324 MISCELLANEOUS NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS 
to be effectually disposed of as early as possible ; this was 
successfully done here as to the former, but the Stoats were 
very troublesome. The watcher contributes some interesting 
notes as to the dates of arrival and nesting habits of the 
various species. 
Wells. — Here the nesting ground is very extensive, and 
in some parts subject to flooding during exceptionally high 
tides. The Earl of Leicester is the principal proprietor, and 
the good work has been successfully carried out at an even 
less expenditure than at Blakeney. The Hon. Secretary, 
Mr. C. A. Hamond of Twyford Hall, having only about £ 8 at 
his disposal, earnestly asks for further help. Rats have for 
some years been very troublesome in this locality, but they 
were attacked early in the season, and in the absence of 
gales and floods, more Terns of both kinds, Dotterels, Red- 
shanks, and Sheld-ducks were hatched off than in any 
previous season, and nothing tended to check the natural 
increase of the various species. 
Breydon Wild-birds Protection Society.— Here the 
work of the Society is devoted mainly to maintaining a 
watcher, who inhabits a house-boat on the Broad during the 
close time, and his duty is to warn off prowling gunners 
seeking the destruction of the rare species which annually 
make this celebrated locality a resting place on their periodic 
migrations. The Hon. Secretary, Mr. H. P. Frederick of 
Great Yarmouth, presents a very favourable report to his 
subscribers, and the excellent results of the Society’s 
operations may be judged from the fact that the usual spring 
“ trips ” of land Dotterels, Whimbrels, two Black-winged 
Stilts, Spoonbills and Avocets, with many other less rare 
birds, have passed on their way unmolested, and the watcher 
has made notes of all the more noteworthy migrants. 
The benefits conferred by these inadequately supported 
Societies can hardly be too highly estimated ; so far as Norfolk 
is concerned the supply of material for the hateful plume 
trade is effectually cut off, at least, during the breeding 
season when the birds are most easily obtained ; and it is to 
