210 MR. T. SOUTHWELL ON THE WILD BIRDS PROTECTION ACT. 
The writer of these notes having been invited to attend the 
meeting of the County Council Committee, further to explain the 
views of our Society, but being prevented by illness from being 
present, addressed a letter to the Chairman, setting forth more fully 
the reasons which led them to advocate the measures embodied in 
the above report, and from which the following is extracted : — 
“ First as to areas. Admitting the principle of ‘ specified areas ’ to be 
adopted — the only one, I am convinced, which can be successfully carried 
out— personally, I should advocate the protecting the whole of the foreshore 
of the tidal coast from, say, Wolferton Creek to Gorleston North Pier, 
including the shingles, cliffs, sand hills, warrens, and salt marshes, between 
the sea and am - embankment or other artificial boundary separating the 
same from the cultivated land. This would have the advantage of simplifying 
boundaries, and render unnecessary the precise indication of the spots to 
which the birds resort for the purpose of nesting, which might be attended 
with prejudicial results, and with regard to which I have always considered 
it prudent to be very reticent. The inner marshes, such as those at Holme, 
Holkham, etc., not affected by the salt tides, are generally cared for by their 
owners or occupiers, or could if considered needful be made the subjects of 
special application as in the case of the ‘ Broad District,’ with regard to 
which a special memorial will be presented. By this plan the shore-breeding 
birds which stand in such sore need of protection would be effectually taken 
care of without hardship to anybody, or the interference with any private 
rights or vested interests, and the few small birds which would share in the 
protection are almost without exception insect feeders. 
“ As to the date on which the close time should commence, there will 
doubtless be difference of opinion. In order to protect Ducks and Snipe, 
this should be fixed rather early. I have known Ducks with eggs in the 
middle of March, and have heard of them late in February. Snipe pair 
very early, and may have eggs on 1st of April, but with both these species 
I think it much depends on the early or lateness of the season. The Great 
Crested Grebe sometimes has eggs as early as the first or second week in 
April. The shore-breeding birds, Terns, etc., do not lay as a rule much 
before the end of May. I think the 15tli April a good all-round date to 
commence the close time. 
“ Those interested would probably not object, by means of a small sub- 
scription, to employ a watcher for a few summer weeks, as is already done 
on the Wells Marshes, but if interest could be made with the Admiralty 
(or other proper authorities) to allow the Coastguard to watch the shore, 
it would be a most effectual help, and might be done without in any way 
interfering with their proper duties. It may bo mentioned, if a precedent 
be required, that the authorities (Trinity Brethren ?) gave permission to the 
various light keepers, afloat and on shore, to keep records and make reports 
to the Migration Committee of the British Association, which were found 
to be of great interest. 
