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' ſº º „§§§§§§ ∞ √≠√∞∞∞∞ ººº， e '. ， s. ∞· ！ º， ， ， ， ， ， ） ·| *.：• •…º .|-8 ∞-º ，ſae， ， ， ！ * . :：e）.■·.….* … . . ºſſ （laerlºor， wea ，i,º, …-…，n，trae;sraeſ sky，**§§:ſſ.pºſ：4$，?，！?;： $:$įº • • * * … ø ± ----* * ·~，- . R.ſq-3ºf： .* ; 㺠º ::::::::::: *i-- ... º.º.º.º.º.º.º.º.º.º. . ~~...”...” * * º - : ; # *** É ſae： ---- …！！! | ， ، ، ، ، || V || || 0：1 || || , ، || || NOTES O R J O TT IN GS ABOUT AL DE BURGH, S U F F O L K. RELATING TO MATTERS HISTORICAL, ANTIQUARIAN, ORNIT HOLOGICAL AND ENTOMOLOGICAL, BY NICHOLAS FENWICK HELE, SURGEO W. LONDON : J O H N R U S S E L L S M IT H, 36, SOHO SQUARE. I870. 4. gº. A- Ó 9 (...) *:::) H A £º & *; %2. § A f LONDON : S. AND J. BRAWN, PRINTERS, 13, PRINCES STREET, LIITTLE QUEEN STREET, HOLBORN, W.C. TO THE RIGHT HONOLRABLE LORD HATHERLEY, LORD HIGH CHANCELLOR OF GREAT BRITAIN, THIS VOLUME IS BY PERMISSION MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY HIS MOST OBEDIENT AND OBLIGED SERVANT, NICHOLAS FENWICK HELE, Quid prius dicam solitis Parentis Laudibus ? qui res hominum ac Deorum Qui mare ac terras variisque mundum Temperat horis. Horace, Lib. iii., Car. XX. Ille terrarum mihi præter omnes Angulus ridet. A7orace, Lib. ix,, Car. iii. CONTENTS, PAGE. CHAPTER I.--THE BOROUGH º - g º * º ... I CHAPTER II.--THE RIVER . & e g e g . 7 CHAPTER III.--THE FEN OR MERE . g e o . IO CHAPTER IV.--THE GEOLOGY OF THE DISTRICT . - . I5 CHAPTER V-THE ANTIQUITIES OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD 33 CHAPTER VI.--THE TOWN HALL. . . * & & . 36 CHAPTER VII.-ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES . . . . 68 CHAPTER VIII.-WILD FOWL . º tº g & . I 34. CHAPTER IX. —NOTES OF OCCASIONAL ANIMALS AND FISH 180 CHAPTER X.-ENTOMOLOGICAL NOTES . * e . 183 INDEX . ſº * & º tº tº gº gº . I91 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE CHURCH & e g & ſº . Frontispiece SAXON URNS AND GOLD RING . # º • 25 ANCIENT BOAT . g º & * º . 26 ANCIENT GRAVE STONE & * º g • 34 TOWN HALL . . . . . . . . 36 PREFACE. In laying before my readers the following “ Notes or Jottings about Aldeburgh,” I am aware how defi- cient they are in many particulars; but humbly following in the footsteps of those who, in other places, are, and have been desirous of recording matters and facts appertaining to their several locali- ties, I have from time to time “noted down” any circumstance or incident in this neighbourhood, which has seemed to me to be worth recording—well knowing that in the present era—natural as well as antiquarian research, has become a matter of Science, and is no longer treated with contempt, as formerly:- § “And toys like these fill many a British mind, Although their hearts are found of firmer kind.” And why should not each of us, in our voyage through life, endeavour, however humbly, to glean some materials from facts seen around us. These may be profitable to others, to ourselves undoubtedly so; and after the “heat and burden of the day,” it has been a matter of much pleasure to me to busy myself with “my birds,” or record in my note book any event ii AREAEA CE. or events that have transpired, Could I be assured that the pleasure or profit resulting to others from the perusal of these “notes” could half equal mine in jotting them down, I should be amply rewarded for any trouble taken. - A word or two as to research generally. The note- book should always be indispensable; and memory, however cultivated, never relied upon. It has been well observed, “That jade memory is oftentimes worse than a lead pencil.” If we trust to the pic- ture that objects draw of themselves on our minds, we deceive ourselves; without accurate and particular observation it is but ill drawn at first, the outlines are soon blurred, the colours every day grow fainter, and at last, when we would produce it to anybody we are forced to supply its defects with a few strokes of our own imagination. - N. FENWICK HELE. Aldeburgh, Suffolk, NOTES O R J O TT IN GS ABOUT ALDEBURGH. CHAPTER I. THE BOROUGH. “Describe the borough"—though our idle tribe May love description, can we so describe, That you shall fairly streets and buildings trace And all that gives distinction to a place This cannot be ; yet moved by your request A part, I paint—Let Fancy form the rest. CRABBE. LDEBURGH, as a place of resort for the natu- A ralist, may be fairly classed as one of the most attractive localities in the east of England. I doubt whether it would be possible to find a more congenial neighbourhood, for the many species of birds which visit us. A fine unbroken expanse of ocean directly facing the town, and stretchingfaraway, north and south; the river Alde to the westward, running the greater part B 2 MOTES A BOUT A/L/DEAE URGH. of its Course parallel with the sea, and only separated from it by a more or less wide tract of shingly beach, and marsh ; to the north, towards Thorpe, a continuous mere, at the back of the beach ; these form such a Combination of Sea, river, and mere, as is rarely to be met with elsewhere. The country too immediately in the vicinity of the town is so peculiar and original, as to deserve a passing remark, being in great part waste or common, or rather sheepwalk, this land is strictly preserved and here is abundant cover for game of all kinds. These sheepwalks are covered with a fine carpet of grass, thickly interspersed with furze and the ordinary brake fern, and form an admirable haunt for the Norfolk Plover, Peewit and Skylark, during the breeding season. Buzzards and Harriers, as also the Kestrel, are not unfrequently seen winging their flight overthese lands. Tree vegetation is very deficient in the immediate locality of Aldeburgh, and the hedges and fences are very bare of foliage. These latter are made up of the soil set with twigs of blackthorn, and in process of time they become covered with coarse grass and brambles. The Hawthorn does not flourish, but soon becomes stunted, and covered with yellow lichen. The Blackthorn on the contrary grows well, as also do the Lilac, Privet, Sycamore, and Chestnut. Firsthrive well, being adapted to the peculiar light Sandy Soil which abounds in the neighbourhood, and are quite able to cope with the east winds, bearing the briny element from the sea. Of late years many young trees have 7TP/E FOROUGH. 3. been planted about the lands to the west of the town, these grow rapidly, and luxuriantly, being pro- tected from the easterly winds, and the ground itself being of richer quality. It is singular that all trees, excepting the firs, when placed in exposed situations, invariably extend towards the west, and in some instances where these have acquired a large size, have become “listed ” in that direction. The cause seems to be somewhat as follows, when the expansion of the buds and leaves takes place in the spring, the easterly winds which prevail more especially at that season, so affect them on that aspect as to either stunt or entirely destroy them, whilst towards the westward but little damage is done. That this depends in part upon the Salt contained in the air, being deposited upon the tender buds and after- wards acted upon by the Sun, as well as the force of the wind itself, is evident, as easterly winds accom- panied with rain, are not nearly so injurious. The grand result however is that whilst the leaves and shoots towards the west are rapidly extending them- selves, those on the easterly aspect require to be reformed, a process which Occupies the greater part of the ensuing summer ; and at last the unequal weight which ultimately results after a Series of years, bends the tree towards the west. The soil seems to be favourable to the growth of the mulberry, the few in the neighbourhood being very strong and bearing luxuriantly. It appears to be a 4. AVOTES A BOOT A/L/D/E/3 UAEGA/. tree deserving greater cultivation, being late to leaf and the foliage remaining perfect until the middle of autumn. The evergreen oak thrives well, but is unfortunately of very slow growth. At Blackheath, near Friston, the residence of Mrs. Bagnold, are some extremely fine Araucarias, these are many years old, and I believe were the first examples of this species of tree introduced into England. The soil of the neigh- bourhood is generally sandy, with here and there a Section of clay. In many places this sand is reduced to the finest possible particles, and in high positions, it is not unusual for crops of turnips to be sadly shortened, by the action of the wind upon the land, carrying it and the seed away directly after the latter has been planted. The yield of barley and wheat on the light lands is often much better than could be anticipated, being in the case of barley, as much as seven coombs to the acre ; whilst wheat averages about nine. A somewhat strange method of manuring apper- tainstothis neighbourhood, which experience has taught the farmer to be most beneficial. The manure is spread over the layer for wheat, some length of time before it is ploughed into the ground. It is probable the dews at night return a great portion of the ammonia which has been set free by the action of the sun during the day, by taking it into Solution. At Thorpe are many sandhills called “pentlands,” these I am informed many years since were continually varying in shape, and even entirely shifting from spot TA/F POROUGH. 5 to spot, through the action of the wind; until fixed in their present positions by a coarse grass called the “arundo arenaria.” In many places as at Hazlewood, and Snape commons, boulders of white sandstone are to be found just underneath the surface, some of these are of very large size and much rubbed and lined. The quality of water which supplies Aldeburgh varies considerably, being generally brackish on the level, from infiltration of seawater through the shingle, but very good water is derived from the hill to the west of the town. It is unfortunate that the system of dead wells for drainage purposes should so uni- versally prevail, in many instances leading to con- tamination of the drinking water. It is a remarkable fact that in the town lands upon their most level aspect, which is below the river at high tide, there are several springs of excellent water, which no doubt, as the town increases in size, will become the principalsource of supply. Thesebrooksorsprings never become entirely frozen over, even in the coldest weather. In the vicinity of the Lighthouses are two artesian wells, the water from which is good ; but used mostly for sheep. The level from which this water is derived is considerably below that of the river or sea, and probably the water flows from the Orford side, passing peneath the bed of the river. There are likewise several wells of drinking water in the same locality, which appear to result from rain source, the water being retained by a hard “pan” or crust of mud. 6 AVO 7'ES A BOUT A/L/D/E/3 UAEGA/. In the event of a high tide, resulting from a shift of the wind to the north west, after having previously for Some days blown from the South, it is not unusual for the Sea to beat Over the greater part of the Craig path. This is especially the case near Slaughden where the beach is very contracted. The roadway to the west, running from the latter place to Aldeburgh having a porous foundation of shingle, the Sea water is often forced through it from the pressure of the waves, and rises in the form of small fountains Some inches high. I am informed, Some years ago, these inundations were not only more frequent than they are now, but much more serious, and many a time boats were employed to carry people out of the houses in the back street. It is evident that the shingle has been gradually accumulating alongshore, and Our greater comparative exemption, at the present time depends rather upon this local cause than any perceptible rising of the land itself. Past experience has however taught a useful lesson, and most houses facing the Sea are provided with Sundry spare “shutters,” or doors, with slides into which these are fixed, as “means” to prevent the “way,” in the event of a threatened high tide. TA/E RAE VER. 7 CHAPTER II. THE RIVER, With ceaseless motion comes and goes the tide, Flowing it fills the channel vast and wide; Then back to sea with strong majestic sweep, It rolls, in ebb yet terrible and deep ; Here samphire banks and saltwort bound the flood, There stakes and seaweeds withering in the mud. CRABBE. TT HE river Alde has its origin at Framlingham, T and gradually enlarges after passing Snape. It is exceedingly tortuous at Iken, the bed being very narrow, and the width of mud very great, thus rendering navigation extremely difficult. It requires an expe- rienced hand to weather “Cape Troublesome,” leaving “Abraham's bosom” out of the question. After passing Slaughden, the river runs almost parallel with the sea, into which it empties itself about ten miles to the south- ward. The distance between the river and the sea is very slight both at Slaughden and the Martello tower; indeed it is probable that a communication at some time existed between them near the latter locality. The river itself is admirably adapted for wild fowl, situated as it is numbers of these birds when passing along- shore in bad weather are attracted to it, when they are 8 NOTES ABOUT ALDEBURGH. unable to rest upon the angry sea. I have frequently seen, in years bygone, a whole “reach " teeming with multitudes of geese, wigeon, and ducks. There are however especial localities for these birds, particularly in the upper part of the river between Slaughden and Snape; but for the reason before stated, its difficult navigation, very few wild-fowl shooters frequent this part of the river. They are however amply rewarded, as they are not subject to the interference that results below Slaughden, from the number of gunners. Along- side the river in many places are waste tracts of marshy land called “saltings,” these are often frequented by large numbers of Snipe and wildfowl. Here too the young Peewits, congregate in great numbers, previous to their partial migrations, and the common Pigeon during Summer, in hot weather, resorts to these localities for water. The corporation land is situated to the west of the town, between it and the river—separated from that of William Long, Esq., by a wide ditch running north and south. At its upper part it describes a gentle slope towards the river, and is the highest ground in the vicinity. It presents an extremely beautiful view of the river on looking towards Snape, and of Orford to the south. The whole of this part has been en- closed for building purposes, and is laid out with trees. These, in a few years, will greatly improve the appearance of the neighbourhood, Supplying to a certain extent, that great desideratum “foliage.” THE RIVER, 9 This land, will, no doubt, ultimately be built over ; possessing, as it does, so many advantages Over any other in the locality. Alongside the river wall, on the land side, are large beds of reeds, which are collected for thatching pur- poses. Here the water hens abound in great numbers, and are quite “at home,” the cover being so thick, that it is almost impossible to get even a distant view of them. A few ducks, too, generally manage to rear their broods in safety here. A rush, very abundant about the fen and meres, is used for “litter,” and a few people at Aldringham collect and prepare them for rushlight wicks. Coarse door mats are made at Thorpe and elsewhere, of the blades and stems of the Common arundo arenaria. I O AWOTES A BOUT A/L/DA. BURGAſ. CHAPTER III. THE FEN OR MERE. “Here a grave Flora scarcely deigns to bloom, Nor wears a rosy blush nor sheds perfume: The few dull flowers that o'er the place are spread Partake the nature of their fenny bed ; Here on its wiry stem in rigid bloom, Grows the salt lavender that lacks perfume ; Here the dwarf sallows creep, the septfoil harsh, And the soft slimy mallow of the marsh ; Low on the ear the distant billows sound, And just in view appears their stony bound ; No hedge, nor tree, conceals the glowing Sun, Birds, save a wat'ry tribe, the district shun, Nor chirp among the reeds where bitter waters run.” CRABBE. HE mere extends from the north field to Thorpe, T and is bounded by the railway embankment to the west. It consists of an area of about one thou- sand acres, and is divided into two parts by a wall runningeast and west. It is necessary to say that a wall here is understood to be an embankment of earth or clay, and not necessarily a brick and mortar affair. I was sadly puzzled some years ago, in regard to this matter. Having lost my way, a Countryman directed me to a certain gateway, where I should find a wall, 7THE FEAW OR MAEA’A. II which would lead me to the place whither I was bound. I need hardly say, after wandering about for Some time, expecting to find a real bona fide brick structure, I have ever since thoroughly understood the Suffolk for “wall.” The first mere is very imper fectly drained by a system of ditches, which carry the water through a sluice placed in the above-mentioned wall, into the second mere. This is likewise ditched in several places and directions, and the excess of water is ultimately discharged by the river into the Sea, through the Haven. The mouth of the Haven is frequently blocked by a mass of shingle thrown up by the Sea, especially when the wind blows from the south and east. Often- times, previously to the actual shutting of the Haven, a quantity of water is forced through its mouth into the mere, by the heavy seas, and hence the “waters prevail.” In the meanwhile the rainfall from the higher lands drains into the first mere, and the action of the sluice being interrupted through equality of level on either side of the wall, this portion likewise becomes submerged. The first mere consists of a mass of mud, covered in Some places with rushes and coarse grass; but nearer the railway to the westward, it is good pasture land. The Second, or further mere, presents a vast waste of mud, with a broken margin of projecting surface, covered with coarse grass and rushes. As a bed for the cultivation of oysters, it appears admirably {2 NOTES ABOUT ALDEBURGH. adapted, supposing of course, some means were em- ployed for keeping it tidal. I imagine such a plan as was suggested Some years since, would be found both effective and economical—namely, a tube of iron, furnished with simple traps deeply imbedded into the shingle, extending from the Haven's mouth into the Sea, below low water mark. Cockles were some time since very abundant here, and it was always a matter of surprise to me, they were not “raked ” and eaten as on the South coast. The advent of a very dry season destroyed them all, the Haven being closed at the time. The greatest drawback to these localities generally, for shooting purposes, is the Small amount of cover they afford. The wall, however, answers well, as do also Some Small remains of others, no doubt the ancient boundary marks between the manorial lands and those which at that time belonged to the Corporation. That no detriment to the town, in point of malaria, results from these marshy lands, prac- tical experience has long demonstrated ; and, I cannot help thinking this is due to a constant interchange of their waters with that of the sea, by drainage through the beach, the two being separated by a very short interval. The three spined stickleback, in company with myriads of small prawns, abound in the first and second meres. These latter appears to be the young of the ring-horned Pandalus annulicornis, or red shrimp of the fisherman. The first mere would be greatly improved for wild-fowl shoot- 7THAE ATA Aw OAC A/A2A&AE. I 3 ing, if planted with some hardy species of osier or sallow. The Fen is a continuation of the mere, and runs to the westward near Thorpe. It is apparently a lacustrine deposit, probably a portion of the an- cient bed of a river, which rising near Coldfair- Green, passed through Aldringham, and emptied itself into the sea at the Haven, near Thorpe. The stream itself is now very narrow, and is the boundary line between the Hundred of Blything and Plomesgate. It is probable that this may have been the original river “Alde,” taking its name from the Anglo-Saxon village, Aldringham, through which it passed. The Fen is excessively “shakey,” in its foundation, and it is necessary to look well before you leap in walking over it ; or, otherwise, one is likely to plunge to an unknown depth into the most noisome black mud imaginable. It is composed of a crust of turf and rushes, resting upon a bog of peaty soil and water. Both the jack and common snipe abound here at particular seasons; and, the Cover being good, they afford capital sport. I have known many a good bag made here; and of a frosty morning, a walk over this fen, gun in hand, is about as enjoyable and profitable a manner of spending that part of the day, as a sportsman can well desire. There is an immense tract of shingly beach and marsh near Slaughden, stretching to the Southward as far as the mouth of the harbour. The two lighthouses, I4. AWOTES A BOUT A/LDAEAE URGAſ. built upon the shingle, distant from each other about a mile, one or two Cottages, and a Coastguard Station, are the only habitations to be seen for miles. The whole of this locality being remarkably flat, renders it one of the most desolate looking regions possible. From the great number of ditches and ponds, it appears to be a likely place of resort for wildfowl, especially as it is so little disturbed, but such is not the case according to my experience. The shingle is a good nesting place for the sea swallow or tern, whilst the marshes pro- duce abundance of mushrooms, and I can say but little more in its favour. However, rare birds do occasionally put in here, as for instance, an Avocet which was killed some years ago by a friend. Some of the marsh Hawks are generally to be seen, but only occasionally shot, there being no means of conceal- ment. THE GAE O/LOGY OF THE ZO/S 7TP/CT. I 5 CHAPTER IV. THE GEOILOGY OF THE DISTRICT. A | "HE geological formations in the vicinity of Al- deburgh, the Craigs, are very complete and in- teresting. The three series, Norwich, red, and coral- line, are all to be found in the immediate neighbour- hood. The coralline appears near Cole's farm, where there is an extensive “working,” the material being used mostly for garden walks and causeways. This again crops out on the margin or bank of the river near Blackheath, considerably to the westward. The red Crag is very abundant about Sudborne, and is composed of an immense mass of Comminuted shell, coloured by the oxide of iron. A fine mammalian section is exposed on Thorpe common, near the rifle butts. There are many also at Orford, Chilsford, and Butley, from which large quantities of Coprolite are obtained. The craig formation extends to Seaboard, and, during a storm, quantities are often thrown ashore in the form of slabs. These are very solid, through the action of the Seawater washing away the more friable portions, and are used for building purposes. Besides these at different times, I have obtained many ex- tremely large vertebrae of mammals, together with a I6 AWOTES A BOU/7" A L/DEBUA’GA/. patella, skull, and enormous globular head, of a humerus ofsomemonster mammoth. All these are very decidedly coloured with Oxide of iron, and must have been derived from either the red or Norwich formation. The Craig is composed of an immense quantity of shell, both entire and disintegrated, and sand, more or less coloured. The Corals are very abundant in the oldest stratum, and mostly occupy the same posi- tion as when existing. Besides these, Echini, crab and lobster claws are not unfrequent. The Pectens and Sponges are very fine, the latter quite peculiar. But, perhaps, one of the most striking circumstances con- nected with the Coralline pit is its vast number of cylindrical tubes, or sand pipes. These run directly downwards through the formation, and present in the face of the excavation, a series of tubes whose walls are perfectly round and smooth. At first sight, they might easily be mistaken for grooves produced by tree growth ; but the extreme length of some would preclude the possibility of such having been the cause. In one instance, I am informed, a decayed trunk of a tree was actually removed from a sand-pipe, but that was possibly an accidental circumstance. Certain it is, that in every other case, after a most careful examination, I can only find a few rootlets and stems of recently existing plants. The material situated above the craig is, in some places, five or six feet in thickness, and composed of sand with Some clay, the latter immediately above the crag. A layer of shingle TAZA, GZOZOG Y - OA' , 7AHAE ZO/S 7TP/CT. 17 and flints runs along horizontally near the surface of the ground, and immediately above, and oftentimes in the clay before mentioned, are numerous small copro- lites, but these exist only in a small section of the pit. The contents of the tubes are invariably red clay, which has become hard and consistent from pressure above, and where the stratum of coprolites exists, they may be found amongst the clay of the tube, and it is easy to perceive where the horizontality of the layer has been disturbed and broken, by those which, otherwise, would have crossed the mouth of the tube, being forced with the clay into it. The same applies to the shingle and stones already mentioned. The walls of the sand-pipes are very soft, and when- ever shell does project, it is invariably very brittle. The surface of the craig is very irregular, and it is evident in one or two places that sand-pipes had only just commenced to be formed. Leading from the side of one, is a fine vein of chalky material whieh descends to the bottom of the exposed craig. As to the origin of these sand-pipes Sir Charles Lyell says, “We have now to consider in what manner these cylindrical hollows have been first formed—and then filled with gravel and sand. If no pipes but those of the smallest size had occurred, we might have imagined that the tap roots of large trees had first pierced the chalk, and then, after growing their full size and decaying, had left a vacant space into which loam and gravel fell. But when we reflect on the dimensions C 18 AVOTES A BOUT A/LOE BURGH. of some of these pipes, we at once perceive that more powerful causes must be appealed to.” “On considera- tion of all the facts above described, we can scarcely hesitate to admit the following conclusions. Ist. That the chalk has been removed by the corroding action of the water charged with acid, in which the siliceous nodules, being insoluble, were left in situ in the small pipes, after the calcareous matrix had been dissolved. 2nd. It is clear from the manner in which the large flints are dispersed through the contents of the widest sand-pipes, that the excavation and filling of the pipes were gradual and contemporaneous processes. For had the tubes, some of which are fifty to sixty feet deep, and seven yards or more wide, been hol- lowed out of the chalk before the introduction of any foreign body or matter from above, great heaps of unrounded flints must have fallen to the bottom, derived from all those intersected layers of flints which formed part of the chalk above. We have seen in the smaller pipes, where the flints are still in situ, that the sand and gravel have penetrated many feet, and often yards, below them, so that if these cavities had been further extended in width and depth, the large flints would have been loosened from the matrix and would have sunk down upon gravel and other matter already introduced, and which had reached a lower level. 3rd. As a corollary of the above proposition, we must hold that the strata of the Norwich craig had been already deposited upon the chalk before the THE GEO/LOGY OF THE DISTRICT. I9 excavation of the sand-pipes; and this is further confirmed by the manner in which layers of loose gravel of the pipes, and the dark sand with casts of shells have sunk into the pipes. - “Having, then, adopted these opinions, and rejected all sudden and violent agency, whether for the erosion or filling of the cavities, it only remains for us to enquire how water, charged with acid, may most naturally be conceived to have produced such hollows. If some of the largest pipes of which the bottom has not yet been reached, be prolonged indefinitely downwards and connected with deep fissures, we may suppose that springs charged with Carbonic acid, rose up at some period, through the chalk and Craig, whilst these were still submerged, as we know that in many parts of the bed of the Sea, such springs do break forth. In proportion as the chalk was corroded, the incumbent substances would subside into the hollows thus formed, and the water would freely percolate the matter thus intruding itself; dissolving any calcareous ingredients which may be associated with it, and still continuing to widen the tube by corroding its walls. But the hypothesis will not account for the tubular ending of these pipes. It is more probable that these pipes are due to rain-water, which, becoming impreg- nated with carbonic acid from the atmosphere and vegetable soil, has descended into pits or furrows which may have existed on the surface of the chalk. Such water, after dissolving a portion of the chalk, 2O AWOTES A BOUT A/L/DEBURGA". may readily have passed out of the cavities, which it gradually eroded, and penetrating downwards, might break out again in other places, in the form of springs charged with carbonate of lime, such as are commonly seen to issue from chalk. According to the theory above stated, we may attribute the larger size of the upper extremity of each sand-pipe to the longer time, during which the rain-water has there acted, as the corroding action proceeded from above downwards, and the percolation for ages of acidulous waters will account for the absence of shells, except casts in the contents of the tubes. In those cases where the tube penetrates the over-lying sands and gravel for a certain distance, and then ends abruptly, and is capped by perfectly undisturbed strata, which oc- casionally consists of chalk rubble, we have only to suppose that the upper portion of the deposit traversed by the tubes, has been cut away by denudation and other beds afterwards were superimposed. As to the sandy clay found at the bottom and round the exterior of the pipes, there can be little doubt that this is due to rain-water, which during its passage through the the gravel and loam, has become charged with fine particles of mud and iron, and has parted with these at the point where it was absorbed by the surrounding chalk. Assuming then, that the sand- pipes of Norfolk are due to atmospheric waters, it follows that chalk covered by craig had emerged from the sea before the formation of the pipes. How then THE GAE O/LOGY OF THE DISTR/CT. 2 f shall we explain those cases where chalk not covered: by gravel or Craig, is traversed by large and deep Sand-pipes, as at Heigham, &c. We may answer that aqueous denudation has removed large portions. of a deposit once overlying the chalk, and which supplied, in the manner already described, the con- tents of the sand-pipes.” - The number of species of shells to be obtained from each stratum of craig is exceeding numerous. The “Fusus contrarius,” more especially a shell of the red Craig, is very remarkable from the direction of its coils, these being opposite to the analagous class— the whelks of the present age. Recent specimens of the latter, have however, been occasionally found. A perfect specimen with this peculiar arrange- ment, was brought me in the spring of 1864. The red craig is, highly coloured with oxide, and at Sudborne pits, large quantities of iron in a tubular form containing sand, may be found near the surface of the ground. The Norwich formation abounds with small fish bones, coprolites and the utmost pro- fusion of shells. Antlers are occasionally to be found. The Scallaria Greenlandica is not uncommon, as also the Cyprina Islandica, and Myas. q : A great proportion of these shells are strictly of a northern type, but many are tropical; and they are in many instancSS very nearly associated together, a strong proof of the extreme variations that must have occurred, as to temperature in pre-historic ages; and 22. AWOTES A BOUT A/L/O AE/3 UA’GAZ. also the immense period of time that must have been occupied in the deposition of this stratum. Immediately overlying the craig is a layer of red or yellow sand, and above this, a section of micaceous clay, some fifteen to twenty feet in thickness. In this latter are a few casts of shells occasionally to be found, the most abundant form, being that of the cardium edule. The similar section at Chilsford in the neigh- bourhood of Orford is however much richer in species. In the yellow sands in a few localities, shells are tolerably numerous ; but almost invariably of a northern type. In the clay above mentioned at Chilsford, many vertebrae of a whale were discovered in sità, in March I868. The caudal extremity came first to view, and successive explorations led to the discovery of many more vertebrae gradually increasing in size. One of the bones of the tail in my possession is about four inches and a half in diameter, depth two inches and three quarters. A large vertebra was brought me, appa- rently one of the Lumbar series; it was considerably over a foot in its greatest diameter. I visited the Brickyard some days after, and was shown the locality in which the skeleton had been found. The Brickyard itself incloses an area of some acres, and has been dug out to a depth of about fifteen feet. In the face of the excavation the first bone came to view. This aspect is about south-west; consequently the skeleton runs in a direction north-east. A cavernous opening has been THE GEO/LOGY OF THE DISTRICT. 