Denes were encroached upon, not seldom nested among the furze. I have seen exhausted birds in spring run down on the Denes, and in the town itself. Lubbock refers to similar occurrences, and of the attempts to leave our shores; but Mr. Southwell (2nd edit. 'Fauna of Norfolk,' p. 71) thinks this rather "indicative of its wandering habits than of migratory instinct." Local, "French Partridge."
Coturnix communis. Quail.—N.C. "Not uncommon" (Paget). Lubbock noted a decrease in numbers in his time. In this district it is now seldom seen or shot. A female example shot at Scratby, Sept. 13th, 1893. Two in the market, Nov. 18th, 1899.
Crex pratensis. Land-Rail.—C. Some captures in queer places made almost every autumn in the town. Of late years it appears to have been considerably on the increase. Several at one time sometimes hanging in the market.
Porzana maruetta. Spotted Crake.—N.C. "Not uncommon at Belton, &c." (Paget). May now occasionally nest on the Broads. Not so common as formerly. Several met with in September, 1881. Two hanging in the market, Dec. 13th, 1899.
P. parva. Little Crake.—R. Several recorded for district first half of the century. "Two were shot by Mr. Richers near Yarmouth, March, 1833.... One was preserved by Harvey, of Yarmouth, and sold for fifty shillings" (B. of N. vol. ii. p. 398). I have a pencil note of Harvey's on the margin of Messrs. Pagets' 'Sketch,' remarking, "Very rare, but has been met with."
P. bailloni. Baillon's Crake.—R. Two nests believed to be of this species found at Potter Heigham, June and July, 1866 (Nor. N. S.). Nest, same locality, June 9th, 1886.
Rallus aquaticus. Water-Rail.—C. This species is still fairly abundant with us. A number are shot in severe weather, and appear in the market. "In 1883 upwards of two hundred eggs were received by one dealer from Yarmouth, others being supplied as well—a traffic much to be regretted" (Howard Saunders, 'Manual,' 1st edit. 1889). I have seen many of its eggs brought to market.
Gallinula chloropus. Moor-hen.—C. Abundant on the Broads and marsh-lands.
(To be continued.)
