18 
should disap2>ear from their breeding haunts, in spite of the efforts 
of landed proprietors anxious to preserve them. Can we wonder 
if the Bittern’s nest is robbed, when we consider the sum which a 
recently laid Norfolk example of its egg would command, as com- 
pared with foreign specimens. 
To avert opposition, the present bill has been drawn in strict 
accordance with the Sea Birds Protection Act, and hence no clause 
is inserted Avith respect to egging. From past and present ex- 
perience, however, in this county, I can but regard the system 
before alluded to, of indiscriminate egging, as one of the main 
causes of the extinction of certain species. The robbery of marsh 
birds’ eggs is no idle pastime of boys, but pursued by those well 
acquainted Avith their market value, and the readiest means of 
disposing of them. It is true, as Mr. Lubbock has stated, in his 
“ Fauna of Norfolk,” that “ the desire to enclose all available 
land,” — originating from the extravagant prices caused by con- 
tinued Avar, at the close of the last century, “ struck the first 
bloAV at the feathered inhabitants of the waste ; ” but these changes 
Avere neither so sudden nor so extreme as to account altogether for 
the loss of two or three resident species. The Black-tailed Godwit. 
the Black Tern, and the Avocet, Avhich have all ceased to breed in 
Norfolk within the last fifty or sixty years, Avere extmct before 
drainage had materially altered the physical aspect of their haunts, 
and may thus be said to have vanished through preventible causes. 
What those causes Avere is, I think, but too plainly evidenced by 
local records. On the authority of Messrs. Paget, we knoAv that 
early in the present century, from the neighbourhood of Yarmouth, 
alone, betAveen six and seven hundred eggs, per Aveek, Avere sent 
on an average to the London market throughout the season ; and 
that these were not Lapwings’ eggs only, Ave have the testimony 
of Mr. Lubbock, Avho says “ in those days various Avere the eggs 
that Avent to fill a basket. The Eedshank, the lleevo, and various 
Terns were all put under contribution, their eggs, altliough smaller, 
being ccpial in point of liavour ; and lean inclined to lay 
(i/jain and more impaiient of the theft tlian the Lapwing, this 
sy.stem of robbery did them much more harm.” Avocct’s eggs at 