23 made into the clay; which most perfectly exposes one face of an entire vertebra. It measures about one foot across, and has the processes quite entire. It is imbedded in very heavy wet clay, and through some dip, the water has collected and completely softened the bony tissue, so that it is almost disintegrated, and falls to pieces in process of exhumation. The material immediately surrounding the skeleton contains many whitish flakes ; these may possibly be adipocere. The clay itself is of two distinct varieties; that near the surface very heavy, and this is succeeded by a shelly kind, containing many casts. In brick making these two are mixed together. The whole of the Section is - very rich in scales of mica, and rests upon the ordinary craig. (Some few weeks afterwards the entire skeleton was exhumed, and having been articulated, was placed in the Norwich Museum.) Near the eastern bank or wall, bounding the river, about three miles from Aldeburgh, near Hazlewood, is a remarkably shaped piece of land, higher than the surrounding marshes. It abuts upon the river, and into this spot, the wall, or boundary line is merged; the height of the land about equalling it. The ground is somewhat quadrilateral in shape, and extends to the eastward, towards the marshes. The face presented towards the river has from time to time been encroached upon by high tides ; and presents an abrupt surface, in which many oyster shells are 24. WOTES A BOUT A LDE BURGH. apparent; as also a dark greasy looking soil. The general appearance is decidedly artificial; and from the quantity of the above oyster shells, cockles and mussels, also bones, teeth, and tusks, especially of the pig ; as well as charcoal, and fragments of rough pottery, it is probable that this must have been originally, a Small Roman station. The situation it- self is remarkable, commanding a view of the greater part of the river north and south. It had been a matter of speculation for a long time as to what might be discovered in certain Anglo Saxon Tumuli, situated on a common near Snape, a small village five miles from Aldeburgh. The common is crossed in a direction east and west by the highroad leading to Wickham market. The tumuli form a line on either side of the said highway for some distance, and vary very greatly in size. It is evident however that none of these represent their original height, for the centre of each had been removed many years since ; the common itself has been lately enclosed. It consists of a light Sandy soil, peaty on the surface, from vegetable decay, with a base of yellow or red sand. The vegetation comprises, furze, ling, and grass. This land has been used as a sheepwalk for many years, and this no doubt has still further tended to the levelling of the tumuli. An opportunity occurred for some investigation, and our first day's operation consisted in digging a large Square cavity, ***, *, {{z 22,ſºft ) *::/ t ---. - * Anglo-Saxon Wase from Snape. THE GEOZOG Y OF 7"HE DISTR/C7. 25 Commencing at the apex of a mound, sixty to Seventy feet in diameter, and about four feet and a half in height, composed of a black sandy soil, and this excavation was carried downwards to a depth of about ten feet. With the exception of some flints of doubtful character, we discovered no Anglo-Saxon remains; and eventually ceased further explorations. for the day, being satisfied the soil we were then working had never before been disturbed, being red and yellow sand. On the next occasion we trenched the tumulus in a radiate manner, from the centre towards the circumference, and after much labour discovered an Urn imbedded in a ball of black greasy earth; which was held together and to the vase by a vast number of small rootlets. The “pot” was about three or four inches below the surface of the ground ; the latter in the immediate vicinity possessing the peculiar unctuous character before mentioned. By very careful manipulation with an ordinary pocket- knife, the vase was at last released from its earthy crust, and found to measure, height six and a half inches, extreme width eleven inches; but from its extremely mutilated condition it was impossible to arrive at an exact calculation of its original size. It contained a conglomerate of cremated bones, evidently human. We afterwards came upon a second example, just beneath the surface as in the former case; but this urn was much more perfect and more highly orna- mented ; the tracery consisting of a series of lines and 26 AWOTAES A BOUT A LIDAEASURGA". crosses. The surface had been glazed ; but this from time was rendered very brittle. Height six inches, breadth eight inches. A large vase subsequently came to view, extremely rough and rude in appearance, fifteen inches in height, breadth eleven and a half at the upper margin, and about six at the base, so that it gradually became enlarged from below upwards. This was found under precisely the same circumstances as the others, but turned upside down. It contained as in the other examples, human bone, the femur or thighbone and part of the pelvis being perfect. It is almost deficient of any ornament, except a few in- tersecting lines within four inches of the margin. As regards weapons, or other curiosities, up to this time, with the exception of a few flint flakes, and one iron Spearhead in Several fragments, nothing definite had been discovered, but in carrying the excavation of one of the tumuli somewhat deeper, a complete layer of pieces of iron, encased with wood became apparent, running east and west. When the whole surface had been exposed, the figure of a boat became evident, the woodwork admitting of only the faintest traces; but the bolts or rivets were laid in parallel rows. This boat was probably flat bottomed and clinker built. It was forty-eight feet in length, nine feet nine inches in width, and four feet in depth. “In each row of bolts, seven were included within a distance of three feet. The rows were six in number on each side, and four or five at the bottom of the boat. At the side the ---- :==: -ºaº-º-º: E: * *E: * ** ----------- ºwmºmº-º-º: **-*. g-º-º-º: arº- sº-sº-sº º-º-º-º-º-º-º- 5:= E====E se:::::=::FEEE::= E; *mºm :=====>====<=i-º-º: *sºmº-ºº-ººmº- ººm- E.----- #EEEE #====E==== :=E: * $22:#E - 6---> -- ==#E= º:=º-E=ck: E- ESE > c c :==::B;-tº- E==s- E. tº-ºº-º-; ºr--> EEEEEEEEEE - Cº-º-º-º-º-º: ºs-ºs------------- - :=ºs º:--> C-3 sº-º-º-º: *mºmºm. *- - º- £ºº-ºº: E-------ºº-ºº----------------- º :=#EE:#E: :=ºffl --- º-º-º: E. :-- *::::::::::::::::= <= --- ==# #=º º º %;### ==###2% % == ===#EE *: % É - #==º * % - == --- **-*. % % --> *~-r-º- --- *-*-*ss=–..… ~E=#EEE::===== #E=E ==-3-a as * * * * * * amº- •=-º-º-º-º- ** ::::: º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º: --------gº-ºº:::::= L3 --º-º: sº-rº. 8-3 - Eº-E. E. º - --º - • * =- ------------ sº -:- º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º-º: -º-º-º-º-º-º-º- - *-º tº: E::=#E:=EE ------º-º-º-º-º: :========E ==-a-A a ** * ºf * * . . 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" * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * it w w = e - a a e q tº ſº a , s = < * * * * * * * tº a ſº tº: tº te irº ==E== * * * * * * * * * * * * > . e. . sº gº ºn * * a e ‘. . & 4 * * * * & 4 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ~ * ~ * * * * * * * * * * * * * tº gº • - - - - - - - - - - - - - ... : :: . . . * tº dº * * * tf * * * * * * * * * * = a a s = e o e a • , , , s a a o e < * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * w g * * * * ſº tº º & • a • * *, e º . * = * * * * f is tº º gº & ºr & e sº * 8 ſº tº de s tº * * * * s s , , .* * * * * * * * a s - - - a - - , , , s = • , . . . a • * * * * * e - , a 2 * * * * ... • * * * . . ** •...}=== * * * * * * * * * * * * * * . . . . . . . e = . . . * * * * or a w a • * * ... • * * * gº º E * * * * . . * * * * * * * * * = . . . . .* s = * * * * * * * * * * ~ 0 ° e s a - e º “” a o o a • * a • *.*.*.* * * * * * * * * ~ * = ... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *. . . . . . e s > * * * e - a • * * * * • * * *.*.*e ea * & * * * * s tº ºr ºf _º_*::====E. * ar. * * * * * * * > . * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * - - - - - - w = * * * * - e o o "." ‘...". s. 2 ºf:= - W ºf 9 tº as sº a w tº go º gº sº - 5 ºr w w w v. . . . . . : : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - . . . . a c e 2–3 sº - Sº, gº w Longitudinal Section and Plan of the Boat found at Snape.—Scale 1 inch to 8 feet, A. Black and White Sand. B. Reddish Sand. C. Yellow Sand. Transverse section of boat. Scale, 1 inch to 8 feet. * A.A. Black and white sand. B. Reddish_sand. C. Yellow sand. TAZA, GAZOZOG Y OF THE DISTRICT. 27 rivets lay horizontally, at the bottom they rested vertically on the sand. All the rows terminated in two bolts lying parallel with each other, the one at the stem, the other at the stern.” Within the breadth of the boat near one end were found some auburn coloured hair, two pieces of cloth, each about one inch Square, a ring and Some pieces of light Orange coloured glass ; the latter once forming a tall vessel with pendant ornaments on the exterior. The ring is of gold, adapted for the thumb, with an oval stone of onyx, or niccolo of dark colour, bearing the impression of a youth with two ears of bearded corn in one hand, and a bowl in the other; and having a band or fillet of corn round the head. The exterior of the ring is ornamented with filagree gold of the kind known as late Roman. The remainder of the hoop is broad with a raised band in the centre. We afterwards collected together the whole mass of rivets, and amongst them found apparently some remains of weapons, especially in One instance, where a mass of iron much corroded has a central Space Containing Some fragments of wood ; this probably constituted some form of club or battleaxe. During our digging operations we frequently ob- served many dark marks in the Soil, running in a perpendicular direction and varying in width, from a few inches to feet. These appeared to be of the same character as the soil already described as surrounding the vases, namely, of a greasy consistency; but what 28 AVO 7/2.S. A/PO Ú7" A 7/D/E/3/7/2CA/. they indicated we were unable to ascertain, there being an entire absence of either bone or pottery. Shortly after the above investigation, the whole of this land was “double dug” in a direction east and west, by which means, the entire circumference of the base of each tumulus was thoroughly exposed. More than forty vases, the majority only fragmentary, were exhumed, but the singular fact elicited was, that the greatest number of burials, by far, had been made in the level between the two largest tumuli, much outside the extreme base of either, these being separated by a wide interval. Nor did there appear any probability of intervening small mounds having ever existed, the surface being rather depressed than otherwise through- out the whole space. I find no occurrence of such an instance in any other locality that has been investi- gated, and should, therefore suppose this case to be an exceptional one. No vases were discovered at a greater distance north and South than about ten yards, the majority being close to the south fence bounding the highroad. The Urns were, in every case, about one foot below the surface, and generally came to light when the first sod was removed. Many of these were com- pletely collapsed, and from examination of them, it is apparent that the process of cremation had been very incomplete, decomposition afterwards setting in, and giving rise to gases, which fractured them, by pressure from within, they afterwards assuming the THE GAEO ZOG V OA' 7"HE D/STR/C7. 29 appearance in which they were found, through the Superincumbent weight of the soil above. Some of the bones must have represented men of remarkable stature. I was especially struck with the singular size of a trochlear end of a humerus. We could discover no kind of arrangement in the deposition of the vases, they appeared sometimes when least expected, in Some cases few and far be- tween, in others, en masse. In the way of Curiosities, besides those already mentioned, were discovered two small pieces of bone armed with a serrated margin, having the remains of a rivet in the centre, portions of a convex plate of Copper, apparently part of a helmet, over the parietal Surface, an oblong Copper ring, the remains of a buckle, a small bone bead, and Several human teeth. It is possible that this land represents a portion of a burial ground used through several successive genera- tions, and more especially during the Anglo-Saxon era. This is rendered more probable, as from further investigation, we find that to most of the small villages in the neighbourhood, there are attached similar groups of tumuli. In one instance, Aldringham, the name itself would point to its Anglo-Saxon origin. In the immediate vicinity of Aldeburgh no such burial-ground exists, and this may possibly be ac- counted for from its very exposed position; rendering it a dangerous locality for a settlement of Saxons. 30 AVO 7TA'S A BOOT A/./D/EBOWA’GA/. When on my way through a village near Alde- burgh, called Coldfairgreen, I had often noticed on the highest portion of a common which bears that name, an elevation which, even in the distance, appeared artificial. Upon nearer inspection, the diagnosis proved correct, there were some remains of a large tumulus or barrow, together with eight smaller ones. They are situated as at Snape, in two rows, the direction being east and west. Some in- vestigations were made into these, and with the following results. It is necessary to say, as regards the common, the superficial soil is exactly as at Snape —a loose dark peaty sand, Covered with a close grass and furze. A few years ago the common brake fern flourished there in large quantities, but of late it has entirely died off, leaving the half decayed stems still visible in many places. There seems to be no known cause for this almost sudden extinction of the fern, but a fact presently to be mentioned, may, perhaps, have something to do with it. The common runs east and west, with a gradual decline northward, at the bottom of which runs a small stream parallel with it, towards Thorpe mere to the east, into which it finally empties itself. There are only a few flints scattered about the soil generally. It was impossible to determine the exact size of the tumulus, as it had been much dis- turbed on one aspect, the west, but had, apparently, equalled in size any on Snape Common. We carried a trench near the Centre, north and South, directly across, THE GEOIOGY OF THE DISTRICT. 31 and to the east of the alreadydisturbed portion, working towards the latter point. Within a few inches of the surface we came upon unmistakable marks of former fire, the soil was everywhere stratified into black layers, in some places the sand being burnt into hard black nodules. Flints now began to show themselves in immense numbers, some broken, but all thoroughly calcined, many crumbling to pieces under the pressure of the fingers. Amongst them we found large quan- tities of burnt wood, evidently pine. Immediately below these, the entire surface of the ground seemed to have become converted—I at first thought from fusion —into a porous, but very hard “pan” or sandstone, varying in depth from one inch and a half to two inches. A pick-axe was required to break through this layer. I have since been informed that this sand- stone is common to the whole of the soil thereabout, so that it must have existed in that condition before these barrows were formed. This became more apparent afterwards, for, in the course of our excavations we came upon several Soft places in this stratum, con- taining fragments of pottery, together with the cha- racteristic fibrillae of plants and the peculiar looking black soil. It is probable these holes were scooped out of the hard surface to accommodate the vases. The sandstone is possibly the result of a gradual geolo- gical change, and, it is likely, to this event may be assigned the cause of the decay of the fern, the roots of which, may have become compressed or otherwise 32 AWOTES A BOUT A/JDF BURGH. interfered with, Underneath the “pan" was the bright yellow sand in its original undisturbed con- dition. But one fragment of human bone was dis- covered, the lower extremity of the right tibia and fibula. After further digging, our trench was then about three feet and a half in depth, Suddenly, in spite of every care and precaution, Crash went a Spade, through the side only fortunately, of a small vase; height, rather over three inches—width, about the same. It contained sand only, and is much thicker than any we have hitherto found, is very rough, has no kind of tracery upon its surface, but bears distinct impressions of having been made by hand. It was thickly encrusted with hard black burnt Sand and charcoal, and rested upon a layer of flints immediately above the sand. stone being likewise covered by them. Subsequently we discovered another pot precisely similar to the above, as also one side of a larger One, of the same rude and rough appearance. Many of the flints were chipped, and two or three Small Stone hammers were found. ANTIQUITIES OF THE WEIGHBOURHOOD. 33 CHAPTER V. ANTIQUITIES OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD. \ BOUT two miles from Aldeburgh, between the \ Saxmundham and Leiston roads, and over- looking the latter, are Some remains of a church, sup- posed to have belonged to the parish of Hazlewood. These ruins are situated upon a high sandy field, and consist of a portion of the east end window, and to the westward, the base of a round tower. In ploughing the field adjoining, human bones have been frequently found, together with a few copper coins. The ruin itself was surrounded by an almost circular or elliptical waste, covered with briers, Stones, and rubbish. This has been lately dug and planted, and in exploring the debris, we discovered many pieces of glass, very singularly coloured. Each piece appears to be made up of two distinct surfaces of different shades, cemented or otherwise attached to a central, almost resinous, plate, the whole much worm eaten, and of a peculiarly sombre hue when held to the light, generally dark blue or green. In one fragment, apparently, a “fleur de lis” is discernible, but this piece is too small to form any decided opinion. The glass is very brittle, and was most abundant about the South I) 34 AVOTES A BOUT A LDA: A UA’GAZ. aspect of the ruin. The body of the church is con- siderably lower than the ground outside. Towards the South and west, appears the remains or foun- dation of what might have been formerly the porch, and here a large purbeck slab was dug up, probably, the original doorstep. Many glazed encaustic tiles were discovered, about four inches and a half in thickness, having the mortar still attached. These may have formed part of the pavement of the church or chancel. Bricks entered largely into the construc- tion of the building ; but whether, as part of the ori- ginal structure, or for later repairs, is, of course, uncer- tain, but these differ much from the ordinary ones of the present day, being larger and flatter. The walls were probably composed in part of shingle and flints. The foundation appears to have been of stone and earth, the whole covered with clay. Besides a quan- tity of bones which were ploughed up, a coffin slab of oolite, between five and six feet in length, was found, near the foundation of the porch. It was broken across, and covered a simple grave containing some fragments of a skeleton. Amongst the rubbish we found a handsomely carved capital in Caen stone, drilled with many holes, containing lead; also, a block of dog tooth carving, probably a portion of the chancel arch. At Thorpe are some remains of a chapel or church, but the whole has been removed except a very small portion. It is situated in a field opposite Mr. 20/nches /º/, // - Church. lewood C - -- Ancient Gravestone, Hal º - ANTIQUITIES OF THE WEIGHBOURHOOD 35 Nunn's farm, and is only of interest to indicate the fact that this village was formerly of much more importance than it is at the present time. I am informed, in ploughing the field adjoining, some years ago, many bones were exhumed. It is probable in the case of all these small villages, as soon as the various Priories and Abbeys were suppressed at the time of the Reformation, the churches fell into decay, means being insufficient for their support. Copied from some old wills:– “Wm. Bayour, of Aldeburgh, second of May, 1470; to be buried in Aldeburgh Churchyard, and his vest for his mortuary. To the high altar of the same, twenty pence. To the reparation of the church, twenty shillings. To the Augustine Friars, Orford, for a trental, ten shillings.” “Agnes Neve, of Aldeburgh, 15th May, 1476. To be buried in Aldeburgh Churchyard. To the High altar twelve pence—to the High altar Hazlewood twelve pence and to the Augustine Friars, Orford twelve pence.” - “Wm. Wyld of Thorpe by the sea, 8th July 1477. To be buried in the chapel of St. Mary of Thorpe. To the High altar three shillings and four pence. To the reparation of the Chapel twenty shillings. For the reparation of Thorpe Church six and eight pence. To the reparation of Leiston Church 26.8. To the Carmelites of Ipswich for a trental ten shillings.” 36 NOTES ABOUT ALDEBURGH. CHAPTER VI. THE TOWN HALL. “Save when to yonder Hall they bend their way, Where the grave Justice ends the grievous fray; He who recites, to keep the poor in awe, The law’s vast volume ; for he knows the law.” CRABBE. iſ EMORANDA of some Documents contained / in the Town Hall relating to the Corpora- tion of Aldeburgh, and other matters. Charter of Henry the VIII., dated at Westminster Feb. 14, 1529. This document bears the Great Seal of Henry the VII. From the Charter of Henry VIII., dated March 7th, I554. The Charter of Phillip and Mary, dated at West- minster Nov. 22, first and second of their reigns, I553 and I554. From the Letters Patent of Philip and Mary, pleaded, dated Ist June, the Ist of Elizabeth, 1557. From the Charter of Edward VI., pleaded in the Exchequer against the marks (?) of the Market, the eighth of Elizabeth, 1565. The Charter of Elizabeth for the Saturday's Mar- ket, dated at Westminster, 21st day October, I 567. 'uſº unqºpſy ºſſe | | | LAA0J, ºtſ）|| THE TOWAV AZAZ.Z. 37 . The Charter of James I., dated at Westminster, Sep. I, I605. The Charter of Charles I., dated at Westminster, April 6, 1638. For the rating and letting of the Vicarage, dated 8th Nov., 1586. Complaint or Petition in regard of ye neare ap- proach of the Sea. This Document appears to have been written in the time of Elizabeth, but unfortu- nately bears no date, An Indenture of agreement between Miloneny Spenser Doctor of holy Lawes and Edward Gaseby doctor of civile law as to the amount to be paid for fish boats made the thirteenth day of September 1566, and in the eighth yeare of the reigne of Elizabeth by the grace of God queen of England france and Ire- land, Defender of the Faith. Borough of Aldeburgh in the county of Suffolk. Extracts from the Charter of King Edward VI. made to the Bailiffs and Burgesses of the Town and Borough aforesaid, for incorporating of the same, which charter was verbatim confirmed by King Philip and Queen Mary, and afterwards by Queen Eliza- beth : viz. – Elizabeth by the grace of God, of England, France, and Ireland, Queen, Defender of the Faith, &c.—To all to whom these Present letters shall come, sendeth greeting. We have seen the Letters Patent of King 38 NOTES ABOUT AZDEBURGH. Philip and Mary Queen of England, our dearly be- loved sister, by confirmation made in these words— Philip and Mary by the Grace of God, King and Queen of England, France, Naples, Jerusalem, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith—Princes of Spain and Sicily, Archdukes of Austria; Dukes of Milan, Burgundy and Brabant; Counts of Hapsburgh, Flan- ders and Tirol, to all to whom these present Letters shall come, send greeting. We have seen the Letters patent of Edward late King of England, our dearly beloved brother, of us the said Mary of confirmation made in these words—Edward the sixth, by the grace of God, of England, France, and Ireland, King—De- fender of the Faith and under God supreme head of the Churches of England and Ireland unto all to whom these present Letters shall come, sendeth greeting. Know ye that we, for the singular love which we do bear, towards the tenants and inhabitants of our Borough of Aldebnrgh in our county of Suffolk, and of our especial grace, mere motion and by the advice and consent of our dearly beloved uncle, Edward Duke of Somerset, Governor of our Person and Protector of our Realm and Dominions, and by the advice of other our council have granted and by these Presents do grant to our well beloved Alexander Falk and John Colville inhabitants of the Borough aforesaid, that our said Borough of Aldeburgh, from henceforth for ever, be a Borough incorporate in Fact, Deed and named by the name of Bailiff and Burgesses of the Borough 7 HE 7TO WAV AIA/AC. 39 of Aldeburgh in the county of Suffolk, by these Presents. We do incorporate and make a Body politick to endure for ever — and moreover we will and grant by these Presents, that they have a contin- ual succession, and that they be capable in law, to take, retain do and use all and singular such things as any Body politick can take, receive do and use and that they and their successors by the name of the Bailiffs and Burgesses of Aldeburgh in the county of Suffolk may implead and be impleaded in any court of us or our Heirs, or in any other court whatsoever And moreover that they have a common Seal to use for their business, and moreover by these Presents we do make constitute and ordain, the aforesaid Alexan- der Falk and John Colville, Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid to hold and exercise the said office, from these Presents until the Feast of the nativity of our blessed Mary the Virgin next following. And further- more we will and grant by these presents that the aforesaid inhabitants of the said Borough for the time being, in the Feast of the nativity of our blessed Mary the Virgin next ensuing, and in every of the said Feasts of the nativity of our blessed Mary the Virgin from henceforth for ever may meet in the Guildhall of the said Borough of Aldeburgh and then choose two persons then Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid to be Bailiffs of the said Borough with the office of Baily- wick for one half year the next following. . . . . . We have also granted and by these Presents do - O AWO TAES A BOUT A/LDAEAEURGA/. grant to the aforesaid Bailiffs and Burgesses and to to their successors for ever—That they and their successors as well in the presence of us and Our Selves as in the absence of us and our heirs shall have and enjoy within the aforesaid borough, parish and precinct of Aldeburgh aforesaid assist emendations and corrections of assize of bread wine and beer and of all other victuals measures and weights whatsoever within the said bo- rough and the parish and precinct of the same so that no clerk of the market of our house or our heirs nor any of them nor their deputies nor servants of any of them shall enter into or sit in the said Borough of Aldeburgh or the parish or precinct of the same to enquire of any matter or thing to the same office belonging . . . . . And furthermore of our more abundant grace, we have granted and by these presents do grant to the said Bailiffs and Burgesses, their successors that they from hence- forth be quit and free for ever by all our lands and in every part of the sea and by all the dominions of us our heirs and successors of all manner of toll and of all manner of passage, pannage, portage, moorage, pondage, loftage, stallage, tallage, Carriage, picage, terrage and Scotgeld and Danegeld and of all common forfeitures of shires and hundreds and of the works of parks, castles and bridges and also of Common Suit of hundreds and wapontakes, and also we will and grant by these Presents to the aforesaid bailiffs and burgesses and their successors that no TAZAZ 7TO WAV HA/L/. 4. I inhabitant of the borough aforesaid at any time here- after be impannelled or returned by the sheriff of the county of Suffolk for the time being, or any other minister of us our heirs or successors, neither be sworn or compelled to depose or take an oath or give any verdict before any of the Justices of the peace of us Our heirs or successors in the aforesaid county of Suffolk, or before the Justices of the gaol delivery in the said County or before the Justices of Assize, juries and certificates to be taken or any other inquisition before any other of our justices, counsellors or ministers of us or our heirs. . . . . We do also grant to the same bailiffs and burgesses that the same bailiffs and burgesses and their successors shall have and hold one market every week upon the Wednesday from this time for evermore and also a court of pie- powder in the same market according to the laws and customs of our realm of England. . . . . . And moreover we do grant by these presents to the said Bailiffs and Burgesses and their successors for the time being from time to time and for ever may provide Ordain and establish statutes and ordinances for the wholesome government of the Borough afore- said and of our subjects and of our heirs there wholly resident or not wholly resident when and as often as it shall seem needful unto them. . . . . . We do give and grant to the aforesaid bailiffs and burgesses, by these presents to have, hold, occupy, and enjoy, and the said bailiffs and burgesses and 42 AWOTES A BOUT A/L/DEBUA’GA/. their successors for ever to hold of us, our heirs and successors in fee farm—yielding therefore unto us our heirs and successors at our exchequer yearly twenty shillings of lawful English money. In witness whereof these our letters we have made patent—Witness ourselves at Westminster the nine- teenth day of December in the first year of our reign. James by the grace of God of England Scotland, France, and Ireland, King—Defender of the Faith &c To all to whom these Presents shall come, greeting.—Whereas our borough of Aldeburgh in the county of Suffolk is an ancient borough and populous situate upon the sea coast and the Bailiffs and Bur- gesses of the same borough before this time have had used and enjoyed liberties customs freedoms, jurisdic- tions immunities and preeminences as well by divers reasons of divers charters and letters patent to them and their predecessors before this made and granted as by reason of divers prescriptions uses and Customs in the same borough of ancient time used, and whereas our loving subjects the now Bailiffs and Burgesses of Aldeburgh aforesaid have humbly made supplication unto us that we for the better government and advancement of the said borough would please to yield and extend our princely grace and bounty to them in their behalf and that we would vouchsafe by our letters patent to make Ordain appoint Confirm restore and create of now the said bailiffs and bur- THE TO WAV HA/L/. 