Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 4 (1900).djvu/182

154 which, in his father's time, "was a swamp whereon many thousands of Black-headed Gulls nested every summer; the marshes at that time swarming with Bitterns, Grebes, Ruffs, and Avocets."

No true naturalist can look upon these gradual but inevitable alterations and changes without experiencing feelings of profound regret; but, as the needs and gratifications of the many are ever superior to the sentiments and delights of the few, the naturalist must be content to accept the inevitable.

As, roughly speaking, a ten-mile radius has been kept to in covering the area of the Yarmouth district, Horsey comes within the northern boundary. But what may be said of the changes apparent there may well apply all round: the marsh-lands support herds of cattle where once the waterfowl dotted the swamp, dwelling-houses have supplanted furze-bushes, and visitors, other than avine, monopolize the sands. There is, however, no branch of natural history which can still be pursued to such advantage around Yarmouth as ornithology. It formerly was, and still is, without a doubt, one of the richest districts in England for birds