



The Great Auk, at one time, visited our district : it is now, 

 through the agency of man, extinct. The Eagle, at no great 

 distance of time, inhabited the wilds of Cheviot where it bred : 

 it is now banished. The Peregrine Falcon has almost ceased to 

 breed in the district. The Buzzard and the Harriers no longer 

 nest here ; and the Haven now but rarely does so. All the birds 

 of prey, in fact, and some others, are fast disappearing ; and so far 

 as this is the result of man's exigencies it is not to be censured, 

 though it may be regretted. If the interests of man demand the 

 sacrifice, so be it. But much of this sacrifice is not so demanded : 

 it is made merely for the gratification of sportsmen and game- 

 keepers, a limited portion of the community. The wholesale 

 destruction of the rapacious animals, including some of the 

 noblest of the feathered races, by the game-preserver, is not only 

 much to be deplored, but is likewise gxeatly to be deprecated. 



This policy of the game-preserver is of questionable utility in 

 promoting the increase of game ; nor does it appear that much 

 has been achieved in this resj)ect, for, after some enquiry, I cannot 

 ascertain that cither Partridges or Grouse are more numerous 

 than they were some ycai^s ago when birds of prey were yet to 

 be seen on the wing. The fact is, that the rapacious birds never 

 can exist in any great numbers in any one locality ; they are not 

 wont to tolerate each other's society. The Peregrine and the 

 Harriers are the only species that prey to any exteiit upon game 

 birds; and thoy will not trouble tliom much if birds of slower 

 fliglit are within roach : it is only during the period wlicn the 