43 gesses of the said Borough into one corporation and body politick, by the names of Bailiffs and Burgesses of the Borough of Aldeburgh in the county of Suffolk with additions of certain liberties for the public good of the same borough as shall seem most fit unto us- Wherefore graciously affecting the advancement and bettering of the said borough and willing that from henceforth for evermore one certain and undoubted name be continually had within the said borough for keeping of our peace and good government of the same in the said borough and of our people inhabiting therein and of others resorting thither, and that the aforesaid borough from henceforth for ever shall be remaining a borough of peace and quiet to the fear and terror of wicked offenders and the reward of the good. Of Our special grace, certain service and mere motion We will ordain, appoint, grant, and declare ; that our said borough of Aldeburgh, in our county of Suffolk, from henceforth for ever is, shall be and may continue, a free borough of itself; and that the bailiffs and burgesses thereof, and their successors, for ever hereafter are, and shall be, by force of these Presents one body incorporated and politic in deed, fact, and name, really and fully, by the name of bailiffs and burgesses of the borough of Aldeburgh, in the county of Suffolk . . . . And that the bailiffs and burgesses of the borough aforesaid for the time being, may have a common seal to serve for the 44 AVOTES A BOUT A/L/D/EBURGH. doing of their causes, and business whatsoever; and that it may, and shall, be lawful for the bailiffs and burgesses of the borough aforesaid, and their suc- cessors, from time to time to break, alter, and make new, that seal at their pleasure, as shall seem best to them. And further, by these Presents for our heirs and Successors, we do grant and ordain that for ever hereafter there are and shall be within the borough aforesaid, two of the most honest and discreet burgesses of the borough aforesaid, in form hereafter, in these Presents to be mentioned, to be chosen which shall be called bailiffs of the borough, aforesaid. And that there are, and shall be chosen within the borough aforesaid, ten of the better and most discreet burgesses of the borough aforesaid, in form hereafter in these Presents mentioned ; which shall be, and shall be called capital burgesses of the borough aforesaid, which said bailiffs and capital burgesses of the borough aforesaid, shall be of the common council of the same borough. RECEIPTs. “1500 Com, Suffolk For the Town of cundi Magna Britanniae, &c., Aldeburgh, A11d. 18 Annoq, Dom 1744. Tax iiii Acqd. 8d. Anno Regni regis Georgii se- THAE 7"O WAV AIA/A. 45 Received of the chamberlain º the sum of I–O—O being one year's rent due at Michaelmas, the | John Collett year above said J I say received for the use of the College of Matrons in Sarum. - John Hickman, Recr. The next audit will be 9th Oct. 1745 at Mr. Niel Ward's in Bury. At which time this rent is to be paid, or else at my house, at No. 4 in St. Margarets Churchyard, Westminster, adjoining the Abbey. That due at Lady day in Easter term, and that due at Michaelmas in Michaelmas term yearly, in a forenoon, which will prevent further Trouble.” 352 Com. Suffo. For the Towne of Aldborough. Anno regni Gulielmi Tertii 9 Anno- que Dom 1697. Received of ye chamberlaine there the sum of I—O—O being one years rent due at Michaelmas, the year above said, I say received. Thos. Rudge, Recr. You are desired to pay this rent to Mr. Thos. Rudge, at his house in Fishyard, near to West- minster Hall, in Michaelmas term, every year, which will prevent further trouble. In which Term every forenoon, you may certainly find him at home. - 46 NOTES A BOUT A/./DE BURGH. LETTERS. “To my very lovinge Friends, the Bayliffes, Bur- gesses, and Cominaltye of the Town of Ald- borough, these "— “Allow my very hearty commendations, whereas “it hath pleased his majesty to call a parliament; “and having taken into my care, your good ac- “comodation in that service, I have thought good, to “recommend unto you, my very good brother William “Howard, Knight of the Bath, to be one of the “Burgesses of your towne in the ensuing parliament, “whom I know to be an able and fitt man for that em- “ployment. And I do assure you that your respect to “my request in this matter will the more encourage me “to study and endeavour all that may concern your “good and welfare, as one tendering the same together “with his Majesty's service, and now I bidd you “heartily farewell. From Suffolke House, I8th “Dec. 1639. J. Suffolke. “To my loving Friends the Bayliffes and Burgesses of Aldborough, in Suffolk ’’ “Allow my hearty comendations. “His Majesty having taken a resolution to call “a parliament very shortly, for the good and safety “of this his kingdom and people. I suppose you may “be solicited by some, for the election of Burgesses TAZAZ TO WAV HA/L/. 47 “within your corporation; and therefore I am de- “sirous in time to lett you know, that as other Ports “and Sea Townes of England, have heretofore done “the favour to other Lords Admirals, in giving to “them the nomination of one of the Burgesses of “those towns; so now you would at my entreaty “make choice of Captaine William Rainsborrow, “which I shall bee ever ready to acknowledge as “a Courtesy, and that not doubting but that I shall * “now find the same respect that my Predecessors “have done in the like place, and upon the like “occasion, I bid you heartily farewell and rest, Your loving friend, w Northumberland. “From Whitehall, Ioth Dec. 1639.” “The commission from my Lorde of Suffolke, for the Bayliffs of Aldburgh, to bee Deputy Lieu- tenants, dated 17th Sep. 1642 °– “Whereas the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled have for the safety of his Majesty's person, the Parliament and Kingdom in this time of immi- nent danger by an ordinance of the said Lords and Commons, ordained us James Earle of Suffolke to be Lieutenant of the county of Suffolke. And to have power to assemble and call together all and singular his Majesty's subjects within the said county as well within liberties as without That 48 AVOTES A BOUT A/./DEBURGA". are meete and fitt for warrs And them to trayne practice and put in readiness And that after their abbilities and faculties well and sufficiently from tyme to tyme to be arrayed and weaponed And to take the muster of them in places most fit for that purpose And likewise to nominate and appoint such Persons of Quallity as to us shall seeme meete to be my Deputy Lieutenants to be approved of by both houses of parliament And that any one or more of my said Deputy Lieutenants so nominated appointed and approved of shall in my absence or by my Command have power and authority to do and execute within the said county all such powers and authorities as are before mentioned And whereas the said Lords and Commons have like- wise ordained that my selfe and in my absence, or by my command my deputy or deputies shall have power to lead conduct and employ the persons aforesaid arrayed and weaponed together with their Generals, Collonel, Captaynes, and Officers for the suppression of all rebellious insurrections and inva- sions that may happen within the said county And likewise shall have further power and authority to lead conduct and employ the persons aforesaid arrayed and weaponed as well within the said county or within any other part of the realm of England or Dominion of Wales for the suppression of any rebellious insurrection and invasions that may happen according as they from time to time shall THAE 7"O WAV AIA LAE, 49 receive directions from the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament And whereas it hath been Ordered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament that I should deliver in the names of the persons to be my Deputy Lieutenants in the said county that so they might bee approved of by the Lords and Commons in Parliament, And whereas there- upon you the Bailiffs of the Towne of Aldborough for the tyme being (amongst others) hereby by me nominated to be Deputy Lieutenants for the said Towne and have been approved of by the said Lords and Commons in Parliament These are therefore to appoint you (by virtue of the said ordinents) to doe and execute all such power and authorities as are before mentioned accordinge to the tenor in fact and purpose thereof. Given under my hand and seale the I4th day of Sep. Anno dom 1642 And in the eighteenth yeare of the reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles by the grace of God King of England Scotland Fraunce and Ireland, Defender of the Faith ” - * J Suffolke. “An order for the impressing of Seamen” By the commands of the Admiralty and Navy “By virtue of the authority to us given by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of England These are to authorize and require you to Impress in your towne of Aldborow and parts adjacent Sixty able E 50 AWOTES A BOU/7' AAA) E/3 UA’GA/. mariners seamen and watermen (being above the age of fifteen years and under the age of sixty) for and towards the manning of the fleet now fitting to sea giving to each man had by you to be im- pressed lawful pound prize money and three halfpence a mile to conduct from the place where they shall be prest to the place where they shall be put on board Hardly charging them and every of them that they will answer the contrary at their perills to make their immediate repair and appearance at such place as they shall be by you directed And you are hereby required to send unto us a true list of the names of all the persons impressed by you with the several places of their abodes. And all officers both civill and Military whom it may con- cern are hereby requested to be aiding and assisting with you in the due execution of the impressment as they tender the public service and will answer the contrary Provided that in the execution of this warrant you do not impress any Master Master's Mate, Gunner Carpenter or Boatswain of any shipp or vessel that is or shall be in employ- ment, And that upon your impressing of any mariners or seamen out of any shipp or vessell at sea you take due care to leave such a number of men on board as may be sufficient to bring them with safety into harbour And you are hereby strictly charged and required neither directly nor indirectly to receive any money gratuity or other THAE 7'O WAV AZA L/L. 5 I reward nor to use any practiss for the sparing changing or discharging of any person or persons impressed or to be impressed by virtue of the power hereby given you And this warrant is to be continued and abide in force until the 12th day of February next and no longer Given under our hand and seal att Whitehall the 19th of Jany. 1655 Thos. Kelsey John Clerke To the Bayliff of the Towne | Edw Hopkins of Aldborow E D Salmon “A Testimony for dragging for Oysters in Orford Haven dated 12th Oct. I 586.” “Know all People to whom these Presents shall come we the inhabitants of the Town and borough of Aldeburgh within the county of Suffolk do send greeting. Whereas all the inhabitants of the said towne and especially the poore of the same for their relief and every other stranger at all seasonable tymes of the year from tyme to tyme during the whole tyme of our remembrance have constantly used to dragge for Oysters in the haven called Orford haven betweene the towne of Orforde and the place called Slaughtinge in Aldeburgh afore- said, being a large haven where shippes of great burden do constantly use to Sayle Know ye that 52 AWOTAES A BOUT A/L/OA. BURGAſ. the said libertie and usage of dragging for the oysters hath been used and enjoyed by the said inhabitants strangers and poore people during the whole time aforesaid and the same oysters being thereat by them so taken have been during the whole time by them peaceably brought away and quietly removed without denial gainsaying or inter- ruption of any manner of person whatsoever untill now Sythenee Sroftyde (?) last past detaining persons at the pronouncement of Andrew Wyatt Esq (as we are enformed) intending to take awaye the said Comoditie from the said inhabitants and strangers and relief of the said poore, have molested and evill entreated certain poore men of the said towne about the said labours and business For Testimony. of which premises to be trew, we have caused the same to be testyfied under the common Seal of our Corporation this 12th day of this instant October in the 24th yeare of the reign of our Sovereign Ladye Elizabeth by the grace of God of England France and Ireland, Queen, Defender of the Faith 1586.” SIRRS. Friends receive heartie comendations to you— Whereas by the former order you were desired to supply THE TO WW HALL. 53 to the towne of Aldburgh for their defence certaine pieces of ordinance with their carriages which we under- stand hath not hitherto been donne by reason that his Majesty's stores were then unfurnished of such pieces as they desired foreas much as it hath been lately represented to the Board as well in the behalfs of the said towne of Aldburgh as also of the towne of Southwold adjoining that they be exposed more than other ports to the spoyle and deppredations of the Dunkirkers and that some shipps of theirs have for want of ordinance to protect them beene lately taken and carryed away by the Dunkirkers from out their roade and harbour—And forasmuch as we are given to understand that there are at this port in his Majesty's stoares and assigned for other services 3 Culverins I Demi-Culverin and 3 Sakers all of the best lengthe and other Demi-culverins of the ordinary sort and length These are therefore to pray and require you, Sirrs, to cause the said 3 Culverins of the best length and 7 demi-culverins of the ordinary length with their carriage together with such pro- portion of ammunition that may be spared to be forth- with supplyed to the said towne of Aldburgh and to cause lykewise the aforesaid Demy culverins and 3 sakers, 2 of the best length with 4 other Demy- Culverins of the ordinary sort together with a fitt proportion of ammunition, in Case it may be spared to be supplyed to the towne of Southwold, for which this shall be your warrant. And so we bid you lov- 54 AWOTA'S A BOUT ALDEBURGH. inge friends heartily farewell. Ffrom Whytehall the 13th of Feby. 1627. Your Worshipps very loving friends Signed by Lor Trear M. Frear Lor President M. Comptroller Lord Steward M. of the Warde Lor Chamberlain M Scire Coke Lor V Sombleton M. Chanc of the Exq Mr. Chanc of the Duchy Ex Meautye Coppie of the Erle of Totness his warrant to the officers of the ordinance dated the 5 of February 1627. Die Martis Ioth Octobris 1643 It is this day ordered by the House of Commons that the Bayliffes of Aldeburgh or Captain Thos. Johnson shall have power to command all men in the said towne from the age of sixteen to sixty to watch and ward in the said towne aforesaid for the defence thereof and to guard the ordinance and fforts now erected and if any man whatsoever shall refuse either to perform the service or allow an able man to do it (unless sufficient reason to be shewn to the said Bay- THE TO WW HALL, 55 liffs or Captaine Thomas Johnson or any two of them) then they, or any two of them have hereby power to sett a fine upon any such person or persons for refusing, not exceeding the sum of five shillings, for every tyme of their refusing, and if they shall refuse to pay the said fine, then to have power to levy the same by distresse or otherwise H Eleyng, Cler Parl, D Com” “To our very lovinge Ffriends the Captaine of the “Sampson" lieing in Harwich river or to any other Captaine or man of warr in service of the Parliament. “Noble Captaine “These are to lett you understand, that nine vessels are put under the command of the Towne, and Bur- rowgh of Aldburgh, and one other vessel putt on shore betweene Orforde Ness and our saide towne by a Kings' man of Warr, who rides there still, for which they durst, not, any of them, stirre away least of these being taken, some of these vessels having per- Sonages of quallity in them, and therefore we desire you, or two of you, that are in the parliament, promise not to fail but with all expedition to come with their vessels and safe conduct, it concerning Soo much the state affaires as if we had not refused them with our 56 AVOTES A BOUT A/L/DEBURGH. ordinance from the towne they might all or most of them been taken We desire a word or two from you of the receipt of this Letter and of your speedye coming Soo with our best respects unto you made and executed - Your very lovinge friends, Thos. Johnson Will. Thompson } Bailiffes “Aldeburgh 2nd Jany. I645 ° “To our lovinge ffriends the Bayliffes of the Borough of Aldeburgh “Allow our hearty comendation, Whereas it hath pleased his Majesty for the defence of the towne of Aldburgh in the County of Suffolk the roade, har- bour, and shipping there to give order to Sir. Wm. Compton Knight, Master of his Majesty's ordinance to furnish the said towne with Twenty barrells of powder and shott and Match proportionable These are therefore to require you or some other sufficiently authorised from you to repair to the said Master of his Majesty's ordinance and receive by Indenture the said permission of powder shott and match and care- fully and frugally to manage the same keeping exact account of the consumption thereof for your better discharge, when you shall be thereunto required And THE TOWN HALL, 57 so wee bid you heartily farewell. From the Court at Whitehall this last day of August 1660 Your very lovinge ffriend Lindsey Dorchester Manchester Northumberland Hill Morice — Arthur Annesley” “To the Most Honble. George Duke of Buckingham His grace Lord High Admiral of England “The humble petition of the Bailiffe and Burgesses and Cominalities of Aldburgh and Southwold sea coast townes in the County of Suffolk “Humbly showing that whereas his Majesty (for the better defence and safety of the said townes) hath been graciously pleased to send unto the same 18 Cul- verins demi-culverins and Sakers—viz to Aldborough Io pieces and to Southwold 8 pieces their carriage and other commission and shipp aboard two hoies namely the foam of London and the horondelle of Harwich whereof Wm. Anderson and John Smith bee masters and the said hoies are staid by the officers of the ordinance untill a shipp be found to their convoy and waſtage Wherefore and whereas the shipp called the sea flower of Aldborough of the burden of 200 tons is victualled lately returned from the 2 sea and’ 58 AVOTES ABOUT A LDE BURGH. now in the harbour of Thames and ready to sett to sea and will be to them good convoy and waſtage We most humbly beseech your Honour for the more safe and speedy transportation of the said ordinance to the places aforesaid, in these tymes of danger, to be pleased to appoint the said shipp the Seaflower to watch and attend the said hoies and ordinance to the Port of Aldborough and Southwold before said And SO. The assessment of the Inhabitants and lands holden within the Towne and Borough of Aldburgh and the members of the same according to their present estates and faculties made by John Blowers and Mr. Edward Corkett His Majesty's Bailyffes for the Borough aforesaid Anno Dom 1640 By vertue of his Majesty's writt to us the said Bailyffes and persons Directed for and towards the Collecting of assessed by the Commissioners upon the sayde towne and borough and members thereof towards the setting forth of a shipp of warre by the same writt enjoined Aldeburgh in ) Whereas this Towne have formerly Suffolk } been att a great charge for fortifying and building carriages and also other materialls by order of Parliament for 18 pieces of Ordinance great and small for the defence of the towne and also for the rescuing of all shipps that traffic and trade to THE TO WAV HALZ. 59 Newcastle London and elsewhere And that by the res- cuing of the above said Shipps and vessels the Towne hath expended almost all our powder and ammunition So that there is but very little remaining And whereas the last wynter many great tides of the sea have very much endangered our Towne and taken away the platformes where our guns were planted upon. And likewise have had many great losses by sea which have procured much poore in our towne And we have likewise sustayned much damage by reason of the raging tides and have been at a great charge in the repairing and building upp of the said platformes We desire that the Parliament will be pleased to take this into consideration and allow us the monthly as- sessment charged uppon the towne being 22 upon the 36 IOOO with our approval according to the County charge towards the charge of powder and ammu- nition. “To the Most Honble. George Duke of Buckingham His Grace Lord High Admiral of England. “To the right Worpfull the committee at Burye “The humble petition of the inhabitants of the towne and borough of Aldburgh in the county of Suffolk Sheweth that from the beginning of this unnatural warr (and having by Order of Parliament to putt the said towne in a posture of defence) we have been att exceeding charges and are So yett 6o AWO TAES A BOUT A/./DEBUAEGA/. continued to the great detriment and impoverishing of us besides the dailye increase of many poore growing upon us (by reason of our greate loss of shippes and want of employment for the year past). And the charges your petitioners have paid out of the towne amounting to two thousand one hundred twenty five pounds ten shillings and having at present 26 pieces of ordinance mounted upon their carriages and still enforced by these to be att great charge in watching and warding of these latter. Securing of the said ordinance and Towne for the King and Parliament both by sea and land and being oftentimes putt to great expenses of powder and shott by attempts and assaults upon us by men of warr from the sea whereby we are enforced to watch fortye men in a night (as well for the rescue of shippes in the baye as burning the towne) the burden very excessive to same for us to boord in regard of the charges, and now altogether im- possible in regard of want of men within our towne —our mariners being now preparing themselves to go to sea from which formerly they have been delayed. º “Your Petitioners therefore humbly praye, That you would be pleased to take the great charge they are now and have been att formerly into your con- sideration And to provide for their relief given and also forthwith to order one of the trayned bands of the countye according to the order of the honble THE TOWN HALZ. 6I house of Commons hereunto annexed to bee sent into the sayd towne for the safety thereof and of the countye, which otherwise is in evident danger” “And your petitioners shall dailye pray for” RECEIPTS. “April 16 1720 § Received there of Mr. William Miller the summe of twenty shillings which is in full for A Sermon preached as usual on Good Friday - I say received by me Nath. Nobbes, Vicr.” “Nov 8th 1703 Received there of William Reade, chamber- layne the sum of eight pence for one years copyhold rent of the Town land called Fowler's pightle due and ended at Michael- mas last I say received by me Nath. Nobbes, Vicr.” “Borough of Alde-Y A note of what moneys divers burgh in Countye - persons are willing to give for of Suff ) one yeare towards the main- tainance of a Curate—butt the yearly sum to be paid quarterly by smallportions—Made this 12th daye of April 1647. Amounting to £4. I5S 9d—”. s & 62 AVOTES A BOUT A LDA: B URGAſ. LETTER, “To the worshippful the Bailiffes and capital Burgesses of the Borough of Aldeburgh in the county of Suffolk “Gentlemen At the request of the Right Honble W. Conolly Esq. I have consented to allow you to remove your Stocks and the other buildings about them, to the end of the Town house in order to render your market place more open and convenient “Strafford “Read by me Aprill 24, 1741 John Dan Bailiffe—” $ burgh in Countye - Feby Anno 1650 . . . . . . . . . . Suff Capital burgesses 8 being present for and ordering the descent wearing of Gowns—” “Whereas heretofore there was an Order made dated the 17th day of Jany. 1631 by the then Bailiffes of the said borough and majority of the Capitall Burgesses of this Borough wherein was ordered and decreed amongst other things. That the said Bailiffes and Burgesses as well upon Sabbath days at the Service and all there shall upon Ellection days and Michaelmas day as att all other tymes of meeting upon warning should wear and be in their gownes upon payne to forfeit for anye time therein offending to these of this towne 5s And whereas lykewise “Burgess de *}; new order made the 8th day THAE TO WAV HA LL. 63 Some of the said Capitall burgesses of this towne by reason of Ould age weakness of bodye and other infirmities are not able to weare their gownes evere Sabbath day at service as formerly they have done. It is therefore this day ordered and directed by the now Bailiffes and majority of the Capitall bur- gesses of this Towne for the better ease and satis- faction of the aforesaid Capitall burgesses upon public sessions thereof made That the Bailiffes of this towne for the tyme being and their successors shall from tyme to tyme and at all tymes after the 29th day of this instant 7th next ensuing every Sunday att the service being ordered to wear their gownes during the tyme of their Baillywick and they the said Bayliffes for the time being and their successors and the other named Capitall burgesses. and their successors all from tyme to tyme and att all tymes hereafter use and wear their gownes att the Hall on Ellection daye Michaelmas daye and severall session daye upon paine to forfeit to the Bayliffes and burgesses of the towne for every time therein offending the sum of 5s to the said Bailiffes and Burgesses within 5 days after forfeiture thereof And for non payment thereof the said forfeiture to be levied by distresse of the offender's good and shall sell the same in the name of the said Bailiffes and Burgesses to be recovered by action of debt in the court of record of this Towne or any other of the courts of record att Westminster, And they the said 64 AVO TAES A BOUT A/LDAA; UA’GA/. Io Capitall Burgesses not to wear their gownes att service during Sunday or any other meetings in the Hall excepting the time above said except they please notwithstanding the former order above said “To be entered fayer in the new book of Orders) “Entered)” “In respect of the Fishery “This Indenture made between William Saunbregge Prior of the Priory of our Lady of Snape and convents of the same Priory on the one part and Robert Cosard John Benselyn Robert Bayer “. . . . Witnesseth that whereas divers strifes discord and debate have been moved and stirred betwixt the said Prior and the said Township for the right title and possession which the said Prior claimeth to have yearly to him and to his successors for evermore as rights of his church as pertaining to the Manor of Aldeburgh . . . . . . . . . . . Never- theless the said Prior having Pity and compassion that the said Towne and Tenements be fallen and come to greate poverty . . . . . And also the said Prior willing and desiring that the said Towne and Tenements from henceforward may the more increasc in prosperity and wellfare . . . . . he of his special grace by the assent of his convent with the undenyable and gracious will and Consent of the right, might, THE TOWN HALL. 65 and rightful permission of William Poole Duke of Suffolke founder of said Priory—granteth by these present writings to the said Towne and Tenements that whereas they payed in the Old time for every boat . . . . going to fishing for Sperling in Spurling tyme shall pay yearly for evermore to the said Pryor and his successors (?) sterling on the Monday next after the Feast of Circumcision of our Lord in recompence . . . . . Unto the Witnesse of the which thing . . . . . the said William Saum- bregge . . . . . have sett the convent seal . . . . . . in the feast of the nativity of St. John Baptist in the 2–yeare of the reign of King Henry the sixth" “The counterparte of an Indenture between the citye of London and Aldburgh that the Ald- burgh men should pay no duties at London for unlading Herrings Sprats Coals salt and other things Dated Ist Dec I608.” “A complainte or Petition in respect to the near approach of the sea made by the Justices touching of Jetties circa 15OO “Our humble duties to your Honours remembrance “It may please the same to be advertised that according to the Commands contained in your Honours letters, we whose names are underwritten did repair to Aldburgh in the county of Suffolk and did view and survey both the towne and Haven there and did associate with us some men of good * -: F 66 AVOTES A BOUT ALDE BURGH. skill and experience the better to advise best of the present state of the Haven and Town. And upon our views do find that the Town of Aldburgh doth stand low and is not defended from the rage and violence of the sea but by certaine loose shells or shingle wrought up with the violence and force of the sea which lyeth up as a banke betweene the town and the sea which when by contrary winds is in any place wrought out There the houses adjoining thereunto are with violence and rage of the sea overthrown or for better safety enforced to be pulled down as 12 or 13 houses within this seven yeares have been and more likely so to be if the same be not timely prevented. These damages falling out at the north end of the towne . . . . . . . make up two Jetties which have notably repelled the Sea . . . . . . . . And there hath gained twenty feete of ground lately in one tide and will in short time we thinke work more violent efforts there already it hath done upon the north part if it be not in due time stopped. The experience therefore of the two former jetties it move us and these men of skill and experience appointed to us to think that ten such like jetties being builded along east that towne, Southerly in places most needful would be a good safety to the towne and defend it from the rage and violence of the Sea . . . . . . . . . . . We have also herewith sent to your Lordships a platte of that towne whereby the nearness of the sea to the towne and the two jetties and show the same THE TO WAV HA/L/L. 67 have gained upon the sea more the better appear to your Lordships. And so we now humbly take our leave.” “Agreement between Edmund Buxton and the Towne for the employing of the poor to spin. March 19th 1661 ° “Articles of agreement indented and made the 19th day of March in the year of our Lord God 1661. Betweene the Bailiffes and Burgesses of the towne and Borough of Aldburgh in the county of Suffolk on the one part and Edmund Buxton of Stowmarket in the same county Worstead weaver of the other part as followeth “Imprimis in consideration that the said Edmund Buxton is to come to live in the said Towne to sett up his trade in spinning of wool, The Towne for his encouragement hath promised him 50 pounds free of interest for 5 years giving good Security for the same from year to year as the towne shall think fit Item We do agree to allow him twelve pounds towards his removing and loss of wool in learning the spinners— “Item we agree to grant him his Freedom gratis and the keeping of a horse free by virtue of his freedom and a cow free five years pasturing in the towne marsh paying as free men do William Shipman Thos. Wall Edmund Buxton } Bailiffes 68 AWO TAZS APOUT A LDE BURGH. CHAPTER VII. ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES. HE ERNE or WHITE-TAILED EAGLE, Falco T albicilla of Montagu, has been met with on several occasions in this neighbourhood. March 27th, 1863, I saw a magnificent specimen flying over the common at Sizewell. The bird was not at a greater distance from me than about two hundred yards, so that I had ample opportunity for observation. The flight appeared steady but slow on account of the Eagle's great size, but when compared with surrounding objects, it became apparent that the rate of progress was much more rapid than I at first imagined. It appeared to strike at Several partridges on the ground in his course, but they invariably es- caped by towering. Another individual of this species was seen for several days at Sizewell in January 1867. Some years since, the present Vicar of Aldeburgh, the Rev. Henry T. Dowler, having been informed that an Eagle had been shot at Slaughden, near the Martello Tower, went thither to make enquiries as to the facts of the case, and found a rather interesting little history connected with the matter. It appeared ORAWITHO/LOGICA/. AWOTES. 