Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1876 edition. Excerpt: ... I have seen these birds particularly numerous during some winters in the grass marshes in the east of Norfolk. In this locality, the ditches being sufficiently wide to be navigable by a small punt, first-rate sport may occasionally be obtained at them. When the weather remains open and the supply of food is plentiful, they attain a great weight; a dozen I bagged one day in Norfolk averaging over 91bs. each, the heaviest j ast turning the scale at 9lbs. The specimens in the case were shot in the Hickling Marshes, in the east of Norfolk, in January, 1872. WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. Case 82. Like the preceding species, this handsome bird is only a winter visitor to the British Islands. Twenty years ago I have seen hundreds in a day in Pevensey Level, but at the present time a winter often passes without a single bird being obtained in that quarter. It associates with the "Bean " and other species of Wild Geese. The specimen in the case was shot on the Holmes Marshes, in the east of Norfolk, in January, 1872. FRENCH PARTRIDGE. Case 83. This fine, handsome bird is by no means a favourite with the generality of sportsmen. Its well-known shyness and constant habit of trusting to its legs rather than its wings as a means of escape from danger, causing its rapid increase in some counties to be regarded as anything but acceptable. In the early spring, numbers are frequently picked up drowned in the broads in Norfolk and Suffolk: this is regarded by some of the natives as a proof that fresh arrivals take place at that season; but I myself, having often noticed their quarrelsome disposition, believe that while flying in pursuit of one another over the water, they become confused, and falling, are unable to regain the shore. Part of the specimens in the...
