708 
BLAKENEY POINT IN 1913. 
Point colony in 1913. Investigation proved that the trouble 
arose from nutritive causes, and it is attributed, as in our own 
case, to deficiency in food supplies. 
Liability to vicissitude is inherent in bird colonies ; three 
years ago there was a large mortality among the young birds 
as a result of flooding of the breeding grounds by spring tides 
of abnormal height for the time of year, whilst on other occa- 
sions vermin and unseasonable weather have taken their toll. 
The number of visitors who come to inspect the breeding 
grounds is fully maintained; but should the numbers increase 
no doubt the Committee will have to find some plan by which 
the legitimate curiosity of naturalists and bird lovers may be 
gratified without sacrificing the birds. If visitors will tread 
carefully and not loiter when they have seen the grounds they 
will much assist the Watcher in the discharge of his duties. 
In addition to the Common and Little Terns and Ringed 
Plover, two pairs of Oyster-catchers nested on the Point in 
1913. One of the nests contained six eggs; it was unfor- 
tunately deserted. 
The Committee are indebted to the courtesy of the Postmaster- 
General for the marking with corks of the telephone wire from 
Cley to the Lifeboat House on the Point, thus rendering it 
more conspicuous to the birds. 
Shooting. 
In regulating this the Committee had to deal with an area 
over which there had been shooting of autumn migrants and 
edible birds from time immemorial. They have given the 
matter their serious consideration, and have had the advantage 
of hearing all shades of opinion from bird men. Whatever the 
inclination of the Committee, they had to bear in mind the un- 
wisdom of advancing further than public opinion in the locality 
would be prepared to go with them. Under these circumstances, 
shooting from September to the end of February has been 
allowed to applicants under permits of which a copy is here 
appended : — 