69. that the son of the shepherd living there, had observed for Some days a very large bird sailing along the line of the Sea-beach and occasionally Swooping down upon something which he found there, and which the boy supposed to be dead fish cast up by the waves. The acute little fellow at once set about a clever con- trivance for his capture. He procured some furze bushes with which he built himself a small hut or rather hiding place on the shore, and placing within shot of it some other dead fish, took his gun and concealed himself within, about the time of the day that he had previously seen the bird passing over. He had not waited a great time before the Eagle came sailing along as before, and seeing the dead fish immediately alighted ; at that instant the boy fired from his ambush and shot the bird. It proved to be a beautiful specimen of the Erne or white-tailed Eagle, and is now in the possession of Capt. Francis Dowler. A specimen in the possession of Col. Thellusson was killed many years since in the marshes at Size- well. It had been feeding upon a dead pike. THE OSPREY, Falco haliatus, Bewick. This species has been observed on a few occasions passing along- shore, but I cannot hear of a single instance of its capture. In many cases it has been confused with the above-mentioned species. During the winter of 1860 one was seen several times at 7o AVO 7TES A BOUT A/LA) EAE UAEGA/. Thorpe. A friend informs me some years ago whilst walking to Slaughden one winter's morning, of course “minus” his gun, an Osprey passed him Soaring alongshore at no greater distance than twenty yards. It was travelling South. THE BUZZARD, Buteo vulgaris, Fleming, I have observed several times about Hazlewood common, and especially at Iken in the vicinity of Sudborne woods. I am inclined to think that this bird is a regular inhabitant of the latter locality, where, from the preservation of game, it can find plenty of food, and is not subject to much disturbance. The flight of this species has always been at a great elevation, and the remarkable soaring of this bird in large circles with apparently little exercise of its wings, a very prominent feature in the case of those I have had the opportunity of witnessing. THE ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD, Buteo lagopus, Fleming, is only Occasionally to be found. It ap- pears to be more migratory in its habits than the other species of Buzzards. I have not met with this bird since November 5th, 1865, when, during the previous fortnight no less than five specimens were killed in the neighbourhood, and this occurred at the time of some very large migrations of birds, mostly rooks and larks, from seaboard. This renders it probable that these hawks came with them from either Norway OAAWITHO/LOGICA L WOTES. 71 or Holland. In the stomach of the two specimens I examined were remains of some small birds. The Buzzards proved to be male and female and were apparently immature. THE GLEAD or KITE, Milvus vulgaris, Fleming, is a very rare visitor. I have met with but one instance of its occurrence, namely in the neighbour- hood of Woodbridge. This bird is in the possession of Mr. Hilling of that town. THE ICELAND FALCON. A specimen of this beautiful bird was killed at Sudborne, near Orford, October 14th, 1867. It had been feeding upon a fowl, and was so glutted as to allow of an easy approach. It measured from tip to tip of wings four feet one inch, and two feet in length. It is now in the British Museum. THE PEREGRINE FALCON, Falco peregrinus. Of this species I have met with three examples, the first Aug. 14th, 1864. It was killed on the river, and had been observed the day before to take a rook after an extremely long exciting flight. The only chance of safety for the rook appeared to be his getting directly in the “wake" of the falcon, and by this means the bird escaped for a long time. Ultimately the Pere- grine succeeded in rising above his quarry, and making a swoop killed it. This falcon was an im- mature female. 72 AWOTES A BOUT A/L/O A.E URGA". March 5th, 1865. A very handsome male Peregrine was brought me, it was found disabled near the rail- way, having struck itself against the telegraph wires. So great was the injury done, that not only the greater part of one wing was entirely separated from the body, but the head was completely laid open, on a level with the nares extending back to the articula- tion of the mandibles. The bird presented the exact appearance of having two mouths. Nov. I Iſh, 1867. Whilst fishing alongshore near the High lighthouse, I observed a large hawk, ap- parently a falcon, pass overhead, but at too great a distance for a shot. Presently he sighted a lark which immediately took to wing. Then commenced one of the most interesting sights in falconry that could possibly be witnessed ; the race being, as usual, for the highest position. After a severe trial the falcon struck the lark, which fell apparently quite dead towards the ground. It was distinctly observa- ble that the blow was given with the talons. I immediately ran towards the falling lark, gun in hand, the distance being rather over one hundred yards; before, however, it was possible to get within shot, the Peregrine in the most graceful manner possible turned, and passing along with the speed of a greyhound, actually caught the prey before it had reached the shingle, and bore it off in triumph. Şany, 5th, 1868. To-day was brought me an ex- tremely handsome adult female Peregrine. She was OAAW/THO/LOGICAL WOTAES. 73 killed in the upper part of the river near Iken, whilst in pursuit of a rook. - THE HOBBY, Falco subbuteo, Pennant, is one of the most interesting members of the family of hawks, but extremely rare in this neighbourhood. I have had one in my possession for several years, which was taken from a nest in the vicinity of Woodbridge. At first I kept it in a cage, when it was most amusing to watch this hawk moving from side to side, endeavouring to grasp the tail of a small Cuba-dog, whenever he passed near enough. Finding, however, the plumage Suf- fered from the cramped space and wires, I placed her upon a stand, and braced her by one leg. She was exceedingly tame, and would sit on my finger never offering to bite. The prey, mostly sparrows and mice, were always seized by the talons, and invariably in every case the neck was immediately fractured close to the base of the skull, whether the food was alive or dead — a wonderfully wise pro- vision of Providence—thus shortening the pain of the victim, by causing instantaneous death. Hobby did not like to be disturbed when feeding ; but, would carry her food to one Corner of the stand and place her back towards any spectator, at the same time raising her feathers and covering the quarry with her wings. She would drink sometimes very freely and swallow small gravel stones. The oxbird was not as favourite a form of food as Some authors believe ; 74 AWOTES A BOUT A/LDEBURGH. but, mice seemed to be the greatest delicacy. It was curious to observe how familiar this bird became to the sound of a gun, and how, after firing a shot in the garden, upon my approaching her, she would nod her head, as good as to say “ have you got anything for me '" She was very fond of having water poured over her from a watering pot, during the hot weather. On the ninth of December 1869 I was compelled to shoot Hobby, she having escaped. I found it im- possible to induce her to return, she being exceedingly active on wing. The flight was very similar to that of the cuckoo, but very much more rapid. She has now found a resting place inside a Case, the like of which she had for some years before looked into ; having to be removed indoors every winter into my bird room. The Hawk was extremely fat, although of necessity there was at times some irregularity in the supply of food. It is therefore probable that— as invariably in the case of other hawks brought me, they have proved very thin indeed—the period of their fasting in a wild condition, must often be of much greater duration than is generally supposed. MERLIN, Falco Asalon, Bewick. I have only occa- sionally observed this species about the neighbour- hood, but have never succeeded in obtaining one. THE KESTREL, Falco Timmunculus, Montagu. For Some time past the owner of the shooting in the OR/VITA/O/LOG/CAA. WOTAES. 75 neighbourhood has caused these birds to be left unmolested, consequently the beautiful Windhover is free to follow his lawful pursuits; instead of being Condemned to the barn door or vermin stick as hereto- fore. That it is a very useful bird we have had ample opportunity of witnessing; for innumerable quantities of rats, house and water, breed about the mere lands at Thorpe, during the summer season ; and at that time the Kestrels are always to be seen, hard at their work of extermination ; unquestionably the young of these vermin are destroyed by this hawk. That they are also injurious to game is evident, from a circumstance told me by a trustworthy gamekeeper on the property of the Marquis of Hertford. He once destroyed a pair of Kestrels, and afterwards the young in the nest; from which he collected together an extraordinary miscellaneous store; including young partridges, pheasants, and Small birds, numbering in all thirty nine. I once obtained a living specimen of this Hawk under very singular circumstanees. Whilst out shooting I fired at one, and picking it up found it was wounded near the ear by a single shot, otherwise it was quite uninjured. It soon got Over this wound, and was evidently an escaped bird ; part of a leather thong secured with brass wire, being fastened round one leg. It was the tamest individual of any kind I ever possessed and would always fly on my hand or shoulder whenever I came near it. Like all pets however it eventually came 76 NOTES A BOUT ALDEBURGH. to a sad end, having tumbled off its perch, through entanglement of the “brace.” GOSHAWK, Astur palumbarius, Selby. But one example has occurred within the last fifteen years. This bird was killed by the keeper near the Tele- graph, and is in the possession of Col. Thellusson. SPARROW HAWK, Accipiter Fringillarius, Selby. This species has certainly become scarce in this locality; I have only obtained two specimens al- together during the last eleven years. It is, however, now and then to be seen, and on one occasion, near the watering pond I observed a hawk of this species mobbed by a number of small birds, which he bore apparently quietly enough at first ; but, eventually, his enemies still persecuting him, he singled out one of them, to whom he gave chase, and speedily cap- tured him. Sºan, 14th, 1870. I am pleased to record having seen several times lately, a pair of Sparrow hawks frequenting a marl pit on the Friston road. One of these, a female, was brought me in Feb. 1870. HEN HARRIER, Circus cyanius, Selby. A single immature female obtained in the summer of 1869, near the Thorpe railway-gate. MONTAGU'S HARRIER, Circus Montagui, Yarrell. I obtained an immature specimen in 1860. . It was ORAWITHOLOGICAZ WOTES. 77 killed on the marshes at Sudborne, near the Black- Stakes. May 14th, 1868. For some days past a large hawk has been frequenting the mere at Thorpe. It was killed to-day, and proves to be an old male Montagu's Harrier in imperfect dress. It had been feeding upon Plover and Redshank's eggs, quantities of which were contained in the stomach and mouth. SHORT HORNED OWL, Strix brachyotos, Bewick. This bird is generally abundant in the autumn of each year, arriving with the woodcock in October and November. During the November of 1865 five spe- cimens were brought me, and every Season since a few have invariably come to hand. These birds are frequently observed coming to land from over the sea, the wind, as in the case of the migration of wood- cocks, being always about north-west. They settle on the first convenient spot and are frequently to be put up about the walls bounding the meres and river. They will feed upon raw meat and birds when kept in confinement, but rarely live very long. They are very untameable. I once kept one of these birds loose in a room with a Tawny, and also a long- eared owl. It was very singular to observe the first two putting themselves into a fighting attitude. They never, however, came to blows, but would raise their feathers until they appeared twice their natural size, 78 NOTES A BOUT A LIDERURGH. and continue nodding towards one another, until both parties were tired and apparently quite satisfied. THE LONG-EARED OWL, Strix otus, Linnaeus, is the most Savage of any species of owl I have seen ; nor does it admit of any taming. It is a very retiring bird, and in the case above mentioned, when I kept a ma- ture Specimen in confinement, the bird always secreted itself under a large carpenter's bench, from whence it would emerge only at feeding time. It was necessary to wear gloves when carrying it food, as it would invariably fly at my hands, striking with its very sharp talons. It is migratory as well as the short- horned species; but, occassionally breeds about the neighbourhood, and is much rarer. In August, I868, three young Owlets of this species were brought me, having been taken from a nest near Friston. So savage were they, that one morning two only were existing; the third had been positively eaten by its relatives during the night. This must have occurred from their sheer cannibal-like disposition, as they had been supplied abundantly with food. The remaining two continued to live together on friendly terms, until I unfortunately gave them the carcase of a black- backed gull. One died almost immediately, the other surviving only a few days. Rats seemed to be their most favourite food, although they would eat freely of birds and uncooked liver. I am informed that a few years ago a boy attempted to take some young birds ORAWITHO/LOG/CAM, AVOTES. 79 of this species in the neigbhourhood, but was com- pelled to desist and take to his heels, the parent owls giving him a very warm reception, and even follow- ing him up for a long distance, THE TAWNY OWL, Ulula stridula, Selby, is rare; I have only obtained one specimen. This was a very young bird taken from a nest near Friston. As he grew to maturity he became very tame and domesti- cated, and would perch upon my hand or shoulder at will. I had this Owl in my possession for some time, and at last suffered him to remain in the garden at large. It was singular to observe this bird perched upon a bough in the daytime. Elongating its body and standing quite erect, it was often difficult to discern him, especially as the colour assimilated somewhat to that of the foliage. At last this unfortunate Owl committed suicide by drowning himself in an open well in the garden. THE WHITE or BARN OWL, Striz flammea, Mon- tagu, is more abundant in the neighbourhood during the colder weather of winter. At Such times I have frequently met with them about the mere, in the evening at “flight time.” A pair was brought me some time ago by a rustic who, having enquired whether I “bought birds,” produced these from his pockets, tied by their legs. He had taken them from a hol- How tree at Aldringham. I gave a trifle for these y 8o AVOTES A BOUT A/L/O A. BUA’GAZ. birds, and turned them into my hayloft, where they continued for some days ; but afterwards escaped through the roof–a tile being deficient. They did not find their way back to Aldringham one being killed in a garden at Thorpe on the following morning. A white owl was captured the early part of January, 1870, in the forecastle of a Smack lying in the river. GREAT SHRIKE, Lanius excubitor, Bewick. Oct. 24th, 1866. Col. Thelusson sent me a male specimen of the above, which had been killed a few days previously on the manor. The stomach contained a large quantity of feathers. I have since met with this species on two occasions; indeed, I do not think it is so rare a visitant as is generally Supposed. It apparently remains rather later with us than the commoner kind. THE RED-BACKED SHRIKE, Lamius colluzio, Be- wick, is a very frequent visitor, appearing regularly about the sixth of May, and leaving towards the close of September. July 4th, 1867. On my way to Size- well this morning, I observed a red-backed shrike feeding two or three young ones, in a hawthorn bush by the roadside; I fired at them, but having large shot failed to kill either. Whilst examining the branch they had been occupying, I was surprised to find a young bird, apparently a stonechat, minus head, neck, and one wing completely impaled on a ORAVITHO/LOGICA/, MOTE.S. 81 thorn, the neighbouring ones having been evidently before used for the same purpose, they having much blood and feathers about them. One of the shrikes alighting a short distance off on another bush, was killed. I discovered in its stomach a greater part of the neck of the impaled bird, together with several small pieces of muscle and Some flies. Both the GREAT TIT, Parus Major, and the BLUE, Parus cæruleus, are common in this neighbourhood, and it is only to find place for the following notes, any mention of these species is made. }ume 3rd, 1866. An old apple-tree stump in the garden has of late years become very much decayed and hollowed in a perpendicular direction, and this year it has been occupied by a pair of Blue Tits. About a month ago I observed one of these birds descend into the hollow ; and, thinking this was only in search of insects, we tried to frighten him out by striking the tree, but quite in vain, until my brother dropped a lighted fusee into the hole itself. I need scarcely say the bird came out in a hurry, and was fortunately more frightened than hurt. The pair has since reared their young there; and, whilst the old lady was sit- ting, every time the tree was struck, or the nest looked into, she would make a most peculiar puffing and hissing sound. The Blue Tits are very attentive to their young, and are continually supplying them with food, and removing their excrement, which they G 82 AWOTES A BOUT ALDEBURGH. always drop the other side of the garden wall, as though this might otherwise lead to the detection of the nest. - e May 19th, 1867. The apple-tree stump has again become breeding quarters; but this year for Parus major. The Blue Tits were forestalled by their bigger relatives, and have contented themselves with a large flower-pot, in Mr. Cresy's garden, which is turned upside down, the parent birds passing in and out of the orifice — which, under ordinary circum- stances, is used for drainage. Here these birds have reared a large family. The Great Tit is very dif- ferent from the Blue, being much more suspicious, and oftentimes remaining upon the tree a long time before descending into the nest. The following summer of 1868, unfortunately the hollow of the apple-tree had been filled with earth, and was only discovered when too late. I had seen the Parus major as usual, in the neighbourhood of the stump, but did not go near for some days, for fear of disturbing her. The earth was carefully removed, and the birds again took to it during May, 1869; but, when the young were hatched, the ex- ceedingly cold weather which occurred about the twenty-ninth of the month killed them all. CRESTED TIT, Parus cristatus, Montagu. We had the good fortune to observe a specimen of this bird in the garden, during the summer of 1861. Being ORAWITHO/LOGICAL ANOTES. 83 close to it, there could not possibly have been any mistake. The crest was very prominent, and ren- dered this Tit a remarkably striking object. THE PIED FLY-CATCHER, Muscicapa luctuosa, Selby, is very rare, and but a single example has come under my notice. This bird was settled on an ash-tree in the corner of the churchyard, near Wynd- ham house. I took my gun as soon as possible, and carefully searched the whole of the trees, but could find no further trace of it. THE ROLLER, Coracias garrula, Montagu. A magnificent specimen of the above was caught in the neighbourhood of Blackheath, in the parish of Friston, on the 23rd June, 1863, and is now in the posession of Richard Pratt, Esq., of Twickenham. THE KING-FISHER, Alcedo isſºida, is often to be seen about the meres and river, always frequenting the same localities, the sluices, upon the woodwork of which they sit, either sunning themselves, or on the look out for the small “fry,” which abound in the still deeper water there. Whenever the winter has been cold enough to freeze the upper part of the river, a great number of these beautiful birds have been brought me, one winter alone, above twelve specimens. I am always sorry to see the persecution the King-fisher is subjected to—and, should be glad to find it numbered. 84 NOTES A BOUT ALDEBURGH. amongst those birds, the gulls, which do now possess an immunity at one period of the year. The egg of Kingfisher on several occasions has been obtained in the neighbourhood. THE HOOPOE, Upupa Epops, Montagu, is a rare visitant; several specimens have, however, been pro- cured in the neighbourhood. Two were obtained the same day, in the vicinity of the telegraph, by one of the keepers of the manor—and a third a few days afterwards at Sizewell. In May, 1859, I saw one be- tween Aldeburgh and Thorpe; it was within ten yards of me when it took to wing. The day following, another was seen under similar circumstances in the vicinity of the Low lighthouse. - May 22nd, 1868. A Hoopoe was observed to-day at Thorpe. It was seen to come from over the sea to the eastward, the wind being nearly South, and blowing gently. Alexander got within fair range of the Hoopoe, but a “missfire” was the only result, and the bird speedily put off westward to the higher lands. This species, when on the ground, is con- tinually raising and lowering its crest. It moves about with considerable rapidity, and feeds appa- rently upon insects and beetles. THE RAVEN, Corvus corax, is only an occasional visitor; we have met with four this September, 1861. They always keep to the river and marshy lands OA'AV/7 HO/OC/CAM, AVO 7"E.S. 85 around, and are most wary, so much So, that, al- though offering a handsome reward, I have not been able to obtain a single 'specimen. Oct. 31st, 1862. Two Ravens have been seen to-day close to Slaughden, §any. 25%, 1864. We observed one of these birds near Orford, following and fighting a Kestrel Hawk. Aug., 1867. Two Ravens have taken up their quar- ters in a little wood near Thorpe, by the water mill; but will not allow of the least chance of a shot. I have been after them morning after morning for several days past; and, although concealing myself carefully, they will not come within range, but soar overhead at a great height, uttering their well-known “croak croakſ" - THE CROW, Corvus corone, is by no means a common bird in this locality, I have seen but three individuals altogether. Its place seems to be almost entirely substituted by the following species — The HooDED or ROYSTON CROW, Corvus Cornia, Linnaeus, is a regular visitant of the neighbourhood, appearing about the beginning of October, and dis- appearing towards the end of April. They may frequently be observed coming from over the sea, and often alight directly they reach the shore; apparently from actual fatigue. The royston is extremely wary, and well might be said to “smell powder.” When driving along the roads I have occasionally passed them within a few feet, and only 86 AWOTES A BOUT A/L/DEBURGH. by shouting or cracking the whip, have prevailed upon them to take to wing, and then a small semi- circular flight only is performed ; the birds alighting again immediately. The gun is however a “dangerous weapon” in their vocabulary, and they speedily decamp, at the first appearance of one. These birds generally keep together in pairs, and only Congregate at the time of migration, in bad weather, or when some article of food is abundant in a particular locality. During cold weather they frequent the seashore, and will even take fish, as Sprats, &c., by grasping them with their feet, when flying over the water. They have been very busy on some few Occasions amongst the potatoes, when a cargo of this sort has been washed ashore; these they carry away with their beaks. When pressed with hunger, they will often pursue small birds, especially the Dunlin, many of which I have seen taken by them. The Royston is often a source of much annoyance to the wild fowl shooter, as well as the naturalist, as we have found on Several occasions, especially when having to take a circuitous route to pick up a bird shot scarcely half an hour before, invariably but sufficient mortal remains have been left to identify the specimen as the actual one that had been killed. This crow has a remarkable habit of “discussing” a rabbit or other four footed animal, by tearing out the whole of its viscera and clean- ing the entire skeleton through the vent, so that ORNITHOLOGICAL WOTES. 87 nothing but a “bag of bones” remains. I have several times met with such instances, and the bird in the very act. There are few “individuals” that possess so much “cunning” as the royston. On one occasion when travelling in a light Oxford cart with a brother professional, I succeeded in getting a shot at, and apparently killing one of these birds, which had been busily engaged in “polishing off.” the bones of a fish left by the receding water. I picked him up, and he appeared quite dead. For greater convenience and Security to the plumage, the specimen, being a very clean and good one, was placed in the bottom of the cart, and we proceeded to drive homewards. Presently a strange fluttering noise attracted my attention to the back of the cart, and to my intense surprise, the bird which had hopped on to the tail board, now took to flight apparently not in the least discomposed. We watched him for a distance of at least a mile, and I never saw a Royston fly better or stronger than this one did. . A fisherman at Thorpe informs me, he once saw a Royston killed, by flying against the little bridge over the haven, while in pursuit of an Oxbird. They have been occasionally destroyed when feeding upon mussels, by these closing their bivalve shells tightly across the mandible of the crow. Should the fish be enclosed in a thick shell, the royston will frequently carry it to a great height, and drop it upon the 88 NOTES A BOUT ALDEBURGH. beach ; with a view to the shingle breaking the otherwise impenetrable covering. The ROOK, Corvus frugilegus, Linnaeus, and JACKDAW, corvus momedula, associate together in the rookery at Friston. Early in the spring of the year our marshes are frequently flooded, and thousands of worms come to the surface; these, as soon as the waters subside, are greedily eaten by the rooks. That these birds are migratory, we have ample proofs each autumn of witnessing; for under the circumstance before mentioned, as relating to wood- cock and owls, namely a north west wind, large flights of rooks are continually arriving from over the sea, and with these are associated immense numbers of Skylarks, Starlings, Jackdaws, Fieldfares; and a host of other small birds. The MAGPIE, Pica caudata, and JAY, Garrulus glandarius, are seldom to be seen now in this locality, having been almost exterminated through the strict preservation of game of all kinds. Şan. 13th, 1870, I was delighted to observe a pair of Magpies to day, in the vicinity of the watering pond; so rare is the occurrence of this species now, that a note of any such is quite worth recording. The NUTHATCH, Sitta Europaea, Montagu, is not a common bird in the immediate locality; I have met with it a few times at Hazlewood. ORNITHOLOGICAL WOTES. 89 WRYNECK, Yuma torquilla. These arrive about the thirteenth of April in great numbers. The eggs are laid in the hollow of trees or posts, and there is little actual nest. I have on several occasions tried to rear the young of this singular species, but have never succeeded. A specimen brought me some years since, had been killed by flying against the telegraph wires near the Thorpe Gatehouse. It was completely denuded of feathers under the chin. Of the three species of WOODPECKERS met with here, the GREEN, Picus Viridis, Linnaeus, is the most abundant, a pair or two being always about Friston decoy, Sizewell Belts, and Hazlewood. They are very shy and difficult togetat. The GREAT SPOTTED, Picus major, has occurred several times—one specimen at Sizewell Belts, November 12th, 1861—another near the Telegraph, March 27th, 1863. Nov. 12th, 1867, Capt. Ferrand presented me with a male GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, it had been killed near Friston. The food consisted of insects, and some nut-like seeds. Sept. IOth, 1868, another male bird was given me, by Col. Thellusson. It had been killed on the manor in the immediate vicinity. But one instance has occurred of the LESSER SPOT- TED WOODPECKER, Picus minor. This example was obtained some years since, near the Telegraph, by one of the keepers. 90 AWOTES A BOUT ALDE BURGH. CUCKOO, Cuculus camorus. We have ample op- portunity of observing this species, which abounds in the neighbourhood during summer. They arrive about the 20th April, and certainly in many cases do not leave us until towards the end of September. I believe however, this refers only to the young of the year, and not the parent birds, which migrate earlier. I have made some notes on this subject, and find on several occasions, the young Cuckoo has been seen in my garden by myself and others as late as the twenty-fifth of September. The egg is generally deposited in the nest of the meadow Pipit, but has been frequently found in those of the Wagtail, Linnet, and Hedge Sparrow. Several young birds have been at different times brought me; these have thriven well, and rapidly acquired their full plumage; but have invariably died before the cold weather set in. They are most ravenous little monsters, and require constant attention. Their food consisted of finely chopped raw beef with hard boiled egg, and certainly the Cuckoos did not require any encouragement to make them eat, the difficulty being to satisfy them. In the May of 1866, I had been “keeping an eye” upon a nest of grey linnets, to take the young at the right age, for bringing up ; and going to the spot early one morning for that purpose, I found the birds, Some dead, others mangled, Scattered about the ground beneath the nest. The parent birds were carrying on a very unequal and desperate fight with ORAWITHO/COGICA / WOTES. 9I two Cuckoos ; they did not leave the locality for some time after I had arrived there, being too busily occupied to take any notice of me. The nest itself was completely emptied of all its contents, even including the nest egg. The NIGHT JAR, Caprimulgus Europaus, Montagu, is frequently to be seen during the Summer evenings, and from its strange noise is certain to attract atten- tion. They lay about the common land, on the bare ground, frequently in the centre of the pathway, and if the eggs are disturbed, the parent birds invariably roll them away to another spot. No less than ten big beetles were contained in the stomach of a goat- sucker which had been knocked down by a stone. Sep. 29th, 1861, whilst driving to Leiston to-day I met with one of these birds, asleep on the bough of a fir tree, and killed it with my whip. The SWIFT, Hirundo apus, Montagu, 5une 20th, 1863, these birds generally so numerous at this season, have up to the present been very scarce; but one pair has been observed. july 2nd, 1863. Many large flocks have appeared since the weather has changed. They always fly towards some point south of east or west; I observe during dry windy weather, the flights are not nearly so frequent ; but should a shower occur, they immediately appear in shoals. They never return towards the north, but keep a direct course. t 92 MOTES ABOUT A/L/DEBURGH. . %uly 24th, 1865. This is the first year I have heard the shrill cry of the Swift; they have been passing over in immense numbers, as usual following a south west course. From dissection it appears improbable that they can breed anywhere in the neighbourhood; being extremely fat, and the organs of generation very slightly developed. Moreover the pair which regularly nest in the church tower, seem to take no notice whatever of these great flights of their relatives. From my note book I find the latest date in the season or which this species has been noticed is September 24th. The SWALLOW, Hirundo rustica, Montagu, arrives about the twelfth of April, and remains with us until October, occasionally however much later. In one instance I observed a young bird on the 25th Novem- ber flying over the garden, weather very cold and foggy, wind west-north-west. Oct. 7th, 1867. The Swallows and Martins have been passing towards the south-west under the usual circumstance of a head wind. June 3rd, 1866. For some weeks past, a pair of Swallows have taken up their quarters, at night, in my coal cellar, a most miserably dark abode. Two iron stanchions, in the wall, side by side, afford them a good resting place. So tame are these birds, as to allow of my approaching near enough to touch them. The HousE MARTIN, Hirundo urbica, arrives ORAWITHOLOGICAZ NOTES. 