BIRDS IN CORNISH VILLAGE 299 



ing occasionally in South Devon to a howl, of 

 human trout-fishers. It is a traditional feeling 

 coming down from the far past in England — 

 from the time of William the Conqueror to that 

 of William of Orange and the decay of falconry. 

 That a species without any sentiment to favour 

 it and without special protection by law may in- 

 crease is to be seen in the case of the starling. 

 This increase has come about automatically after 

 we had destroyed the starling's natural enemies 

 and then ceased to persecute it ourselves. Of all 

 birds it was the most preyed on by certain rap- 

 torial species, especially by the sparrowhawk, 

 which is now becoming so rare, assisted by the 

 hobby (rarer still) and the merlin. It was more 

 exposed than other birds to these enemies owing 

 to its gregarious and feeding habits in grasslands 

 and the open country, also to its slower flight. 

 The greatest drain on the species, came, however, 

 from man. The starling was a favourite bird for 

 shooting-matches up till about thirty years ago, 

 and was taken annually in large numbers by the 

 bird-catchers for the purpose. It is probable that 

 this use of the bird for sport caused people to 

 eat it, and so common did the habit become that 