93 about the seventh of May, and leaves the end of September. The earliest record I have of this bird is the twenty-fourth of March, when a single bird was seen by myself and a friend, hovering over a ditch near the wall between the two meres ; this occurred in 1868. The latest Nov. 24th, 1865, when one of these birds was seen by my brother, flying about the town lands. The Martin appears to return each year to its old nest, and every summer there is a “squabble” be- tween a pair of these birds and some sparrows, as to who shall get possession of an old habitation under- neath the eaves of this house. I have watched a pair of Martins both in the act of repairing a former tenement and putting up a new one alongside, in consequence of the very decayed condition of the old nest. AVov. 17th, 1866. This afternoon whilst Alexander, at Thorpe, was standing at the door of his hut looking to Seaboard, a Martin flew from that direction and Settled upon his hat. It was evidently in a starving condition, the stomach being quite empty and the bird exceedingly thin. Sep. 21st, 1864. There has been a remarkable. flight of House-Martins to-day, as also Sand- Martins from the north towards the south, the wind blowing gently from the latter direction. They passed, both high in the air and just above the surface of the ground, from half-past six a.m. till nine 94. AWOTES A BOUT A LDE BURGH. o'clock, without any intermission ; nearly all of them uttering their summer note. I do not think these birds are from this neighbourhood, as it is impos- . sible to discern any diminution in the number of those that frequent the houses in the town. These migrations probably consist of birds from more northerly parts, where the cold weather had begun to affect them. Of the SAND MARTIN, Hirundo riparia, I have only to add, that appearing on the 13th April, they are exceedingly numerous about the sand and Craig pits, in which they build, in large colonies. The nest is placed at the end of a long gallery, which is hollowed out of the soft material, by the birds them- selves. It is probable that each nest is used by several individuals, as it is very common to observe as many as five or six Martins go in and pass out of the same hole. The eggs are procured by means of a long brier, with a few thorns left attached. This is inserted into the cavity and turned round a few times, by which means the nest becomes entangled, and may be drawn out with the eggs in sità. THE ROCK PIPIT, Anthus aquaticus, Gould, was first observed during the November of 1868; since which time they have been abundant everywhere about the river, marshes, and meres. THE SHORE LARK, Alauda alpestris. I obtained ORAWITHOLOGICAL MVOTE.S. 95 this very rare bird at Thorpe, Nov. Ioth, 1864, a beautiful male specimen with finely developed ears. It was in company with another. At first I had no idea, but that they were common skylarks, so exactly did they resemble this species both in colour and gait, the distance being too great for me to discern the very peculiar Colour and markings about the chin and throat. I had fired at them simply to discharge my gun, which had been loaded Some days, and to secure one or both larks as food for my hawk. The second bird was very badly hit, as a heap of feathers, in- cluding those of the tail, very plainly indicated ; but, nevertheless, it took to wing, and for a time escaped. On the 16th November, however, this specimen was . brought me. It was met with on the beach and shot and proved to be also a male. It presented all the appearance of having been previously wounded, and the tail was deficient. The food consisted of small grass-seed, and the crop also contained several minute gravel stones. The pectoral muscles were greatly developed, and the wings longer in proportion than those of the skylark. SKYLARK, Alauda arvensis, Montagu. Oct. I9th, 1865. A most singular looking bird of this species was brought me to-day. It is black and white, with immensely developed spurs at least two inches in length. The plumage is unfortunately imperfect, the bird having been kept for Some time in a cage. 96 AWOTES A BOUT A LDEBURGH. Oct. 21st, 1867. A few days since, whilst driving to Sizewell, near the rifle butts, I observed an albino skylark, which was killed the following morning. There is considerably more white about the tail than is usual. The wing on one side has the two outer- most feathers of a pure white, whilst the left has three. The breast is much lighter in colour. I have frequently noticed about the Fen that one or two notes of the skylarks are quite exceptional, and almost identical with those of the redshank, a bird very abundant there during the Summer. SNOW BUNTING, Plectrophames nivalis, Selby, is a regular winter visitant, appearing in December and leaving again in February. Keeping to a few localities only, they seem to prefer a lee shingley spot, and may generally be found near Broadwater, the Martello tower, and Thorpe, especially opposite the coastguard station. They differ very greatly in plumage—the older birds being extremely beautiful. They make very interesting cage “pets,” and soon become re- markably tame. Their food consists of grass seed. THE BRAMBLING, or MOUNTAIN FINCH, Fringilla montifringilla, Montagu, visits this locality only during severe Snow—and then may be found associating with numberless small birds about wheat stacks. ORAWITHO/LOGICAL ANOTES. 97 Oct. 7th, 1863. A specimen was caught on the roof of the Lifeboat station at Thorpe. It was so ex- hausted as to allow of being taken by the hand. March 28th, 1865. The Mountain Finch has been very abundant here this season ; and, this I find has been generally the case throughout the county. My brother shot a female to-day, containing a number of impregnated eggs. & THE TREE SPARROW, Passer montanus, Ray, is by no means a rarity—having myself killed as many as seven or eight at a shot. We have been unable to distinguish the egg of this species from that of the common sparrow. THE SISKIN, Carduelis spinus, is but occasionally seen, and then only in the coldest weather. They frequent the small gardens in the town, and the beach facing the Craig path. THE TWITE, Linaria Montana, Selby, arrives at the beginning of October in very large numbers, and keeps to the flat lands at Thorpe and the saltings by the side of the river. This winter 1869 and 1870, great flocks of these birds are to be seen about the marsh land below Orford. They appear to feed upon the seed of the Aster Tripolium or star wort. The Twite is, a very lively little bird; and, when in flock, is continually moving from spot to {{ 98 AWOTES A BOUT A/L/DEBURGH. spot uttering its curious twittering note. One was brought me which had been wounded, and I kept it in a cage for some months; it was a very interesting pet, but died on the approach of warm weather. CROSSBILL, Doria curvirostra, Latham. Nov. 1861, obtained a specimen from Sizewell Belts. I followed this individual by its peculiar note, and found him perched on the top branch of a fir tree. We had much difficulty in securing this bird from the singular tenacity with which it held to the bough. I am since informed this is an example of the “Parrot cross- bill.” . . " - - Sep. 26th, 1868. To-day were brought me two Com- mon Crossbills, they had been killed near the Telegraph. A few days later two more birds of this species came into my possession, from the same locality. I have little doubt they must have bred there. . The Cross- bill appears only at long intervals. During the autumn of I864 I observed a dozen or more about the fir trees in the north field. They did not remain in the neighbourhood for more than a week. STARLING, Sturmus vulgaris, is a very common bird, as would be anticipated from the great amount of mere land in this locality. It is very usual to find an albino specimen amongst the great numbers that make up the flocks during the autumn and winter Oct. 16th, 1865. A very remarkable looking star- ORWITHOLOGICAL WOTES. 99 ling was brought to-day, which had been shot near the water mill at Thorpe. It is a male bird, and has its mandibles of the same shape as the Crossbill. DIPPER, Cinclus aquaticus, Selby. But one specimen has been obtained in the immediate neighbourhood. It was killed at Thorpe during the November of 1859, by Capt. James. I am informed these birds are oc- casionally seen in the river above Snape bridge. RING OUZEL, Turdus torquatus, Montagu. April 27th, 1865. . We have been visited lately by rather an exceptional species of bird—namely, the Ring Ouzel, three of which have come into my possession. They are exceedingly fat, and the organs of generation only slightly developed. The food consists of a number of small flies. May 4th, 1866. A Ring Ouzel was shot to-day, as usual, fat, , and badly developed. The former fact I take to be a certain indication, that these birds are only per viam, and would not breed in this neigbourhood. In May, I869, another specimen was procured on the town lands, in the same condition as above stated. - - BLACK REDSTART, Sylvia Tithys, Jenyns. Wov. 25th, 1868. We have often suspected this species to be an occasional visitor to this locality, having on several occasions seen a suspicious looking bird near the Martello tower, amongst the timber of Mr. Hunt's IOO AWOTES A BOUT A/L/DEBURGH. shipyard, and again further south, near the Light- house beach. A very splendid male was killed to- day in the latter locality. The black throat and breast are perfect. THE NIGHTINGALE, Sylvia luscimia, Pennant, ar- rives between the eighteenth and twenty-sixth of April, and are very numerous in the vicinity of Hazle- wood. 24% April, 1867. I accidentally shot a Night- ingale in my garden, on the extreme top of a large horse-chestnut tree, having mistaken this bird for a common warbler. The weapon employed, a blow-tube, did no serious amount of injury however, and with a little care it recovered. I let it fly, and for some days it continued about the garden enlivening us with its lovely song. The GOLDEN CRESTED WREN, Regulus cristatus, Ray. These birds visit us in very large numbers almost every October, and at that time many are found dead, especially about fir plantations. They search the trees in my garden every day, associating with the blue Tits; I have captured several of these birds in my entomological net, whilst standing under the apple trees. They are very tame, and will allow of my getting close to them. When examin- ing the trees for insects and larvae, their wings are in continual motion ; probably to support their bodies in the very queer attitudes they assume. ORAWITHO/LOGICA / NOTES. IOI Both the COMMON PARTRIDGE, Perdix cinerea, Latham, and the RED-LEGGED, Perdix rufa, are of course very abundant in this neighbourhood, where game preservation is carried to an extreme extent. The latter species was introduced by the late Marquis of Hertford, and has so rapidly increased as to en- danger the very existence of the British kind. They afford but very indifferent sport, seldom taking to wing within gun-shot ; but running at the first appearance of danger. In many places, such has been the bad effect of the introduction of the French bird, that their eggs are actually destroyed with a view to decrease their number. Pointer dogs are never now used in this locality, on account of the propensity of these partridges to run, and every sea- son much earlier than used to be the best and almost only chance of getting them is by “driving.” A number of these birds, and also Pheasants, are often captured upon the beach, or in the sea. It appears, that when the land in the rear of the town, is shot over, these birds frightened, take to wing ; and become perfectly bewildered at the sight of the sea, into which they are almost certain to drop ; or perhaps their better fortune may allow of their settling upon the shingle. Immediately there is a great rush of men from the “look out.” The Par- tridges or Pheasants seldom take to wing again, but run for protection towards the boats, where they are pretty certain to be picked up. In some IO2 AVOTES A BOUT A/LDEBURGH. cases the width of the river has proved too great for them to cross, and on one occasion a whole covey of nearly a score were thus secured. Many partridges are destroyed every year, by the tele- graph wires, against which they fly; I have found several of them, at different times, minus their heads, lying alongside the railway embankment. PALLAS SAND GROUSE. On Friday the 28th May, 1863, a covey of seven of these extraordinary birds made their appearance at Thorpe. They were observed to come from Seaboard, and alight im- mediately they had reached the shore, being appa- rently very fatigued. A beautiful female was shot out of the number and brought me; it is a most lovely species, partaking of the character of the Dove as well as the Grouse. The legs are extremely short, and the foot feathered down to the toes. There are many immature eggs of the size of a large pin's head in this specimen. The crop is distended with many small dark Seeds. I have planted Some, hoping they may germinate. It is just possible this might throw some light upon the question of the locality from which these birds have strayed. june 20th, 1863. Many more coveys of the Pallas Sand Grouse have visited this neighbourhood since my last note, and I have been fortunate enough to procure an extremely fine male. On Thursday the IIth inst., fifteen passed alongshore towards the ORAWITHOLOGICAL NOTES. IO3 South, and yesterday more than twenty were seen at Thorpe. July 2nd, 1863. The Pallas Sand Grouse still remain in the neighbourhood, keeping mostly to the shingley beach. I followed a number yesterday, nearly as far as Sizewell; but they were so extremely wild, it was not possible to get a shot. They fly very rapidly, as would be anticipated from the very sharp conformation of their wings, and their great length. I shall be able to determine in a few days the species of plant, upon the seed of which these birds have fed, as those planted have germinated, and are about flowering. July 25th, 1863. The last specimen of the Grouse obtained was killed to day, in a field of turnips, near the chapel barn. Altogether ten individuals of this species have been procured in this neighbourhood; the food plant proves to be the trifolium minus, or lesser trefoil. Nov. 22nd, 1863. Two Pallas Sand Grouse were were observed to-day at Thorpe. QUAIL, Perdix coturnia, Latham. I have only met with three examples of this species; the first in 1859, which was killed in the Fen at Thorpe; the second was caught on the terrace at the back of the town. Feb. 18th, 1864. It was a female containing many apparently impregnated eggs, but was extremely thin. The third was shot in 1865 amongst the pent- lands at Thorpe, IO4. AWOTES A BOUT A/C/D/EBURGAſ. “Signs of the times,” July 29th, 1866. For a period of about a month, we have had a strange ghost-like melody performed every night, by ap- parently several musicians. These sounds which resemble the words “weet, weet !” repeated very often, sometimes very loudly, and quickly shifting from spot to spot, might be heard in almost every part of the town, from sun-set till very late at night. Many have been the surmises as to these strange sounds; could they emanate from bats or frogs 2 I have with much care traced them as to spot; but can only guess as to origin. The melody comes from the first mere; and a day or two since by accident, seeing a water rail there, I am inclined to think these birds must be the authors of this peculiar noise. Aug. 5th. The musicians have not failed to give us their usual entertainment every night as heretofore. Whatever the cause, it must emanate from something which runs about very rapidly and keeps to the ground only. The mere from which these sounds come is covered with high grass and rushes, and is very Swampy. Although one can get apparently within a few feet of the noise, it seems impossible to get a view of the “cause.” The reason I feel disposed to assign the Sound to water-rails, is from the fact of flushing one a few days since; but the view was so short, that there may possibly have been a mistake as to the species. We have hunted the mere over with OA&AVYTHO/OG/CA/C AVO 7'E.S. IO5 r— several retrievers, a great many times, but with no SUICCCSS. Sep. 2nd. I am sorry to say since my last note, the “musicians” have ceased their melody, no doubt fearing for their lives, through the great interest ex- hibited by all of us on their behalf. From the fact of some quails having been seen of late in the neigh- bourhood, we are rather disposed to assign the cause to this species. The Rail may possibly have been a quail after all—the sight I had of it being so very short. LITTLE BUSTARD, Otis tetraa, Montagu. One of these birds, I believe, a female, was trapped at Size- well, in the autumn of 1859. It is a very beautiful specimen, and is now in the possession of E. Gar- rett, Esq. - The GREAT PLOVER, CEdicnemus crepitans, Selby, arrives about the middle of April, and leaves us in September. They frequent a few commons in the neighbourhood, ; namely, those at Iken, Sizewell, and at Thorpe, near the sheepwash. In the summer of 1866 four eggs of this bird were taken in the latter locality. The Norfolk Plover is extremely wary, but has often allowed me to approach very near to it when driving in my gig. It is curious to observe the position it assumes when on the “look out” in the event of danger—getting behind a furze bush or Ioé AVOTES A BOUT A LDAE BURGH. some brake fern, and elongating the neck consider- ably. They run with extreme rapidity. Aug. 20th, 1868. A young Thick Knee was brought me alive to-day, in very immature condition. It has a singular habit, when watched, of lying flat on the ground. There is not in this individual the same re- markable relative disproportion in the size of the eye, as appertains to the older bird. • The GOLDEN PLOVER, Charardrius Pluvialis, Mon- tagu, is a frequent visitor, and remains with us during the whole year, except the breeding season. They seem to prefer the higher lands, and especially turnip fields. s %any. 7th, 1866. A male bird in almost perfect Summer dress was brought me to-day. It was ob- tained in the mere. - The DOTTEREL, Charadrius morinellus, Montagu. August 25th, 1865. A specimen of the Dotterel was shot to-day, in the Lantern marshes, near Slaughden. It was in company with another, and appeared to be feeding amongst the mushrooms so abundant there. It proved to be an immature male, and the stomach contained a large quantity of beetles and larvae. A few days afterwards a second was killed in the same locality, no doubt the mate of the above. One of the keepers on the manor has in his ORAW/7 HO/COG/CA/. WOTES. Io? cottage a case containing four specimens of the Dotterel, in nearly perfect dress. These, I am in- formed, were obtained from a common near Iken, about fifteen years ago. At that time many fre- quented this particular place, and another example in the possession of Capt. Ferrand, was shot in the vicinity, at about the same date. - RINGED DOTTEREL, Charadrius hiaticula, Mon- tagu. This species is one of the earliest of this order to utter its welcome spring note. I have often heard this as early as February, and the bird then proceeds to take up its breeding quarters on the shingley beach at Thorpe and elsewhere. During the winter they move about in flocks, and associate with the oxbirds. Their nest is simply a small hollow scooped out of the shingle, containing a few fragments of broken shells. Eggs four in number; these, like other sea- side birds, from their extraordinary similarity to the general colour of the stones, are very difficult to find, except with the assistance of a dog. The parent birds are extremely demonstrative when their locality is in- vaded. As soon as the young are hatched, they immediately run in the event of threatened danger, or otherwise conceal themselves by lying flat upon the shingle. KENTISH PLOVER, Charadrius Cantianus, Latham. June Ist, 1869. Two male specimens of this bird Io8 AVO 7'A'S A BOOT A L/DE BURGA". were killed on the Haven sands, at Thorpe. This is the only occurrence of this species hitherto met with. The GREY PLOVER, Squaſarola cinerea, Selby. It is necessary to mention that at two seasons of the year, namely, the end of April and the beginning of May, and again in August and the early part of Sep- tember, the whole of the species of migratory waders are found here in the greatest abundance and finest con- dition. In the first instance, they are only resting on their way north to their nesting quarters, from whence they return in August. Many of these birds have, in May, assumed their full nuptial dress; and the Grey Plover, which, during the winter, is comparatively so ordinary-looking as to plumage, is now clothed in a most lovely garb, his jet black breast and mottled head, making him a most conspicuous object. It is singular that with this change of feathers, there is a perceptible alteration of character. During the winter Season these birds are tolerably easy of access, and numbers are generally obtained with the utmost ease. On one occasion, a friend and myself, on the river obtained fifteen in the course of a morning's sail. As soon, however, as May arrives they are only to be got at with the utmost difficulty. This seems a wise pro- vision of Providence, as otherwise, this species would be seriously endangered, if not wholly exterminated. I met with this bird in nuptial plumage first, during the summer of 1865, when two were killed at Thorpe. ORAWITHOLOGICAL MVOTES. Io9 Every season since, they have appeared in greater or lesser numbers, generally most abundant about the twentieth of May. When they return in Sep- tember, they have resumed their winter dress; and some remain in the neighbourhood all the winter, while others no doubt pass on to other localities. Whenever the weather is very cold, with a strong wind, these birds, associated with Dunlins, Knots, and Ringed Plovers, are usually to be found in large numbers feeding about the river-side mud. The PEEWIT, Vanellus cristatus, Selby, arrives about the fifth of March, generally associated in flocks. These are shortly afterwards broken up, and each pair resorts to its breeding quarters. They are very abundant about the commons and meres; but extremely interesting from the great affection they display towards their young. I have often seen them dash at my dog, almost striking him, when we have been intruding on their grounds; and in the event of the young being hatched, and unable to save themselves by flight, the parent birds in the most fearless and reckless manner possible, will pass back- wards and forwards close to the trespasser. I have frequently observed, during the nesting season; that noisy and demonstrative as the Pewit is when first disturbed; as soon as the eggs are in danger of being discovered, she will cease any further attempt to draw away the intruder, and put off to a distance, evidently I IO AWOTES A BOUT A/L7)/2A(VRGAZ. in utter despair. Great numbers of the eggs are taken every season, and it is only from the fact of this bird's diffusion over common land, which is preserved, as well as mere, that it is not entirely exterminated. The nest is simply a slight depression in the grass, and generally contains four eggs. The young Peewits collect together in great flocks during autumn, and with the old birds frequent the river- side, from whence they migrate; but only partially, as during the cold weather of winter, especially when there is much snow about, they return in large numbers, but again disappear as soon as a change takes place. - The TURNSTONE, Strepsilas interpres, Selby. This bird appears in small flocks, at the two seasons before mentioned, May and September. They do not breed in this locality, but as in other cases, are only “per viam,” I have obtained many specimens of this bird, both when going and returning ; and certainly in the former event, the plumage of the male with its lovely tortoishell coloured back, renders it one of the most beautiful of our British birds. SANDERLING, Arenaria Calidris, Gould. My earliest record of this species, is the twentieth of June, 1866, when a small number visited Thorpe; of these three were shot, and came into my possession. %an. 6th, 1867. During the last month, some ORAW/TAYO/LOG/CAZ AWOTES. III Sanderlings have frequented a little grassy swamp in the first mere near the mill; and I have succeeded in obtaining a female in perfect winter dress, at a distance these birds when on the ground appear to be almost perfectly white. - - - May 19th, 1867. We have had some good waders about lately, the mere being in most excellent con- dition. I have procured one Sanderling, which was associating with some Oxbirds. The following day three more specimens came to hand, which had been killed on the haven-sands. Another fell to my gun a few days later out of a large flock of Dunlins. Two of these individuals were in summer dress, the others only partly so. OYSTER CATCHER, Hamatopus ostralegus, Montagu, was formerly much more abundant than now, and used to breed in large numbers about the mere land at Thorpe. I am informed some years since six of these birds were killed at a single shot, alongshore, between Aldeburgh and Thorpe. Three seasons since an Oyster Catcher was brought me alive. It had been caught aboard a smack, some miles to seaboard, having flown against the skylight, during a very dark night. I kept it for some time, in the garden, where it fed upon mussels and fish, HERON, Ardea cinerea, Latham, is to be seen com- monly about the river and meres, there being an extensive heronry at Blackheath, near Friston, in II 2 MOTES A BOUT ALDEBURGH. Some fir trees by the river-side. They are extremely wary, and however busily employed in eating their food, never forget to put off at the first appearance of danger. They require very hard hitting, I have several times, apparently killed these birds; but before we could get near enough to secure them, they have recovered and taken to wing. They breed early in the Spring, and generally rear two broods each season. The nest is only the old one of the previous year enlarged, so that in process of time these have become of an enormous size. The male assists in the process of incubation, and does not acquire its full plumage until May, when the hackles at the back of the head and below the breast are very long and handsome. The Heron is extremely Savage in disposition, even when young ; and it requires Some care, in Sending a dog after a wounded specimen. They always strike with their formidable beak, and direct the blow towards the eye. A young bird brought me last Summer, was a source of much amusement, from the exceedingly awkward manner in which he stood when annoyed. Certainly this individual had not studied the law of the centre of gravity, and it was a puzzle, from the manner in which he would throw his body backward, how he Could possibly maintain his equilibrium. This heron took food greedily, pieces of skate, Small soles, and eels. It was only from his evil habit of attacking everybody, and thing it came near, that O/PAV/7"HO/LOGICA V. NOTE.S. II3 I was compelled to part with it. In the first place it shewed some affection for a tame duck which, being an invalid, was allowed to wander about the garden, but speedily this attention gave place to bad temper; and, one morning we discovered the unfortunate duck was much injured about the head. The Heron then succes- sively attacked my old Cuba dog and the Hobby hawk, and was finally obliged to be sent away. It was put into another garden in the town, where it became such a nuisance from its Savage disposition, that it was again given away. These birds are very good for the table, the flesh is dark, but sweet, apparently a combination of hare and goose. The local name for them is “Frank,” so called from the peculiarity of their note or call. The NIGHT HERON, Ardea grised, Linnaeus, has occurred at Orford, where two specimens were killed some few years since. They unfortunately escaped my notice at the time. WHITE STORK, Ciconia alba, Selby. A single bird was seen during the cold winter of 1860 and 1861 several times, alongside the river, between Slaughden and Snape. It only remained a few days, and associated with the Herons. Through this cause the bird escaped, as on more than one occa- sion, their timely warning saved him from an other- wise certain death. I I I4. AWOTES A BOUT ALDEBURGH. THE SPOONBILL, Platalea leucorodia, Montagu. Several instances have occurred of this species having been found here; the first, in my recollection, being during the summer of 1861, when a fine female was shot at Thorpe, and brought me. Aug. 4th, 1862. Two Spoonbills were killed at a single shot to-day, in the upper part of the river, near Blackheath. 1864. A very handsome specimen of the above was met with in the mere at Thorpe, and is in the pos- session of Col. Thellusson. June 20th, 1863. Spoonbills have been unusually frequent this season; one was observed last week on the river—and two the following day, at Thorpe, June 30th, 1866. Four of these birds were seen to- day in the mere, whence they passed to the river, where they were observed by John Cable. They afterwards returned to Thorpe, minus one of their number. t . . - June 15th, 1867. Two Spoonbills have been fre- quenting the first mere for Some days past, but are ex- tremely shy. They are beautiful specimens, of a snowy-white colour. When on wing they extend their necks considerably; and, like the heron, carry their legs stretched out to their full extent, behind them. The birds have the appearance of large white crosses, and fly with ease and grace. Oct. 23rd, 1867. Two immature Spoonbills were killed to-day at Stanney. I have never before seen ORAW/THO/LOGICAZ AWOTES. II 5 such young examples in this locality. It was impos- sible to determine the sex of either, the bodies being much “broken up" and decomposed. It will be seen that these birds occur generally during the early Summer and autumn ; their favourite resorts being the upper part of the river, and the meres at Thorpe. They are extremely shy, and generally associate with the Heron; were it not for this bird, the Spoonbill would be much oftener obtained. At the least appearance of danger, the Heron rises, uttering his cry of “frank,” and thus warning the Spoonbill who, of course, immediately follows the example and “puts off.” I am informed these birds formerly bred in the neighbourhood ; but, such an event has not occurred of late years. Some sea- sons since, however, a remarkable looking egg was brought me, which had been found on the Haven sands, and which agrees to a certain extent with the description of the Spoonbill's. BITTERN, Boſaurus stellaris, Selby. This is a rare visitor, occurring usually during the winter only. A specimen was obtained in 1860, and another in 1861, in the immediate locality. - %any. I5th, 1868. A remarkably handsome male bird was killed in the fen at Thorpe. The food had consisted of beetles, a great number of which were contained in the stomach. Another specimen, probably the II6 AVOTES A BOUT A/./DEBURGAſ. female, was met with near the same spot, a few days afterwards. CURLEW, AWumenius arguata, Pennant, is not so abundant now as it was some years ago. A few of these birds remain with us during the entire year, and may be frequently seen at Iken. They do not breed in this locality, and are probably very aged individuals. There are a few spots more especially frequented by the Curlews, particularly the saltings by the river side below the Martello tower, Blackstakes and Havers- gate Island. They are very difficult to get at, and require hard hitting. The Curlew will often answer to a “call,” and seems to be of a very inquisitive disposition, like the Whimbrel. They will often come within range of a dog when widely retrieving. The Curlews vary very greatly in size ; in some in- stances, being half as large again as others, and there is often a great disproportion in the length of the beak. WHIMBREL, Numenius pharopus, Pennant, is very regular in its advent, arriving the early part of May, and remaining about three weeks. They are much more easy to shoot when they first appear, and soon become exceedingly shy. Associating together in large flocks, they may often be heard at night-time passing over the town when the gas lamps are lighted. This is especially the case during September, when ORNITHOLOGICAL WOTES. I 17 they are returning from their nesting quarters, north of us. In May, 1867, I observed for several days, a most extraordinary albino specimen in company with a large flock of Whimbrels. It was of a perfect cream colour. SPOTTED REDSHANK, Totamus fuscus, Selby. Five specimens only have come under my notice. Aug. 21st, 1865. Whilst at Thorpe, to-day, Alex- ander killed two beautiful specimens of the Spotted Redshank, females, from a large flock. Azg. 22nd. Another of these birds was killed to- day at Thorpe. Aug. 26th, 1865. A fourth example occurred from the same locality. All these birds although remarka- bly handsome, were immature. Aug. 20th, 1866. A fifth Spotted Redshank was shot in the first mere. REDSHANK, Scoloffat calidris, Montagu. These birds appear about the fifteenth of March, and are exceedingly numerous about the meres, river sides and commons. Their note is extremely varied, and when undisturbed, they may be frequently seen hovering at a great height in the air, moving their wings now slowly, then rising in the manner of a lark, the action of the wings being very rapid ; at the same time II8 AVO 7'ES A BOUT A/LDAA; UAEGA/. uttering a peculiar monotonous Sound, quickly re- peated. The Redshanks occur more or less in flocks on their first arrival, and are then very shy; but, during the breeding season they become bold and noisy, often making the air resound with their cries. The nest is very similar both in position and appearance to that of the Lapwing ; it is, however, a slightly more elabo- rate affair, and oftentimes placed in the centre of a rush- bed. The eggs are much sought after and are not unlike those of the Peewit. The young, if disturbed, will frequently take to the water and swim with considerable ease. As in the case of the Ringed Plover, as soon almost as hatched, if intruded upon, it will run or otherwise conceal itself by lying upon the shingle. Although the Redshanks disappear in the autumn, the migration must be only partial, as during cold winters, like the Pewit, they return in considera- ble numbers. WOOD SANDPIPER, Tringa glareola, Montagu. This species frequents the first mere; moving about in small flocks, they resemble the Green Sandpiper, the note being almost similar. They are, however, smaller, and the flight higher. They alight in the same sudden manner as the Snipe. I have obtained many examples of this bird, and should class them as generally abundant in May and August. The earliest record of this species is the sixth of August, 1865, when two specimens were procured. ORAWITHOLOG/CAM, AVOTES. II9 May 19th, 1867. I killed three Wood Sandpipers in the first mere, out of a small flock. Aug. 9th, 1867. A flight of Wood Sandpipers have of late frequented the first mere; out of which, four individuals have been procured. Many others have at different times come to hand. I would suggest that the proper name of the species ought to be Wood's, and not the Wood Sandpiper, as these birds do not frequent any but the most open meres in this neighbourhood. It is scarcely necessary to add that, arriving in May, this species does not remain for a longer time than about a fortnight; but departs to its northern quarters, from whence it returns in August, and speedily again leaves us, COMMON SANDPIPER, 77°inga hypoleucos, Montagu, is a tolerably abundant species. It occurs early in May, but remains a few days only, departing to its more northerly summer abode, and returning here towards the end of July or beginning of August. These birds especially frequent the vicinity of ditches, and the river side, where there are piles covered with seaweed. They never appear to associate in flocks, as they do in Devonshire. The Common Sandpiper has a curious habit of moving its tail, when running, very like the wagtail. They are invariably very fat. GREENSHANKS, Scolopaw glottis, Montagu, is fre- I2O AWOTES A BOUT A/L/D/2/3 UAEGA/. quently met with, especially during May. These birds remain with us, in small numbers throughout the year; except during the breeding Season, June and July. Oct. 7th, 1866. Three Greenshanks were killed by a shot to-day, on the river, above Slaughden. Many more have at different times come into my possession, They vary very greatly in plumage; the older indi- viduals being much whiter about the breast, and of an extremely delicate grey over the back. The note somewhat resembles that of the Redshank, but the bird appears to be more black and white when flying. It is very shy, but like many others of this class, whether from a spirit of curiosity, or otherwise, they may often be brought within gun shot by means of a call to imitate their note. AVOCET, Recurvirostra avocetta, Selby. A very rare species. A single specimen, a male, in the pos- session of Col. Thellusson, was killed some years since at Baudrecourt plain, below Slaughden. It had been followed from the latter place, where it was observed in company with another flying about the dock. This occurred early in the spring of the year 1840. One was seen in the marshes near Slaughden during the summer of 1862. I have been informed by a trustworthy old “gunner,” since dead, that he could distinctly recollect this species, called by the local ORAWITHO/OGICA/. WOTES. I2 I name of the “awl bird,” breeding not unfrequently in the mere lands at Thorpe. BLACK-TAILED GODWIT, M.7mosa melanzera, Tem- minck. Only two specimens have come under my notice. These were obtained in the summer of 1863. Aug. 29%, at Stanney point above Slaughden, and proved to be immature males. BAR-TAILED GODWIT, Limosa rufa, Brisson. May 24%, 1866. A great many of the common or Bar- tailed Godwit have appeared about the Thorpe meres and river. Such an occurrence has not taken place since 1860 ; although every spring and autumn a few visit us. I have had several brought me, and find invariably the female is much the larger bird, and has an ashcoloured breast, whilst the male is more or less of a beautiful cinnamon colour about the throat and chin. The difference in weight was very remarkable in one instance the male weighing six ounces and a half, and the female ten ounces. RUFF, Machetes pugnax, Selby. I have obtained only one mature individual of this species, a Reeve, in May, 1867. It was in company with several others in the Thorpe mere. The younger birds are very abun- dant in August and the early part of September, I22 NOTES A BOUT A LDAE BURGH. almost every season, and differ remarkably from the older individuals. THE WOODCOCK, Scolopax: rusticola, Montagu. This species occurs especially during the months of September, October, and November. It always appears under the circumstance of a north-west wind. I have not been able to trace its advent at any other time. Living, as we do, close to the sea-side, we have often the opportunity of observing these birds, actually “underweigh’ from over the sea towards land. The flight is exceedingly rapid, directly against the wind, and the Woodcock has a peculiar manner of describ- ing circles, something on the principle of a screw. As soon as the land is reached, it will drop into the most curious spots for rest and shelter, oftentimes in the small gardens facing the houses alongside the craig path ; sometimes in the streets themselves ; occa- sionally on the bare shingle, under cover of a fishing boat, and great is the rushing of men and dogs, in the event of Such occurring, every one being anxious to give these illustrious visitors a warm reception. Woodcock are occasionally killed by flying against the glass of the lanterns of the lighthouses during the night ; indeed, frequent examples of this have oc- curred almost every autumn. Oct. 14th, 1864. The wind is now north-west, and numbers of Woodcock have been seen, and many shot. A curious incident occurred to-day, at Thorpe. A OA&AWITHO/LOG/CA/L NOTES. 123 Woodcock, no doubt exceedingly fatigued from its long flight, as Soon as it had reached the shore, resolved to take a “nap,” and for greater security got into a “Corf,” a wooden apparatus for holding fish. A little girl observing this, in her own words, “played with it,” and actually pulled out some of the feathers. The bird remained quite quiet until this experiment was performed, when it took to wing, and was after- wards killed amongst the pentlands. The lands to the west of the town are a favourite resort of Woodcock; but, these remain only until the evening, and then pass further inland. Usually to go after any Wood- cock reported to have been seen, is attended with no success. We have often been led into a fruitless chase, in the following manner:-somebody is kind enough to come in haste, with the intelligence of having seen, perhaps, three Woodcocks, of course he had left them guite undisturbed. I take my dog and gun, and rush to the spot indicated, only to find the birds are flown. The fact, is, that, A, when strolling about, flushes a Woodcock, which alights at a short distance only from him ; again the same bird is disturbed—certainly number two Woodcock in his calendar. This may occur a third time, and so one bird, which now, per- haps, settles somewhere—the exact locality not known —is multiplied into three individuals. They often lie very close, and a good dog is almost indispensable when looking for them. I24 AWOTES A BOUT A/.../DEBURGH. GREAT or SOLITARY SNIPE, Scolopax major, Mon- tagu. I have not as yet obtained a specimen of this bird, although they have been seen on several occa- sions, occurring generally in August. In 1867 a friend of mine shot at one in the town land, and the bird fell, apparently dead. Unfortunately a deep ditch had to be crossed in order to reach the Snipe, the gun being handed to me. Before, however, the bird could be secured, it recovered itself and got away. A beautiful specimen was killed in 1860, on the Fen; but, considering its rarity was “stuffed” in quite a different manner from what a Naturalist could have desired : namely, as a “bon bouche” for dinner. I saw this Snipe directly after it was killed; but had no opportunity of testing its weight. - GOULD'S SNIPE, Scolopax russata, Gould. I ob- tained a female weighing six ounces and a quarter, in the first mere, August 21st, 1867. It was a single bird, and when flushed made no sound whatever, Both the COMMON SNIPE, Scolopaw gal/imago, Mon- tagu, and the JACK, Scolopaz gallinula, are at certain seasons very abundant about the fen, meres, and river saltings; especially during the autumn and early spring. The former occasionally breed in the locality; and four eggs came into my possession in April, 1867, which had been found in the fen, another nest ORNITAOLOGICAL MVOTES. I25 having been taken from the same locality, the pre- vious week. The CURLEW SANDPIPER, or PIGMy CURLEW, Tringa subarquata, Selby. 21st May, 1861. A male bird in full dress was brought me. It had been killed by a stone in the Street. Aug. 22nd, 1865. To-day, amongst several Pigmy Curlews in winter dress, one was obtained in partial summer plumage. Aug. 26th. Three more specimens in winter dress were procured at Thorpe. Aug. 30th, 1866. Pigmy Curlews have been un- usually abundant, and many have come into my possession. May 19th, 1867. A very beautiful male bird in perfect summer plumage, was brought me. It was obtained at Thorpe. Aug. 3rd, 1867. Two Curlew Sandpipers, in full or nuptial dress, were killed at Thorpe this day. From the above it will be seen that this species is by no means rare at the two seasons of the year, Spring and early Autumn. KNOT, Tringa Canutus, Montagu. Three examples only of this bird, in summer dress, have come under my notice. The first occurred during the May of 126 AWOTES A BOUT AZDAEBURGH. 1866, a female. The second, a few days afterwards; but, this specimen was unfortunately too much de- composed to be of any service. The third, in the summer of 1869. The Knot, in winter, is a very common species, and frequents the river sides in company with the Oxbird. In May, they have as- sumed their nuptial dress; and, like the Grey Plover, become very shy. They return, as in the other cases, in August and September, and have then generally resumed their winter plumage. Both the LITTLE STINT, Tringa pusilla, Montagu, and Temminck's Tringa Temminckii, are to be found in this locality during August and September. They associate together in small flocks, and seem to prefer the margins of large ponds or pools, and especially those near the tramway at Thorpe, Sep 9th, 1865. Out of a flock of six, that occurred to-day at Thorpe, my brother shot one Temminck and two Little Stints. Sep. 12th. Another Temminck, a female, was ob- tained from the same locality to-day. - May 20th, 1866. I procured a very handsome Tem- minck's Stint, as also a Little, both males, from Thorpe, out of a flock of five individuals. Aug. 30th. Two Little Stints and a Temmincks' came into my possession from the mere at Thorpe. The note of these birds is very peculiar ; and both species of Stints are very difficult to get at, ORAWITHO/LOGICAL AWOTAE.S. 127 We have invariably found, when out after waders, the most successful plan is to take up Some likely position, and watch for any that may pass Overhead. This is a much better method than attempting to stalk them. The DUNLIN, Tringa variabilis, Selby, is a very abundant species about the river and meres. They assume the summer dress in the beginning of May; but many Oxbirds as Dunlins in the latter plumage, remain with us during the whole of the summer. We can only observe a diminution in their numbers about Thorpe, and this is often dependent rather upon the fact of these birds having betaken themselves to the river—the mere becoming perfectly dry. I think it possible those that do remain are young birds that would not breed that Summer, and the older individuals only go north. It is quite certain the Dunlin does not breed in this locality; and, of those I have been able to obtain during the Summer, there has been no indication of any develop- ment of the generative organs; besides which, they have invariably proved extremely fat. During the winter these birds collect together in immense flocks, and frequent the river sides, associating with the Grey Plover and Knots. They will often settle upon a block of ice, in very severe weather, and “huddle * together, apparently to keep each other warm. Under Such circumstances, some remarkable shots 128 AVOTES A BOUT A/LDEBURGH. have been made; on one occasion no less than ninety-eight individuals being killed at a single shot with a big duck gun. An albino specimen of the Dunlin, entirely white, but in bad dress, was killed at Thorpe, Aug. 26th, 1865. The PURPLE SANDPIPER, Tringa maritima, Pen- nant, is not an abundant visitor here. I obtained one specimen in 1861. Nov 1st, 1866. Two Purple Sandpipers were met with and killed alongshore, between Aldeburgh and Thorpe. They were very tame, and when fired at, flew but a short distance, alighting again immediately. The food had consisted of small shell fish, and appa- rently some organic matter derived from the mud cars. During the winter of 1869, a Purple Sandpiper was killed near the north field ; and, a few days later I observed another, frequenting the margins of a pool, near the wall between the two meres, LANDRAIL. Crew pratensis, Selby. This bird, al- though by no means abundant, has occurred almost every year in greater or lesser numbers. They do not breed in this neighbourhood. Whilst snipe- shooting in the Fen, in 1861, I met with an indivi- dual of this species as late in the season as Dec. 17th. Sep. 4th, 1865. A male Landrail was brought me alive. It had, in some incomprehensible manner, be- ORAWITHO/LOGICA/. WOTES. I29 come so firmly entangled in a bush, as to be pre- vented from getting away, and, being observed, was easily taken. May 13th, 1866. A few days ago, a Landrail was caught in a greenhouse in the town. It had proba- bly been migrating. The bird, being quite uninjured, was put into a large cage, where it lived Some days. It fed freely out of the hand, and seemed to prefer the ordinary earth-worm. - SPOTTED CRAKE, Crew porgana, Selby, is not un- common, especially about the fen. These birds are met with only during the autumn, and are very difficult to “flush.” From this fact alone, it is pro- bable they are here, and in other places, frequently overlooked. I am not aware of the nest having been discovered in the locality; but, have little doubt they do occasionally breed in the fen. Another favourite haunt of this species is a large reed bed by the river wall, near Hazlewood, from whence a specimen W2LS obtained, Oct. 5th, 1868. - The earliest record I have of this bird is Oct. 2 Ist, I863, when two were killed the same morning, in Thorpe fen. Another during the autumn of 1864, in the same locality. Since then, a third example has been obtained. The fen is so large and well- covered a tract of boggy marsh, that the finding of a - Spotted Crake, without the assistance of a good dog, must always be a matter of the merest accident. º K I 30 AWOTAES A BOUT A/L/D/EBURGAſ. WATER RAIL, A'al/us aquaticus, Montagu. Se- veral Specimens have been brought me. They are mostly obtained during the coldest weather of winter; being, then, often frozen out of the large reed beds near Snape. Like the Spotted Crake, they are, under Ordinary circumstances, with the greatest difficulty, flushed. They occasionally breed in the neighbour- hood. I received several eggs of this species in I862. WATER HEN, Gallimula Chloropus, Montagu, is very abundant about the reed beds in the neigh- bourhood ; as, also, on some of the small inland ponds. Many eggs of this bird are taken every Season. In one instance that came under my obser- vation, no less than twenty-six were obtained from a single pair, namely, three nests, containing respec- tively, nine, nine, and eight eggs. Some seasons since, a moor hen was brought me, which had been captured whilst asleep on the parapet of a house in the town. COOT, Fulica atra, Montagu. I am informed that these birds, some years ago, regularly bred in great numbers in this locality; but they entirely desert us now before the nesting season. They are, how- ever, frequent visitors in very cold weather, and afford most excellent sport ; besides which, they are highly esteemed for the table. They appear in very OR/VITA/O/LOGYCA/L WOTES. I31 large flocks, and seem to prefer the upper part of the river and the first mere at Thorpe. On their arrival they are very tame, and allow of an easy approach ; but not so after having been much shot at. The Coot, when wounded and about to be picked up, will often turn upon its back, and strike out with both legs, Scratching in a very Savage manner with its sharp claws. They require hard hitting, and can be best obtained in the following manner —land at the most convenient place for shelter, and within easy gunshot of a particular spot where these birds can be driven to ; then send the boat, so as to be rowed slowly backwards and forwards in a semicircular manner, at a greater or less distance from the Coots. By this means they can be driven to the exact spot required; and good shooting may be easily obtained, especially as, when they first come over, one or more repetitions of the experiment will generally succeed. The Coots frequent the sides of the river, sitting very closely together, and here very great numbers have often been killed at a single shot, with a duck gun. I never myself obtained more than four at once. This occurred near Blackstakes, the Coots being assembled on a little salting, as they rose, I fired into the thick mass of above thirty. One of the wounded fell into the river, and was eventually cap- tured by my servant. Its power of diving seemed extraordinary. I have seen Coots sitting comfort- ably upon a gate-post, and hardly caring to move off I 32 NOTES ABOUT AZDAEBURGH. at my approach ; and, then, only to take to the water like tame ducks. The flesh of this bird is very dark. There are a few women in the town who are regularly employed to prepare the Coot for Cooking, at a certain price each. It appears that the “down" underneath the feathers is so close and thick, that they are obliged to remove it by first rubbing the surface with powdered resin–afterwards dipping the entire body into hot water. By this means the resin becomes dissolved, and, mingling with the down, allows it to be removed with tolerable ease. The GREY PHALOROPE, Phalaropus loãatus, Be- wick. This species has not unfrequently been ob- tained here. The first that came into my possession occurred Sep. I Ith, 1863. It was shot in the mere at Thorpe. The stomach contained black mud and some remains of water-beetles. We unfortunately lost a fine specimen during the winter of 1864. Having killed it as it was flying alongshore, it fell into the sea, and the wind, being westerly, carried it far away. A Grey Phalarope was obtained about Christmas, I865, at Baudrecourt Plain, below Slaugh- den. Sep., 1866. Another individual of this species, a male, was brought me. It had been shot in the mere; and, the following morning I succeeded in getting a second from the same locality, likewise a male. The flight of this bird is extremely graceful ; ORAWITHOLOG/CA/L NOTES. I33 and the Phalarope will occasionally alight on the water, swimming with the utmost ease. The neck is then greatly extended, and the head is continually nodding. In two instances we have found the food to have consisted of the larvae of dragon flies. All the individuals in my collection are in perfect winter dress, or nearly So. wº I 34. AVO 7'ES A BOUT A/L/D/EBURGH. CHAPTER VIII. WILD FOWL. “High o'er the restless deep above the reach Of gunner's hope vast flights of wild-ducks stretch ; Far as the eye can glance on either side In a broad space and level line they glide; All in their wedge-like figures from the north, Day after day, flight after flight, go forth.” CRABBE. HE sport occasioned by the arrival of these T birds, tends considerably to make amends for the otherwise monotonous condition the town always “drifts into,” in consequence of the depar- ture of the visitors, and of the warm and genial weather of Summer and early Autumn. As soon as the falling leaf has warned us that stern winter is again approaching, great preparations are made for the ensuing duck Campaign. Old guns that have, perhaps, remained loaded ever since the last season, and become rusted from their long acquaintance with the “Kitchen Beam,” are now brought to light “cleaned and oiled.” Punts are newly and variously painted, according to each owner's fancy, SO as to render them as inconspicuous as possible. In fact, the ORAVITA/O/LOG/CAM, AVO 7TE.S. I35 whole of the “gear” of any and every sort apper- taining to wild-fowl shooting, is now put into ser- viceable order, and each sportsman is determined to out-do his neighbour “if the Fowl will only come.” Unfortunately this “if” is a very practical difficulty; and many a winter we find ourselves, well prepared, and “found,” as we may be, very much in the position of an organ minus its “pipes”—there is no music For just at the critical time of the season, we often have nothing but west and northerly winds, so that the fowl pass on the Dutch side, instead of ours. We generally, however, get a few flights at the com- mencement of winter, mostly of fen birds, no doubt driven out of the shallow ponds and meres, to the north of us, by early frosts. These ducks “of the period’ are much larger, fatter, and finer birds, than those that belong to the regular winter flights from Norway. But about the first week in January, in the event of a good easterly wind blowing for some days, immense flocks of wild-fowl of various kinds, from geese downwards, are Continually passing along- shore in countless thousands. Now is the time for our shooting, the river and the meres being just the right quarters for these winged travellers. Various means are employed for obtaining these birds; and foremost among them, stands punting. A most dangerous looking Craft, long and narrow, more or less pointed at both extremities, painted white or lead colour, constitutes the punt. This is flat bot- I 36 AWO TAES A BOUT A/L/DEAE UAGAZ. tomed, and when afloat has the gunwale but a few inches above the surface of the water. The gun, Sometimes a miniature cannon, very long and painted a whitish colour, is pointed over the bow and rests upon the “head sheets,” the forward covered surface of the punt, and is often kept in sità by means of a Hawker's spring and check ropes, so as to govern the rebound. The punt is propelled by means of small oars or paddles, and these are exchanged on near- ing the fowl for smaller ones. The sportsman now lies upon his chest at the bottom of the craft, with his face in close proximity to the stock of the gun, and uses the Small paddles by resting his wrist on either gunwale, N.B. A good pile of grass or rushes under the chest, prevents a certain disagree- able neck-breaking sensation. As soon as the fowl rise, he fires; and, in this manner, I have known up- wards of a score killed at a single shot. “Steady” . must be the order of the day in managing a punt; as, if only the slightest movement, is made, one is likely to get a “ducé '' without firing a shot. The dress of the punter is often very peculiar and eccentric; white is generally the colour, and flannel the ma- terial, although I have known a “white shirt” worn outside all, in default of a better garment. The head- covering, too, is very various, and altogether calcu- lated to prevent a man recognising his own brother. The punting is carried on both by day and by night, especially the latter. A good moonlight affords the ORAVITA/O/LOG/CAM, AVOTES. I37 best chance. I have often been surprised to witness the extraordinary skill displayed in “handling” these crafts, and how quietly and cleverly a punter will Sometimes pass single birds, without disturbing them, to reach the “knot ” itself, from which these indi- viduals have strayed. But, as in everything else, up to the mark as the punter may be, he is occasionally doomed to severe disappointment I am informed by an “original,” “he once had a ‘boutiful' chance, at ever so many Fowl in the “fudder mere,' the wind blowing a stiff “easter’; so with big gun and punt he proceeded after them. Coming up close alongside the fowl, he fired and never killed a single bird As he pulled the trigger, the roughened water, as if in pity for the Widgeon, gave an uncanny heave, and so the “original” put his charge into the water, a few feet only ahead of the punt. “Dang it,” said he, “I should have got a ‘Zack full,' anyhow, if it had not been for that ere.” Another very favourite style of sport is “flighting.” There are a few localities especially favourable for this kind of shooting; namely, “Stanney,” a large mud-flat in the vicinity of “Cob” island, in the upper part of the river; the river wall near the town lands; and the two meres at Thorpe. This shooting, which is followed at the early commencement and close of each day, is quite peculiar. A tolerable amount of practice as well as guessing, is actually requisite in order to get into the way of it. The birds generally 138 AVO 7'ES A BOUT A/L/DEAEURGAſ. fly against the wind, and are, of course, about to alight in the immediate vicinity, probably on the marshes and flats, for food. The principle of “flight- ing” is to fire as rapidly as possible at these birds as they pass by, and to allow of plenty of distance, by shooting ahead of them. The “sight” or view of the fowl is exceedingly short, in many cases almost in- stantaneous. A cloudy night is best for this sport, as the objects “loom' out and form a more conspicuous mark. Some people use small horns of leather or paste- board placed over the barrel of the gun near the “sight,” So as to localise more especially the object aimed at ; but, I have never seen much advantage result from this. When the fowl fly directly towards the “flighter,” he generally allows them to pass overhead, taking them as they fly from him, and aiming low, otherwise, in most cases, the shot will prove a failure. I imagine the feathers of the breast, from their direc- tion and compactness, will often cause the shot to glance off, and this is rendered more probable when the fact of their having such a very hard breast bone underneath, is taken into consideration. I do not recollect to have ever seen this bone fairly pene- trated by a shot in any of the duck tribe; and the same is the experience of many of the wildfowl shooters here. i Another method is to follow fowl that have alighted on the river, in a sailing-boat. This sport is, to my mind, the most enjoyable of all ; but, unfortunately, OR/V/THO/LOGICAL AWOTES. 139 is not attended with as great success as punting. But this is materially counterbalanced by the greater space and freedom of movement, and the comfort of a cabin and stove in the intensely cold weather of our winters. The excitement is very great when bearing down upon a “knot” of wild-fowl; and, success de- pends more than anything upon the “nattiness” with which the boat Itself is handled. To shake the craft “up in the wind” for an instant, is to ensure a failure; for, at the least noise of flapping sails or cordage, the birds are sure to put off. The question always arises, “can we reach the fowl on this ‘tack' or shall we get above, put about, and run back to them.” As a rule this latter course is the best and most usually adopted. Now we are approaching the birds, who are still Swimming and diving, apparently quite un- conscious of our close proximity. The excitement increases | The skipper in an undertone, “don’t speak a word, or move your heads !” Nearer and nearer we draw towards the fowl. Presently they sight us, turning their heads every now and then towards the boat ; probably making a mental calcu- lation, as to how much longer they may safely remain. The excitement becomes intense, “Don’t fire till they get up ;” “keep quite steady.” “Now then l’ up they rise. Bang! bang ! After picking up the dead, oftentimes a cripple or two will for a long time give some trouble to secure. I remember the case of a certain female “scaup,” who kept us at I4O AVO 7TES A BOOT A/L/O AEAE (VRGA/. work for more than an hour; and, I should be afraid to say how many shots were fired before she was finally got into the boat. Finally, a good “trudge’ over the beach and meres will often repay the trouble taken. “Cripples” are Sometimes to be found, and occasionally a good old Mallard or Duck “put up,” from a clump of coarse grass, where he or she had been taking it “easy.” It is necessary, however, to be always on the “look out” and prepared; as, otherwise, the bird getting up some- times almost underfoot, is far enough away, before the gun can be brought to the shoulder It is a some- what curious fact that, as with the fisherman so with the wild-fowl shooter, the weather is seldom “quite right” “Well, A., any birds in * “Naw, sir, I ha'nt seed aney at all. Bill went into the mere last night, and never seed a single bird at all ! We want Some Snow and wind from the northward and east- ward—that will bring them in " The desired wind was kind enough to blow a few days afterwards, and we had a heavy fall of snow | still no birds ! “I tell you what it is, sir, if we could get a good blow from the sou'east, with rain, we should get them in " The contrast, however, between wild-fowl shooting as it is now, and what it was eleven years ago, only, when I first came into this locality, is very remarkable. But, I am informed that, Some twenty-six years since, the quantities of wild-fowl were so great, that many a “cripple-finder,” during the winter months, could earn .ORAWITHOLOGICAL ANOTES. I4. I as much as forty or fifty shillings per week, from the sale of those found alongshore, on the river mud and saltings, that had been wounded the night previously. In many instances, the birds became so tamed from the excessive cold, as to actually allow of being knocked down with sticks and stones. The sports- men of those days—armed with the old-fashioned guns, around the lock of which they fastened a worsted stocking to ensure the powder being kept dry—never deigned to fire at anything but a large flock of fowl. It is a well known fact here, that should wild-fowl begin to appear a day or two before cold weather actually commences in this neighbour- hood, the “coarse’’ weather will probably prove lasting ; but, on the contrary, if some days after- wards, the change will only be temporary. The GREY-LAG GOOSE, Anser palustris, Selby, appears very regularly every season, in October and November, associating in a flock of about forty indivi- duals. These resort to the lowlands at Sudborne, Iken, and the Blackstakes, and are extremely difficult to approach ; feeding, usually, near the middle of the marsh, and having a sentinel or two always on the “look out.” During foggy weather and dark even- ings, they will sometimes pass close over the town. Several specimens of this bird have been obtained since 1859, but generally at Sudborne ; and, I have never heard of the occurrence Soon enough after the I42 AVO 7'ES A BOUT A/C/D/EBURGH. event to be able to secure any. This winter, of 1869 and 1870, these geese have been more than usually abundant. They visit the marshes near Blackstakes. regularly every night about seven o'clock. The shepherd informs me he has several times got within easy distance of them, when driving his cattle. Some years ago a man at Orford went in pursuit of Some geese, armed with a very remarkable rifle, having Seven barrels and a single breech, common to them all. At the first shot the rifle burst, doing a good deal of mischief to the man and his companion ; and, of course, with no further result, as regards the geese, than frightening them away. BEAN GOOSE, Anser ferus, Selby. But one speci- men has come under my notice. It was killed on the river, Out of a small flock, in January, 1864. Before I received intelligence of the matter, the bird had been “put up " at a “raffle,” and was, most unfor- tunately, begun to be prepared for the table. It appeared to be a remarkably fine old bird; and, of the latter point there seems little doubt, as it proved remarkably tough in eating. PINK-FOOTED GOOSE, Anser brachyrhynchus, Bail- lon. The earliest record I possess of this species is Dec. 25th, 1864, when two were killed on the river, OA’AWITHO/.OC/CA/C AVO TAES. I43 near Blackstakes, at day-break, out of a small num- ber passing overhead. jazz. I9%, 1866. Two specimens, one of which came into my possession (a male), were shot near Orford. Dec. 31st, 1868. A Pink-footed Goose was killed at Thorpe. It appears to be the most mature ex- ample hitherto met with in this part ; the white line of feathers at the base of the upper mandible being very distinct, and the legs and feet most beautifully pink. Besides these instances, several others have at different times occurred; and the bird may be classed as a tolerably abundant species, in this locality. WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, Amser albifrons (Jenyns). The only example I have obtained was January 30th, 1869. This bird was shot at “flighting-time,” out of a flock of eight individuals, at Thorpe. I am in- formed several were obtained during the unusually cold winters of 1859, 1860, 1861. In every instance, the characteristic black bands across the breast, were only partially developed. BERNICLE GOOSE, Anser bernic/a, Selby. Jamy. 29th, 1866. A very beautiful male was sent me from Orford. It had been killed on the river. The food consisted of fine river weed. BRENT GOOSE, Anser Örenta, Selby. Often very abundant, arriving during winter in great flocks. I44 AVOTES A BOUT A/L/OAZAR UA’GA/. They are extremely tame when they first appear; and will sometimes allow of being almost driven, before taking to wing. On one occasion, a few years since, five of these geese were seen close alongside of a ship lying at anchor, near the Martello tower. In the dim light of early morning they were at first mistaken for tame ducks, and accordingly left undis- turbed ; but, one separating from the remainder, a shot was fired, and the bird killed, my informant thinking, if a tame duck, he could, at all events, afford to pay for one. The other four took to wing, but alighted again almost immediately. The fact of their species now becoming apparent, another shot was fired, and three out of the four secured. I obtained a speci- men of this Goose as early as October 8th, in 1863. During the severe weather of 1859 and 1860, one of these birds was washed ashore; and, upon examina- tion, there appeared a long triangular wound over the back, which seemed to have been produced by the talons of some bird of the Eagle tribe. ar March 25th, 1868. Alexander brought me a Brent or Prussian Goose, which he had killed in the mere. The stomach contained nothing but particles of fine Sand. EGYPTIAN GOOSE, Anser Egyptianus, Jenyns. This species has occurred several times, especially about Thorpe mere, from whence two were obtained about the year 1857. Eight were seen in the same oRNITHOLOGICAL wores. 145 locality, July 21st, 1862, and these were observed by myself, in the evening, passing close to the church tower, on their way to the river. %any. 27th, 1866. Three Egyptian Geese have been frequenting the mere for some days past, but are too wild to allow of any chance of getting a shot. I am advised that this species ought not to be enumerated as accidental visitors, that they are only birds escaped from some lake or pond. I do not think this is the case, at all events, in every instance, for Some enquiry would certainly be made, when so many, at a time, must have been lost. Besides which, the “Field,” wherein the occurrence of this, and other birds, is always noted, would at once furnish an easy medium of identifying any lost or strayed individuals. CANADA GOOSE, Anser Canadensis, Fleming. June 9th, 1867. Eleven Canada Geese passed over the town from the railway station, travelling South. Two were killed at Orford. - Şune 28th. Of the seven Canada Geese which visited Thorpe mere this morning, four were secured in three shots. I selected a Gander and Goose, and find their weight as follows: — Male, rather over eleven pounds ; female, exactly ten. Their food ap- parently consists of river weed, and with this is mixed a large quantity of sand. Many of these birds were seen at Sizewell yesterday, above forty. - L I46 AWOTES A BOUT A/L/DEBUAEGA/. During the July of 1869, whilst returning from Orford in my boat, we came upon twelve Canada Geese swimming in the river, close to Pigpale point. They were so tame, that they allowed us to pass them within twenty yards at furthest. I unfortu- nately had no gun on board, or should proba- bly have been able to record an extraordinary shot. At one time, ten of the number were as close together as birds of that size could possibly be. My skipper was so thoroughly “done,” as he ex- pressed it, that all I could get from him for the rest of the “sail,” was, “Lawk, only to think and no gun ſ” The flesh of the Canada Goose is not good, according to my experience. We had had one nicely cooked, and looked forward to a dainty dish ; but were con- siderably surprised to find it very strong, and deci- dedly of an “ancient” fish-like flavour. HOOPER SWAN, Cygnus ferus, Selby. This species Only appears during the excessive Cold of our severest winters. They are seldom obtained. One was brought me in the December of I860. It was killed on the river, and proved to be an immature bird. In March, 1861, I saw seven of these Swans near Black- stakes, but did not succeed in getting a shot. Four passed from Sizewell towards Thorpe, Jany. 20th, I862. MUTE SWAN, Cygnus mansuetus, Gould. A few of ORAWITHO/LOGICA L MOTES. I47 these, in immature dress, appear generally every winter, and especially in October. They are proba- bly escaped birds, that get away at the “Swan- hopping” season. One was brought me in December, 1860; another was killed at Snape during the December of 1869. BLACK SWAN, Cygnus niger. An individual of this species made its appearance at Thorpe, June Ist, 1863, and remained a few days. It was ultimately wounded, but escaped to seaboard. July 2nd, 1863. The above-mentioned Black Swan was killed at Size- well, and is now in the possession of Mr. Neeve, of Leiston. It appears to be a mature bird, in excellent plumage, and weighed about fourteen pounds. SWAN, species incerta ? Oct. 27th, 1866. When driving across the country this morning, a flock of five Swans passed about twenty yards over my head, towards the river, from the Thorpe mere. They finally settled in the West row near Slaughden, and four out of the five were killed. I am quite unable to dis- tinguish the species. The history would tend to show that they were only escaped young tame Mute Swans, but the colour indicates birds at least two years old, there being a great deal of white about them, and a total absence of any protuberance over the ºnares. Of the mute kind, that frequently visit us I48 AWOTES A BOOT A/L/O AEAPOWA’GAZ. each season, I have always observed that they are grey, and possess the characteristic prominence plainly developed. The respective weights of the four Swans were, in two cases, twenty-two pounds; a third, nineteen ; and the fourth, eighteen pounds. . Mov. 18th, 1866. The Swans met with on the 27th of October, were first observed by some men at the “look out” about two miles at sea, to the eastward, making for land. They first arrived at Thorpe, then shaped their course for the first mere, one of the number alighting, but almost immediately rejoining its fellows again. They then passed near the tele- graph, close over my head, towards the river at Slaughden, as previously stated. Whilst watching the Swans they did not seem to fly very rapidly. An extraordinary trumpet-like sound first attracted my attention. There was no great “rustling” of pin- nions. They flew in the form of a wedge having their necks immensely extended. As soon as they settled at Slaughden, they appeared very fatigued, and one of the number apparently contemplated sleep, putting his head under his wing. When pursued, they scarcely attempted to get out of the way. For the reasons before mentioned, I could not satisfactorily account for the species. In the first place, the colour is very singular, quite different from that of any young or yearling Swan ; Secondly, the tubercle or prominence over the nares is so rudimentary only, as to be scarcely discernible. Supposing the tubercle could O RAVITHO LOGICA L NOTE.S. I49 be so small in a bird of the season, how can we ac- count for the general colour of the plumage 2 If the Swans were second years birds of the Mute species, the prominence would certainly be fully developed, and most probably some private mark about the foot or mandible would be apparent, at once clearing up all difficulty in the matter. The smallest specimen, weighing eighteen pounds, I have preserved, and find as follows:—extreme length from anterior edge of mandible to tip of tail, four feet eight inches; wings, from tip to tip, eight feet. From the root of the tail to extremity of the central longest feathers, eight inches. Tail composed of twenty-four feathers, all ash-coloured, except the three central, which are pure white. Under tail coverts, white; upper ditto, white, with very slight admixture of brown, especially over the central feathers. Wings, primaries, light ash colour, the second and third, longest. Under wing- Coverts, white; upper, ditto, variable, almost pure white, each with a slight edge of pale ash colour. Scapularies, at first a broad band of white, about three inches in width, commencing from an oblique line of brown, running likewise in an oblique direction from the anterior edge of the wing towards the centre and back of the bird, bordered below by a deep brown margin. This arrangement meeting with that of the opposite side, forms a large angle, the apex towards the tail, and gives somewhat the appearance of a “saddle” on the bird's back. Below the deep brown I 5o MOTES A BOUT A/L/DEBURGH. margin, above described, is another slight line of white; again a border of brown, followed by a patch of white, ending in a brown edge, a deeper border overlying partially the secondaries of the wing. On either side of the body, underneath the wings, is a large quantity of brown feathers. Breast, light yel- lowish brown and white. Side of face, and patch at the back of the neck, bright chestnut. Summit of head, at the posterior part, dusky brown, whilst in front it is bright chestnut, as, likewise, the exceedingly small tubercle. Mandible and cere, black. I have had several opportunities of showing this specimen to good Naturalists, and although the disposition of the windpipe is somewhat similar to that of the Mute kind, they have been unable to identify the actual species. The RUDDY SHIELDRAKE, Tadorna rutila, Selby. One of these birds was obtained near Iken during the January of 1834. Another specimen has been reported as having been seen since, namely, in 1864. From the description given, and the know- ledge of my informant, I have no doubt it was an individual of this species. It was observed, in com- pany with several common Shieldrakes, near Black- stakes. SHIELDRAKE, Tadorna vulpanser, Fleming. These ORNITHOLOGICAZ NOTES. I5 I birds regularly bred at Blackheath, Iken, and Thorpe, only a few years since. The eggs were laid in old rabbit burrows. Three broods numbering respectively, five, seven, and three, were captured on one occasion, and out of the number, six were reared. They fed upon duckweed, small pieces of dough, and “pinpatches” or “winkles.” They seemed very sus- ceptible of cold, and great care was required in this particular. I am informed, some years since, a Shieldrake was dug out of a rabbit hole near Iken, and removed into a house, with the nest and eggs. The bird hatched the whole number. The young were all reared, and were afterwards sold to a gentleman in London. A handsome male bird was winged, and the injured member amputated. This bird rapidly recovered ; and, at the end of a week, would feed out of hand, shrimps were the favourite food; but barley was also freely taken. Almost every winter many Shieldrakes visit us, they fly together in large flocks, and most beautiful they appear. The white of the wings reminds one strongly of a patch of the purest possible snow having fallen upon the back. I obtained two, January IOth, 1863. During the winter of 1864 very many were killed, both at Thorpe and on the river. March 4th, 1868. Five Shieldrakes appeared in the second mere this evening, and out of the number, three were obtained. One female I preserved, as it was singularly deficient of its right foot. It must I52 AVOTES A BOUT A/L/DEAEURGH. have been trapped some time ago, as the Stump is quite perfect. Probably this bird had been caught in a steel trap, set at the orifice of a rabbit-burrow in which it had nested. Şune 20th, 1868. Two Shieldrakes have been killed at Thorpe to-day. They had been observed to fre- quent the mere for some weeks past. - SHOVELLER, Anas clypeata, Montagu. This beau- tiful species occurs most frequently in the early spring. The first I obtained was on the 8th of April, I865. It was a magnificent male, and had been shot the day previously on the river. The stomach con- tained a quantity of black grumous matter, and several small stones. April 11th, 1866. John Cable killed three Shovellers, namely, two males and a female, at a single shot, in the river near Iken. The female Contained many impregnated eggs. March 21st, 1867. A male Shoveller, in mature plumage, was brought me to-day, it had been ob- tained from the river near Iken. March, 1869. Two examples of the Shoveller, males, were shot about the middle of the month. They were met with on the river, near Blackstakes. The immature male has been brought me on two Occasions. It is an extraordinary looking bird, so different in plumage from the mature, that I have had some difficulty in convincing some of my friends that they are identical. ORAW/TA/O/LOG/CA/L AWOTE.S. 153 GADWELL, Anas stripera, Montagu. Of this spe- cies I have met with only two individuals; but have no doubt, they are much more frequent than supposed, being oftentimes overlooked, from their general simi- larity to the Widgeon and female Pintail. Feb. Ioth, 1868. We obtained a mature female; and another, January 8th, 1870, which had been killed at Thorpe. - PINTAIL, Anas acuła, Montagu. The Sea-pheasant is somewhat irregular in appearance. Many were shot during two winters only; otherwise they have been rare. §any. 24th, 1861. I obtained a handsome pair, which were met with on the river. Feb. 24th, I868. A male bird, in perfect dress, was brought me. It was obtained near Iken. Besides these, at different times, three immature females have come to hand. WILD DUCK, Amas àoschas, Montagu, are more or less abundant every winter, dependent upon the se- verity of the weather. In 1863 and 1864 they were especially numerous. I have met with several extra- ordinary varieties of this bird. }any. 26th, 1864. My servant killed a Duck and Mallard in the town marshes, which evidently are cross-breeds of the com- mon Duck with the Shieldrake. The shields are very distinct in both specimens, and the colouring generally reminds one strongly of the latter bird. There is, I54. MOTES A BOUT AZDAEAEURGH. however, a considerable amount of black about the plumage of the female. The food had consisted of small prawns. Another variety occurred Feb. 22nd, I864. This bird is pure white, with only a few dark feathers about the breast. It weighed two pounds and a half; length, twenty-two inches, and had its mandible of a bright yellow colour. §any. 7th, 1867. A Duck, evidently a cross with a Decoy bird, was brought me. It had been killed out of a number of wild ones. The specimen is differently coloured on its sides, the left being almost entirely white. March 17th, 1870. A mature bird, a male, in full dress, was brought me. GARGANEY, Anas guerquedula, Montagu. But one individual of this species has occurred, to my know- ledge. This was on the 5th August, 1865, when an immature female was killed on the river, above Slaughden. TEAL, Amas cracca, Montagu, are generally abun- dant the early part of each winter, and during the spring. Very many are killed almost every year. When shot at, they will often pass overhead, and even alight again close to any individual that has been shot. WIDGEON, Anas Penelope, Montagu. This species is by far the commonest of the duck tribe, that visit this locality. A strange error has prevailed here, ORAW/7 HOV.OC/CA/L AWOTES. I55 that there are two kinds of this fowl, called locally, Grass Widgeon and Widgeon, the latter of Sombre appearance, the former with much more variety of colour, and occurring mostly after Christmas. It is unnecessary to say, they are identically the same bird, only in the former case, they have assumed their spring or nuptial plumage. Widgeon appear to feed a good deal upon the common Zostera in the river. VELVET SCOTER, Anas fusca, Montagu. I have never met with this species in mature condition. The immature female is not nearly as rare as the male, of which we have taken but one specimen, Oct. 21st, 1864. The first female met with was on October 8th, 1863. It had lost its long wing feathers, but was with considerable difficulty secured, from its won- derful rapidity in diving and skill in always keeping exactly out of gunshot. We were compelled to “tack up * to the bird, against a strong head wind and tide, and after a chase of more than an hour, succeeded in shooting it. During the cold weather of January, 1864, another was obtained from the river. These birds, when immature, in the case of both male and female, especially the latter, are, without exception, the very ugliest of the Duck tribe. For a long time we could not ascertain the species. In the winter of 1864 and 1865 we fell in with two female Velvet Scoters, one of which required a large amount of “shooting ” before it was secured. After firing 156 AWOTES A BOUT A LZD EPURGH. the first time, the bird being crippled, we stood in shore to pick her up, the duck being close to the bank edge of weeds, unfortunately we failed, and ran aground, the tide rapidly ebbing. Having no dingy astern, we had to remain aboard, watching the bird which was about twenty yards below us. The Duck appeared to be “in extremis,” and through its strug- gles had become firmly entangled in Some of the long river weed. Presently all movement ceased, and we were Congratulating ourselves that there still re- mained a chance of Securing her, especially as a punter appeared in the distance, whom we immedi- ately hailed, when signs of life again manifested themselves in the Scoter—she attempting to get clear of the weed. Bang! bang ! went our guns, the water flew up around the unfortunate victim, and we all pronounced her dead enough now. But no such thing ; struggle after struggle, and shot after shot the Duck eventually getting free, and swimming away down the river. But now the punt was close alongside, and getting into it we followed our game, and came up with it just as it was going ashore. A mature male was brought me in Feb., 1870. It was caught whilst running along the church lane. Upon examination there appeared no sign of its having been wounded. COMMON SCOTER, Amas migra, Montagu. I have obtained several specimens of this bird. They re- ORAVITA/O ZOG/CA/L AWOTES. 157 main in the vicinity the whole year; and, may frequently be seen during the Summer months flying alongshore, outside the furthest shoal. In very severe winters they often visit the river and meres at Thorpe, and are not unfrequently shot. POCHARD or DUNBIRD, Anas ferina, Montagu, occurs in tolerable abundance, especially during very severe weather, and many have, at different times, been brought me. They are highly esteemed for the table. In walking they are very awkward on their legs; and, unless disturbed under such circum- stance, carry the head and body almost erect. SCAUP DUCK, Anas marila, Montagu, is, or rather has been, a very common species here, arriving early in the winter. They will often allow of a very near approach, but are so “tough" that they require very hard hitting. It appears to be of little use to shoot at them when alighted, as they apparently dive at the flash, and are under water by the time the shot reaches the surface aimed at. I have frequently fired at these birds when swimming within twenty yards; but, although wounded, as many feathers floating on the water plainly indicated, they have got away seemingly none the worse. The Scaup was very abundant during the winters of 1864 and I865, and appeared unusually tame, I 53 AWOTES A BOUT A/L/DEAPURGH. The TUFTED DUCK, Anas fuligula, Montagu, is locally called the “Golden Eye Daver.” It is an abundant species, associating in flocks of about Seven or eight individuals. Many are killed every season. The finest male Tufted Duck I ever saw, was pre- sented to me by Capt. James during the winter of 1865. It was killed on the river above Slaughden. The crest is nearly three inches in length. LONG-TAILED DUCK, Anas glacialis, Montagu. A specimen of this Duck has been met with in this locality. It was an immature bird, and was killed in the mere during the autumn of 1859. Feb. 16th, 1870. A mature male in part full dress was obtained to-day, on the river, below Slaughden. GOLDEN EYE, Anas clangula, Montagu. The im- mature male and female of this species is tolerably common during the winter; and, like the Tufted Duck, is locally named the “Golden Eye Daver.” The dress is almost identical in both sexes; and the sex, under this circumstance, can only be identified by dissection. The mature male, of which I have met with several examples, is a singularly handsome bird. The patch of white colour on each side of the face, is set off to great advantage through the other- wise dark and metallic plumage of the head and neck. The first specimen we obtained was in April, 1863; OA&AW/THO/LOG/CAI. WOTAES, I59 it was killed, together with a female, on the river, out of a small flock. It is remarkable that the tail feathers of this species, are never quite perfect at their extremities; and, I find this is assigned to their diving directly upon the bed of the river. A Golden Eye, a mature male, was shot, January 26th, 1864, near Iken ; another, in the same locality, during February, 1865. March 14th, 1867. A male Golden Eye in full plumage was brought me to-day, it was procured from the river, in the neighbourhood of Iken. SMEW, Mergus albellus, Montagu. This beautiful bird has become very rare during the past four or five seasons. The male, in mature dress, has always been esteemed scarce; nevertheless, many have at different times been obtained. On one occasion three were killed at single shot, in the upper part of the river. There were four altogether, but they were too “wary’ to allow of being “punted.” After being followed for some time, they took to wing, and passed within gunshot of the punt. The three secured, were in perfect plumage. The Smew does not as- Sume its full dress until some years of age; but is, when young, of similar appearance to the female. I noticed a mature bird on the river, immediately below Slaughden, February Ist, 1861 ; but could not succeed in getting near enough for a shot, it being so extremely wild. Two females were brought 16o AVOTES A BOUT A/L/DEBURGH. me, January 22nd, 1862. Several were killed during the winters of 1863, 1864, and 1865, both males and females, all immature. Feb., 1870. A remarkably handsome mature male was brought me. It was obtained from the first mere. RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, Mergus serrator, Montagu. On Thursday, 16th February, 1865, a mature male came into my possession. It was shot near the river wall. This species, in immature dress, is by no means rare in this neighbourhood, and is locally called the “Sawbill Daver.” I have shot many examples myself. One occurred the 13th No- vember, I863, another coming to hand a few days later. During the winter of 1864 and 1865 many immature specimens were obtained. The mature male above mentioned is the only one I have as yet met with here. The structure of the windpipe is very singular, it being greatly dilated near that portion which enters the sternum, and also about the thy- roid cartilage. Two males of the above in excellent plumage were killed in the river, during the cold weather of February, 1870. GOOSANDER, Mergus Merganser, Linnaeus. A mature male in perfect dress was brought me in the winter of 1862. It had been procured in the upper part of the river near Iken. March 15th, 1866. John Cable shot four Goosanders OAAWITHOZOG/CAA MOTES. I6I in the river last night. I selected a specimen out of the number, having the plumage of the female ; but, upon dissection, it proved it to be a male. This readily explains the fact of the apparently extreme rarity of the mature male being found amongst the little knots of these birds, which often frequent both the Thorpe mere and the river. I have no doubt the examination of the other three would have disclosed the fact of another male, thus proving that these four individuals really constituted two pairs. There is little doubt that many birds of this class do not as- sume their full dress until many years old. jan. 7th, 1867. Several immature Goosanders were obtained from the river near Iken. GREAT CRESTED GREBE, Coſymbus cristatus, Lin- naeus. Of late years this species has become very scarce; and only one example possessing a crest has come under my notice. Five immature individuals were shot Nov. Ist, 1862. One again, January, I864; another in March of the same year. During the winter of 1864 and 1865 they were tolerably abun- dant, and several were killed ; but all young birds. RED-NECKED GREBE, Colymbºls rubricollis, Gmelin, A few of these birds have at different times occurred, but invariably during winter, and the plumage has I62 NOTES ABOUT ALDEBURGH. always been immature. An example was brought me in 1864; and a second in February, 1870. EARED GREBE, Colymbus auritus, Linnaeus. Like the preceding species; some of these have been ob- tained on several occasions, but under similar circum- stances, both as regards dress and period of the year. THE DABCHICK, Colymbus Hebridicus, Gmelin, is an abundant species, especially about the immense reed beds at Snape, whence they are driven out only during the very cold weather, when the whole of this part of the river is frequently frozen over. A pair of these birds nested near the watering pond in 1867; but, unfortunately, the eggs were destroyed. GREAT NORTHERN DIVER, Colymöus glacialis, Montagu. But one example has occurred, namely, December 23rd, 1869, when a remarkably large imma- ture male bird was killed in the mere at Thorpe. BLACK-THROATED DIVER, Colymöus arcticals, Lin- naeus. A specimen of this bird was obtained in 1866, during the autumn. It was killed in the river near Snape, and is in the possession of E. Garrett, Esq. RED-THROATED DIVER, Colymbus septentrionalis, Montagu. An abundant species, occurring every O/PAVITA/OALOG/CAM, AVO 7"E.S. 163 autumn and winter during the sprat season. Wov. IOth, 1864. I met with one of these birds alongshore, which had “shot” the whole of the long wing feathers. They occasionally frequent the river, and, from their rapidity in diving and Swimming, afford good sport. Oct. 6th, 1865. A sprat loon in nearly full summer dress, was killed to-day at Thorpe. The red-throat is remarkably perfect. GUILLEMOT, Coſymbus Troile, Latham. This bird is very uncertain in appearance, but many have been obtained at different times during the last ten years. They are occasionally found dead alongshore; and, under such circumstances, are always exceedingly thin. We have failed, however, in every case to find the actual cause of death. It is probable the occurrence of heavy weather continuing for a long time, may prevent some of these birds obtaining their food, and that actual starvation is thus induced. BLACK GUILLEMOT, Uria gºv/le, Montagu. A young bird of this species came into my possession, Nov. 9th, 1863. It was met with alongshore opposite the town. I believe this is the only known instance of the occurrence of the Black Guillemot on the coast of Suffolk. ROTCHE or LITTLE AUK, (Jria minor, Brisson. 164 AVOTES A BOUT A/L/DEBURGH. In November, 1861, an individual of this species was brought me alive. It had been taken in a sprat net. During the same winter two other specimens were washed up alongshore. Nov. 2nd, 1867. I obtained another example of the Little Auk or Rotche. It was killed in a small pond near the shepherd's house, below Slaughden. Wov. Ioth, 1867. We received a Little Auk to-day, which was captured in the river at Orford. This bird lived for a day or two, having been placed in a large tub containing Sea-water. PUFFIN, Mormon fratercula, Gould. This is a rare species in the locality. A living specimen was taken during November, 1862. It was an immature bird, probably about two years of age, and had been caught in a Sprat net. March, 21st, 1869. The wind has been blowing strongly from the north-east throughout the whole month. To-day a remarkably old Puffin was captured alongshore, and has come into my possession. I have placed it in a basket and tried to induce it to eat, but in vain. It is very Savage, and has several times laid hold of my fingers with its sharp mandibles, biting severely. The Puffin died during the night; and, upon examination the following day, I found the bird had, at some time past, received an injury to its right wing near the pinion bone, probably a gun shot wound. This had, however, healed; but some of the outside quill feathers had grown very irregularly in consequence, ORAWITHO/LOGICA/. AWOTES. 165 presenting a broad surface in a different plane from the others, and so interfering with the bird's onward progress, both in flying and Swimming. This pro- bably was the cause of this individual's coming so far to leeward. It had evidently died of starvation, the stomach being quite empty, and the body as lean as possible. The RAZOR BILL, Alca torda, Montagu. I862. A number of these birds have frequented the bay during this August and September. Out of these we have obtained two extremely young specimens in only partial plumage. Almost every season a few mature Razor-bills are found dead alongshore. In the winter of 1868 I had a beautiful male brought me, which had been picked up near Thorpe. GREAT AUK, Alca impennis, Montagu. “Sir William Hooker has mentioned one specimen, obtained near Southwold, in the county of Suffolk.”—MORRIS. CORMORANT. Pelecanus carbo, Montagu. But one example has come into my possession. It was killed alongshore in the autumn of 1867, and proved to be an immature female. This species has been frequently observed at seaboard, as also on the river, but has never been obtained, to my knowledge, except in this one instance. I 66 AVO 7"E.S A BOUT A LDE/3 URGH. GREEN CORMORANT, Pelecanus cristatus, Pennant. A specimen occurred January 2nd, 1870, near Slaugh- den, and is the only one that has come under my notice in this locality. GANNET, Sula a/ba, Fleming. An immature bird, having the remarkably handsome speckled dress peculiar to the young, was captured in the town marshes, October 6th, 1862. It had alighted upon the level ground, and could not apparently take to wing. It was secured with considerable difficulty. When first observed it was lying upon the grass, and did not attempt to get away, but struck out in the most desperate manner with its strong beak. Being stunned by a blow over the head with a walking stick, it was bound legs and wings, and brought me. The bird measured in length thirty inches, and the expanse of wings about six feet two inches. Oct. I2th, 1863. A mature Gannet was washed ashore at Thorpe. It had evidently been dead some days. There appeared to be no wound anywhere, to account for the cause of death. This individual measured from tip to tip of wings six feet. Since that time another instance has occurred under pre- cisely similar circumstances. The TERNS arrive regularly about the sixth of May, each year, and take up their breeding quarters O/PAV/7 HO/LOGACA L AWOTES. 167 on the immense tract of shingley beach extending from below Slaughden to the mouth of the harbour. A few used to breed in the vicinity of Thorpe ; but have not done so of late years, they having forsaken this part of the coast in consequence of its being so much frequented by pedestrians. The smaller species generally arrives a few days earlier, and may be commonly seen about the fourth of May, “fishing in the ditches and pools about the first and second meres. The Terns associate in large numbers on the lighthouse beach at the time of nesting; and, in the event of any person appearing on the ground, will fly overhead in a flock, wheeling round and round uttering their peculiar sharp cry. They fish along the river sides, beating against the wind, and every now and then dashing into the water for a small species of fish, locally called a “smy,” upon which they feed. They are most lovely birds; and their extreme gracefulness on wing, must be seen, to be ade- quately realised. Now and then, Suddenly stopping short in their onward progress, they will poise them- selves in the air, something in the manner of the Kestrel hawk, preparatory to making their rapid descent into the water. They lay their eggs in the most primitive nests imaginable, a slight hollow being formed in the shingle, generally where there are some vestiges of either grass, the Sea pea, Žisum mariti- mum, or yellow vetch, vicia /uſea. It is probable that these birds make the saucer-like depression by turning I68 AWOTES A BOUT A LDA: PURGAZ. round and round as on a pivot; a small quantity of loose grass is then added, and the nest is complete. These are generally more or less associated together, and occur in the greatest numbers on the rising sur- face of the ridges of shingle. The eggs themselves vary very greatly in colour, even in the same nest, and usually number four or five. The general ap- pearance, however, So nearly assimilates to that of the shingle, that it is almost impossible to find them without the assistance of a dog. Very many are taken by this means every Season, and often sold as Peewits; which latter, to a casual observer, they some- what resemble. When boiled, the contents are semi- transparent. It seems remarkable that dogs of almost any breed can be used for finding these eggs, from a Terrier to a Sheep-dog or Retriever. They all seem to get the “notion " directly they are set to work My own Retriever, that had never been in the neigh- bourhood before, took to the sport readily on the first occasion of my taking him to the beach. The scent is, as would be supposed, much stronger against the wind ; and it is very amusing to watch a dog when he has discovered a nest for the first time. Evidently expecting to come up with a bird of Some sort or kind, he is fairly puzzled at the sight of eggs, and, if not followed pretty closely, is sure to turn them over with his foot, of course, breaking Some, and, maybe, eating the contents. This is an unfortunate accident, as he can rarely be trusted afterwards without a collar and ORAWITHOLOGICAL AWOTAES. 169 check line, otherwise he is pretty certain to do most of the hunting on his own account. The nest of the Lesser Tern is very similar in appearance to that of the larger kinds, but is always made in the finer shingle or gravel. Their favourite localities are the Crouch and the shore near the lighthouse. The young Tern is very remarkable in appearance, and if taken at the right time, is easily reared. We have as yet been able to identify but three species, but have little doubt many others occur in the locality. COMMON TERN, Sterna hirundo, Montagu, is very abundant. The same may be said of the ARCTIC, Sterna arctica, and also the LESSER, Sterna Minuta, Montagu. I obtained a Curious specimen in June, I867. It associated with a large number of other species, and is very similar to the common Tern in winter plumage ; but larger, and has very short black legs and feet. BLACK TERN, Sterna migra, Selby. My earliest record of this bird is May 21st, 1866, when I observed one in the mere at Thorpe. Its flight almost exactly resembled that of the Swallows and Martins, amongst a great number of which it frequently hovered over a large mass of the ranunculus aquatilis. It seldom dipped into the water like the other species, but 17o AVOTES A BOUT A/L/DEPURGH. apparently fed upon the numerous flies that frequent that locality. t Sep. 9%, 1866. I obtained a mature Black Tern in winter dress, from the north mere. Three immature birds fell to my gun on the 14th, and three again on the 19th of the same month. All these were fre- quenting the mere. A day or two later, many were seen passing alongshore towards the south; these were immature also. July 20th, 1867. A male in summer plumage, with the exception of a very few white feathers about the sides of the face, came into my possession. May 24%, 1868. A female Black Tern was killed to-day in the mere. It is in perfect plumage, more so than any I have yet obtained. I am not aware that this species breeds anywhere in this locality; but should imagine such was the case in 1866, from the great number of immature specimens which then occurred. LESSER GULL, Zarus minutus, Montagu. May 22nd, 1867. I had the extreme good fortune this morning to obtain a mature male specimen of the Lesser Gull, from the second part of the first mere. It was in company with Some Lesser Terns, and was tolera- bly easy to get at. This bird had been feeding upon the slender dragon fly, so abundant here. The flight was extremely graceful, very similar to that of the Tern. ORAWITHO/LOGICAA, NOTES. 171 }any. 20th, 1869. H. Greenwood, Esq., killed a male Lesser Gull this afternoon, between Aldeburgh and Thorpe. It had been observed some hours before, passing backwards and forwards along the beach, %any, 25th, 1869. Another specimen was shot this morning, alongshore. It was unfortunately, however, lost. Having fallen into the sea, the wind, blowing strongly from the north-west, carried it away. The same day the wing of a fourth example was picked up in the mere at Thorpe. The body was much decom- posed, and partly eaten. BLACK-HEADED GULL, Larus ridiffuſedus, Pennant, is a very abundant species, especially during the winter months. They congregate in very large num- bers about the meres. I am informed some years since fifty of these birds were killed at a single shot in the haven. They are not numerous in the summer; but a few with their characteristic black heads may always be seen about Thorpe. They do not breed in the locality. In June, 1867, there was a large ad- dition suddenly made to the usual number above mentioned; and, from its being an unusual circum- stance, it is probable that the reinforcement was made up by those whose eggs had been too often taken at Skoulton mere. Many of these birds, as also the Common and Grey Gull, are caught every year by means of the “Eyke.” About November and Decem- ber, great quantities of Sprats are taken in drift nets, 172 AWOTES A BOUT A/ZDFA UAEGA. and multitudes of Gulls are to be seen careering over these, now dashing at an injured fish cast loose from the net, or in hot pursuit of his more fortunate neigh- bour, who has forestalled him, and stolen the precious morsel. A great number of these Gulls fish along- shore, looking out for Sundry sprats thrown out of the boats upon landing and strewed along the beach by the sea. Now the mischievous “eyke” comes into full operation. It consists of a sprat, into which is in- troduced a long narrow keeled piece of cork armed with two or more hooks. These protrude from each orbit. The eyke is then secured to a small strong line, a few feet in length, which is rendered buoyant by small pieces of cork attached along it at intervals. A heavy stone fastened to the end of the line furthest from the eyke, answers the purpose of an anchor. This is thrown into the sea among the breakers, and commu- nicates with the shore by means of a common fishing- line attached to the before-mentioned stone. The Gull passing along, is almost certain to see the sprat, and as certainly becomes entrapped. The eyke is often attached to the sprat net itself. The COMMON GULL, Larus Camus, Linnaeus, are very frequent, especially during winter. In one example, which had been caught by an eyke and turned into a small yard, the bird had a singular habit of striking the soil with its feet, one after OA&AW/7"HO/COG/CA/L WOTAES. I73 another very rapidly, and then lying upon its breast would continue to watch the ground in the immedi- ate vicinity, evidently expecting the earthworms to come to the surface through this curious op- eration. ICELAND GULL, Larus leucopterus, Temminck. I obtained one specimen during the winter of 1860. It was killed at Thorpe, during a heavy snow storm, and had been feeding upon carrion. A few of these birds have occurred almost every winter for some years past; but no other specimen has been procured. During the last season, of 1869 and 1870, an indi- vidual of this species was seen on Several occasions flying alongshore between Aldeburgh and Thorpe. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, Zarus angentatus, Montagu. These birds are not abundant, and occur generally during the summer months. Several have at different times come into my possession. The GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL, Larus marinus, Montagu. Many of these birds 'visit us during the autumn and winter months, and associate in an im- mense flock about the further mere at Thorpe. They are exceedingly shy, and difficult to approach. The younger individuals, or “Grey Gulls,” are generally be found amongst them. The HERRING GULL, Larus argentatus, Bewick, I74 AWOTES A BOUT ALDE BURGH. appears only in the boisterous weather of winter, and may then be often observed flying alongshore. Feb. 24th, 1868. A male Herring Gull was brought me, which was captured after a long chase to seaboard. It had been hooked by an eyke, the line from which was weighted with a heavy stone. This the Gull was carrying about. KITTIWAKE, Larus Rissa, Selby, is not generally very common. Wov. 1st, 1865. I obtained an old mature bird, which was shot on the beach in front of the town. It was remarkably tame, and admitted of easy approach. Dec. 31st, 1868. A great number of Kittiwakes have frequented the coast during the past week, no doubt attracted here through the enormous quantity of sprats. They are very fat, and full of fish; very stupid, almost allowing them- selves to be knocked down with sticks. Very many have been taken with the eyke, and several shot They appear in two distinct dresses, denoting dif- ference of age. The younger have a broad band of black across the wing, whilst the mature bird is of a beautiful French grey. The leg of this species appears to be extremely defective, so that from its bad de- velopment and position, the bird rarely walks, and then only with considerable awkwardness, SKUA, Zestris cataractes, Jenyns. A specimen was brought me Jany. 26th, 1864. It was found on ORAWITHO/LOGICAL AWOTES. I75 the beach near Thorpe, and had been washed ashore. I had previously seen one in pursuit of Some Gulls in the same neighbourhood. POMERINE SKUA, Lestris fomarinus, Jenyns. These birds are called by the provincial term of “Mother berry.” Two individuals have come under my notice. The first, a mature specimen, was killed at Thorpe in 1864. The second, from the vicinity of the river, in 1869. This is a very beautiful bird in immature dress. RICHARDSON'S SKUA, Lestris Richardsonii, Gould. Aug. 30th, 1868. A perfect mature female was brought me to-day—killed at Thorpe by William Alexander. BUFFON's SKUA. Lestris Buffoniii, Meyer. But one example has occurred. This was in Oct. 1860, when one of these birds was observed flying along- shore during the early morning. It was eventually shot from a bathing machine, and proved to be a mature specimen in bad dress. CINEREOUS SHEARWATER, Puffinus cinereus, Gould. We had a good opportunity of observing one of these birds during December, 1869. It was passing along- shore near the Thorpe coastguard station. The flight was extremely graceful. } 176 NOTES ABOUT ALDEBURGH. FULMAR PETREL, Procellaria glacialis, Linnaeus. This rare bird occurred the IIth September, 1862. It was caught alongshore at Sizewell, and brought to me alive. I kept it for some little time, and had ample opportunity of endorsing the experience of others as to the awkward gait this species assumes when walking. The legs appear to be placed further back than is usual in any of the Gull tribe. - WILSON's PETREL, Procellaria Wilsoni, Jenyns, A single individual was obtained some years since in this neighbourhood, and is in the possession of Col. Thellusson. STORMY PETREL, Procellaria pelagica, Montagu. Oct. 5th, 1867. The wind has been blowing very fresh for some days past from the north-west, and there is a heavy sea alongshore, so much so, that fishing in the immediate locality has been quite out of the question. To-day we walked to the high light beach to try our fortune in Hollesley Bay. A few minutes after we had commenced operations, I observed a Stormy Petrel flying towards the shore, my first impression being that it was only a late House Martin; but, its peculiar skimming flight speedily undeceived me. Presently two or three more appeared in the distance. I hastened to the Lighthouse, and borrowing a gun, returned and killed two of these birds. We had the greatest difficulty in securing ORNITHOLOGICAL WOTES. 177 them, the water being very deep, and no dog with us. Later in the day we obtained a third. All the speci- mens were males, very thin, and had been feeding upon whitebait, now very abundant. The Petrels often approached within a few feet of us. Oct. 7th. A Petrel was observed yesterday, flying about the herring nets, some miles to seaboard. Dec. I3%, 1868. A Petrel was picked up alongshore, to-day, at Thorpe. Dec., 1869. Another male bird was found dead on the beach. This species previous to 1867, was almost unknown in the immediate lo- cality. During the autumn the weather was exceed- ingly boisterous ; and, no doubt in Consequence, the Stormy Petrels were driven to leeward—their unex- ceptionally thin condition rendering this all the more probable. ESQUIMAUx CURLEw, Wumenius borealis, Audobon. An example of this species was killed some years since, on the river, by Capt. Ferrand; but was, un- fortunately, not preserved. One in the possession of Mr. Hilling, of Woodbridge, in very similar dress, was obtained on the river in that neighbourhood. In my notes I have omitted, except in a few in- stances, any mention of the commoner species of birds which are always abundant during their proper seasons. The greatest deficiency occurs in the number of - N 178 AWOTES A BOUT ALDE BURGH. warblers—a genus we have had but little opportunity of observing. It will be sufficient to append a list of those recognised, as also the names of all the land birds common to this locality. BULL FINCH, Loxia pyrrhula, Montagu, uncer- tain, at times abundant, apparently migrating from one neighbourhood to another. jan, 19th, 1870. I observed four pairs of these birds to-day, at the same time, in the sandy lane leading to Snape from the highroad. MISSEL THRUSH, Turdus viscivorus, Latham. FIELDFARE, Turdus pilaris, Latham. REDWING, Turdus Iliacus, Linnaeus. THRUSH, Turdus Musicus, Montagu. BLACKBIRD, Turdus merula, Montagu. HEDGE ACCENTOR, Accentor modularis, Jenyns. REDBREAST, Sylvia rubecula, Pennant. These birds leave the neighbourhood of the town very early each spring, and betake themselves to the lanes in the country, and return very regularly about the 12th of August. - REDSTART, Sylvia Phanicurus, Latham. STONECHAT, Sylvia rubicola, Pennant. WHINCHAT, Sylvia rubetra, Pennant. WHEATEAR, Sylvia Ananthe, Pennant. SEDGE WARBLER, Sylvia salicaria, Latham. REED WARBLER, Sylvia arundinacea, Bewick. ORAWITHOLOGICAL MVOTES. 179 GARDEN WARBLER, Sylvia hortensis, Latham. WHITE THROAT, Sylvia cinerea, Pennant. CHIFFCHAFF, Sylvia rufa, Temminck. WREN, Sylvia troglodytes, Pennant. COLE TIT, Parus ater, Montagu. LONG-TAILED TIT, Parus caudatus, Montagu. SPOTTED FLY-CATCHER, Muscicapa grisola,Montagu. CREEPER, Certhia familiaris, Montagu. PIED WAGTAIL, Mofacilla Varrellii, Gould. YELLOW WAGTAIL, Mofacilla flava, Montagu. MEADOW PIPIT, Anthus pratensis, Selby. TREE LARK, Anthus arboreus, Selby, unfrequent. WOOD LARK, Alauda arðorea, Montagu, appears only in winter. I have never observed more than four individuals of this species in the immediate locality. BUNTING, Emberiza miliaria, Montagu. BLACK-HEADED BUNTING, Emberiza schaemic/us, Montagu. YELLOW HAMMER, Emberiza citrinella, Montagu. CHAFFINCH, Fringilla caelebs, Montagu. SPARROW, Passer domesticus, Selby. GREEN LINNET, Coccothrausſes chloris, Fleming. GOLD FINCH, Carduelis elegans. LINNET, Linaria cannabina, Macgillivray. WOOD PIGEON, Columba palumbus, Montagu. TURTLE DOVE, Columba Turfur. Latham. PHEASANT, Phasianus Colchicus, Latham. I8O AWOTES A BOUT A LIDEBURGH. CHAPTER IX. NOTES OF OCCASIONAL ANIMALS AND FISH. HE SEAL, Phoca Vitulina. Aug. 21st, 1863. A male was brought to-day. It was killed whilst asleep on the beach near the Martello Tower. Feb. 4th, 1865. A Seal measuring nearly six feet in length was obtained on the beach opposite the town. It had been shot the day previously at Thorpe ; and, sinking immediately, was carried by the tide to the south. It proved to be an old female, with very defective teeth. Mov. Ioth, 1868. This morning a fine young male was killed near the Lifeboat station. It was ob- served by a coastguard who, cutting off its retreat to the sea, managed to hit it over the head with a walk- ing stick. It is probable these animals come from the north and follow the shoals of herrings. In every instance of capture or otherwise, the Seals have always appeared off Thorpe, to northward of us, before arriving here. - Dec. 20th, 1869. A small Seal was shot near the Thorpe Lifeboat station. AAVIMAZS AAWD AEISH. I8I THE OTTER. jany, 26th, 1864. We met with a singular adventure to-day in Sizewell Belts. An Otter had been quietly resting in a thicket, and was disturbed by our dog, who was searching for water- hens. The animal took to a ditch, but this being frozen over, we had no difficulty in securing him. He proved a male and weighed twenty-one pounds and three quarters. * March 7th, 1868. A young female Otter weighing eleven pounds and a half was killed in the Hambight near Blackheath last night. For some time past nu- merous footprints of these animals have been observed in and about the decoy; and, there is no doubt but this is a member of a rather numerous family which have taken up their quarters there. During the spring of 1869, some boys set a trap in a small stream above Snape, and the following morn- ing found they had caught an immense Otter. This they put into a small back kitchen, intending to exhibit him, but he escaped during the night, through a small uncovered sink hole. A day or two after- wards another was caught in the river, and kept for some time; but ultimately died. Fox. 9am. 28, 1864. A vixen Fox, very old and almost toothless, was taken to-day in a trap. It had been seen about the rabbit warren for Some time. Şune 8th, 1866. Some men upon the river wall at West-row Point, caught sight of a strange looking I82 AWOTES A BOUT A/LDEBURGH. object floating in the river. It proved to be a large dog Fox, and was all but spoilt for preserving pur- poses through the kind attention of the Royston Crows. It was completely disemboweled and both eyes were destroyed. FISH, Maigre, of Yarrell. Aug. 30th, 1868. A remarkable fish came ashore at Thorpe. A monster Basse or Sea Perch, as the man thought who secured it. It weighed eighty-four pounds. Length rather Over five feet, Cyclopterus Lumpus, or LUMP FISH. March 15th, 1868. An enormous specimen, weighing over I5 pounds, was captured at Aldeburgh. It was appa- rently unable to keep itself submerged. Length, 22% inches—greatest breadth, 13% inches. EWTOMOLOGICAL ANOTES. 183 CHAPTER X, ENTOMOLOGICAL NOTES, ARRANGED ACCORDING TO THE SYNONYMIC LIST OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS BY HENRY DOUBLEDAY. N treating of Diurni it will only be necessary to mention the occurrence of any species uncommon. COLLAS EDUSA, more or less abundant every season, frequenting clover fields especially, as also the walls about the mere and river side. COLIAS HYALE. Aug. 15th, 1868. Whilst walking over a clover field near the Church Lane yesterday, I came upon a single Hyale, which was captured after some little trouble. In the evening a very heavy rain occurred, and this morning, which is beautifully fine, in the course of an hour I have taken no less than eighteen more Hyales in the same field, all in the most perfect condition. ARGYNNIS AGLAJA. But one example has come under notice from the neighbourhood of Snape, in I868. 184 AWOTES A BOUT A/./DE BURGH. ARGYNNIS LATHONIA. Aug. 23rd, 1868. About the third of this month I obtained a Lathonia, on my way from the Hazlewood marshes, in a high field of clover. Another specimen was taken a few days later, near the church. Five examples have at dif- ferent times occurred in the immediate neighbour- hood. ARGYNNIS EUPHROSYNE. Abundant in Sudborne woods. VANESSA POLYCHLOROS. Frequent during the summer of 1869, especially about the lanes of Friston and Snape. VANESSA CARDUI, generally abundant. THECLA RUBI. Very plentiful during 1869, pre- viously rare. The neighbourhood of Aldeburgh is a late one, as appertaining to the Nocturni. The springs are cold, and there is consequently a deficiency in the number of early species. The Summers and autumns are, however, good, and the Soil being of a light nature, pupae hunting is a lucrative amusement. It is, how- ever, unfortunate that when a locality or crevice about the roots of a tree has been once disturbed, how- ever carefully the soil is replaced, it is some seasons EWTOMOLOGICAL WOTES. 185 before it is again used to any great extent by larvae. I have found this to be invariably the case both at Orford, Iken, and Hazlewood, where there are some splendid trees. “Sugaring ” succeeds admirably in this neighbourhood, and the following prescription has always proved most successful:—one pound of treacle, to which is added half a tumbler-full of stale beer, a few drops of the essence of ratafia, and one ounce of rum. The most attractive plant for the moth species generally appears to be the garden valerian, whilst the common Petunia proves very attractive to Some of the larger Sphingidae, especially S. Convolvuli. The following is a list of Nocturni, including Sphinges and Bombyces of Linnaeus, Geometrae, Drepanulae, Pseudo-Bombyces, aud Noctuaº, as yet taken in and about the locality of Aldeburgh, during the past few seasons, by myself and others. Smerinthus Ocellatus Sesia Bembeciformis. 5 y Populi. ,, Apiformis. 3 y Tiliae. Cossus Ligniperda. Acherontia Atropos. Hepialus Hectus. Sphinx Convolvuli. yy Lupulinus. , Ligustri. 33 Sylvinus. Deilephila Galii (five speci- , Humuli. mens). Anthrocera Filipendulae. Chaerocampa Porcellus. Nola Cucullatella. Macroglossa Stellatarum. Nudaria Mundana. 3 y Fuciformis. Setina Irrorella. 186 NOTES ABOUT ALDEBURGH. Lithosia Complanula, 39 Complana. 3 y Quadra. w Rubricollis. Euchelia Jacobeat. Arctia Caja. ,, Villica. Spilosoma Fuliginosa. 99 Mendica, yy Lubricipeda. 3 y Menthastri. Liparis Chrysorrhaea. , Salicis, , Dispar. Orgyia Pudibunda. , Antiqua. Poecilocampa Populi. Eriogaster Lanestris. Lasiocampa Castrensis. yy Rubi. yy Quercus. 53 Trifolii. Odonestis Potatoria. Gastropacha Quercifolia. Saturnia Carpini. GEOMETRAE. Ourapteryx Sambucata. Epione Vespertaria. Rumia Crataegata. Metrocampa Margaritata. Pericallia Syringaria. Selenia Illunaria. Crocallis Elinguaria. Ennomos Tiliaria. 95 Erosaria. yy Angularia. Himera Pennaria. Biston Hirtaria. Amphydasis Prodomaria. yy Betularia. Hemerophila Abruptaria. Cleora Lichenaria. Boarmia Rhomboidaria. Tephrosia Crepuscularia. Boletobia Fuliginaria. Iodis Lactearia. Hemithea Thymiaria. Ephyra Porata. , Punctaria. Asthena Candidata. Eupisteria Heparata. Acidalia Scutulata. , Bisetata. ,, Remutata. , Aversata. Timandra Amataria. Cabera Pusaria. AºAVTOMOZOGYCA/. AVOTES. 187 Halia Wavaria. Melanippe Tristata. Strenia Clathrata. 93 Procellata. Panagra Petraria. yy Unangulata. Fidonia Atomaria. 3y Rivata. Aspilates Citraria. Jy Subtristata. Abraxas Grossulariata. 9y Montanata. Ligdia Adustata. yy Fluctuata. Lomaspilis Marginata. Coremia Ferrugata. Hybernia Rupicapraria. yy Quadrifasciaria. 9y Leucophearia. Camptogramma Bilineata. ,, . Aurantiaria. Phibalapteryx Tersata. - Anisopteryx AEscularia. 53 Vitalbata. Cheimatobia Brumata. 33 Boreata. Larentia Didymata. yy Multistrigaria. j} Pectinitaria. Emmelesia Affinitata. y? Decolorata. yy Unifasciata. Eupithecia Succenturiata. 99 Vulgata. 93 Abbreviata. yy Rectangulata. Ypsipetes Impluviata. 99 Elutata. Melanthia Rubiginata. 93 Ocellata. 99 Albicillata. Scotosia Dubitata. 25 Vetulata. Cidaria Miata. ,, Picata. , Corylata. , Russata. , Suffumata. ,, Testata. ,, Fulvata. ,, Pyraliata. , Dotata. Pelurga Comitata. Eubolia Cervinaria. , Mensuraria. ,, Palumbaria. Anaitis Plagiata. Lithostege Nivearia. I88 MOTES A BOUT A/LDEBURGH. Chesias Spartiata. DREPANULAE. Platypteryx Falcula. 5 y Hamula. Cilix Spinula. PSEUDO-BOMByCES, Cerura Vinula. Pygaera Bucephala. Clostera Curtula. 33 Reclusa. Notodonta Camelina. }} Dictaea. NOCTUAE. Thyatira Derasa. yy Batis, Cymatophora Ocularis. Bryophila Perla. Acronycta Psi. 5 y Aceris. yy Magacephala. jºy Ligustri. 5 y Rumicis. Leucanía Lithargyria. » Comma. }} Impura. 3 y Pallens. Nonagria Typhae. Hydraecia Nictitans. 3 y Micacea. Axylia Putris. - Xylophasia Lithoxylea. 3 y Sublustris. 35 Polyodon. yy Hepatica. Dipterygia Pinastri. Cerigo Cytherea. Luperina Testacea. Mamestra Abjecta. 5 y Brassicae, y y Persicariae. Apamea Basilinea. 3 y Connexa. , Gemina. , Ophiogramma. , Oculea. Miana Strigilis. , Literosa. ,, Furuncula. Grammesia Trilinea. Caradrina Morpheus. 5 y Alsines. 5 y Cubicularis. Rusina Tenebrosa. Agrotis Valligera. AAV7'OMOZOGYCA/. WOTAE.S. 189 Puta. Suffusa. Saucia. Segetum. Exclamationis. Corticea. Nigricans. Triphaena Janthina. Interjecta. Subsequa. Orbona. Pronuba. Noctua Glareosa. 3 y 33 3 y 33 93 35 Depuncta. Augur. Plecta. C-nigrum. Triangulum. Festiva. Dahlii. Rubi. Umbrosa. Baja. Xanthographa. Taeniocampa Gothica. 33 y 5 35 3 y Rubricosa. Instabilis. Stabilis. Munda. 53 Cruda. Orthosia Ypsilon. 3y Lota. yy Macilenta. Anchocelis Rufina. 25 Pistacina. 2y Litura. Glaea Vaccinii. , Spadicea. Xanthia Silago. Cosmia Trapezina. , Affinis. Dianthaecia Carpophaga. 5 y Capsincola. Hecatera Dysodea. yy Serena. Polia Flavocincta. Miselia Oxyacanthae. Agriopis Aprilina. Phlogophora Meticulosa. Euplexia Lucipara. Aplecta Herbida. ,, Nebulosa. , Advena. Hadena Adusta. ,, Protea. ,, Dentina. , Chenopodii. ,, Atriplicis. I90 AWOTES A BOUT ALDEBURGH. , Sausa. , Oleracea. ,, Pisi. , Thalassina. Xylocampa Lithoriza. Cucullia Asteris. , Absinthii. 39 Umbratica. Heliothis Marginata. 3y Dipsacea. Abrostola Urticae. 32 Triplasia. Plusia Chrysitis. , Festucae. , Iota. Gonoptera Libatrix. Amphipyra Pyramidea. 35 Tragopogonis. Mania Typica. , Maura. Catocala Fraxini. yy Nupta. Euclidia Mi. yy Glyphica. THE END. INDEX. Agnes Neve, 35. Agreementto teach Spinning, 67. Aldeburgh, I. Ancient Boat, 26. Ancient Glass, 33. Approach near of Sea, Petition about the, 65. Araucarias, 4. Artesian Well, 5. Assessment, Town, towards a Ship of War, 58. Barley, 4. Boat, Ancient, 26. Bailiffs to be Deputy Lieute- nants, 47. Bailiff's Gowns, order for, 62. Bailiff's Petition in respect of Ordnance, 57. Bayour, Wm., 35. Bone Bead, 29. Borough, I. Mackthorn, 2. Bury, Petition to Committee at, 59. Charter, Edward the Sixth's, 37 Charter, Jame's, 42. Chilsford Clay, 22. Coffin Slab, Ancient, 34. Corporation Lands, 8. Craigs, I5. Fen, 13. Firs, 3. Fish, Indenture in respect of, 64. Fusus Contrarius, 21. Glass Vase, 27. Gowns, Bailiff's, 62. Hall, Town, 36. Hawthorn, 2. Hazlewood Ruins, 33. High Tides, 6. Human Teeth, 29. Impressing Seamen, 49. Indenture in respect of Fish, 65 I92 INDEX. Letters, 46. Letter to Captain of the “Samp- Son,” 55. Mammoth, 16. Mere, 13. Mulberry, 3. Old Wills, extracts from, 35. Ordnance Order, 54. Ordnance, Bailiff's Petition, 57. Ordnance Petition, 59. Order to remove “Stocks,” 62. Oyster dragging, 51. Pandalus annulicornis, 12. Pentlands, 4. Receipts, old, 44. Red Shrimp, 12. River, 7. Roman Ring, 27. Saltings, 8. Sandpipes, 16. Sea, near approach of, 6. Shingle, 6. Spinning, aggeeement to teach, 67. & Stocks, order to remove. 62. Totness, Earl of, his warrant, 54. Town Hall, 36. Tumuli, 24, 30. Urns, 25. “Wall,” definition of 11. Warrant of the Earl of Totness, 54. Water, 5. Wheat, 4. Whale, 22. Wills, old, extracts from, 35. Wyld, Wm., 35. INDEX. 193 INDEx To ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES Accentor Hedge, 178. Arctic Tern, 169. Auk, Great, 165. , Little, 163. Avocet, I2O. Barn, Owl, 79. Bar-tailed Godwit, I2 I. Bean Goose, I42. Bernicle Goose, I43. Bittern, II 5. Black Redstart, 99. Black Swan, I47. Black Tern, I69. Blackbird, 178. Black-headed Bunting, 179. Black-headed Gull, 17 I. Black-tailed Godwit, 12I. Black-throated Diver, I62. Blue Tit, 81. Brambling Finch, 96. Brent Goose, I43. Brown Owl, 79. Bullfinch, 178. Bunting, Black-headed, I 79. , Common, 179. 25 Snow, 96. 25 Yellow, 179. Bustard, Little, IOS. Buzzard, Rough-legged, 70. Canada Goose, I45. Chaffinch, 179. Chiffchaff, 179. - Cinereous Shearwater, 17 5. Cole Tit, 179. - Coot, I30. | Common Creeper, 179. Common Sandpiper, I 19. Crossbill, 98. Curlew, II6. , Pigmy, 125. , Esquimaux, 177. Cormſ rant, I65. 52 Green, 166. Crake, Spotted, 129. Crested Tit, 82. Crow, Royston, 85. Cuckoo, 90. I94. INDEX. Dabchick, 162. Dipper, 99. Diver, Great Northern, 162. , Black-throated, I62. , Red-throated, 162. Dotterel, Ioč. 29 Ringed, IO7. Dove, Turtle, 179. Duck, Wild, 153. , long-tailed, I58. Dunbird, I57. Dunlin, I27. Eagle, White-tailed, 68. Eared Grebe, 162. Egyptian Goose, I44. Erne, 68. Falcon Iceland, 71. Fieldfare, 178. Flycatcher, Pied, 83. 25 Spotted, 179. Fox, 181. Gadwall, I 53. Gannet, 166. Garden Warbler, 179. Garganey, I54. Glead, 71. Godwit, Bar-tailed, 121. , Black-tailed, 121. Golden Plover, 106. Golden-crested Wren, IOO. Golden-eye Duck, 158. Goldfinch, 179. Goosander, I60. Goose Bean, I42. , Bernicle, I43. , Brent, I43. » Canada, I45. » Egyptian, I44. , Gray-lag, I4I. , Pink-footed, I42. , White-fronted, I43. Goshawk, 76. - Great Crested Grebe, I61. Great Grey Shrike, 80. Great Northern Diver, 162. , Plover, IO5. , Snipe, 124. , Spotted Woodpecker, 89. , Tit, 81. Grebe, Eared, 162. , Great-crested, I61. , Red-necked, I61. Green Linnet, , Sandpiper, II9. , Woodpecker, 89. Greenshanks, II9. Grey Phalarope, I32. , Plover, IOS. Grouse, Pallas Sand, IO2. Guillemot, Common, I63. 37 Black, I63. Gull, Black-headed, I71. Gull, Common, I72. INDEX, I95 , Herring, I73. , Kittiwake, 174. , Iceland, I73. , Lesser, 170. , Blacked-backed, I73. Black-backed, Lesser, 173. Great, Hammer, Yellow, I79. Harrier Hen, 76. , Montagu's, 76. Hedge Accentor, 178 Heron, Common, III. , Night, II3. Herring Gull, 173. Hobby, 73. Hooded Crow, 85. Hooper, I46. Hoopoe, 84. House Sparrow, I'79. Iceland Falcon, 71. Jackdaw, 88. JackSnipe, 124. Jay, 88. Kentish Plover, Io'7. Kestrel, 74. Kingfisher, 83. Kite, 71. Kittiwake, I74. Knot, 125. Landrail, 128. Lapwing, 109 Lark, Shore, 94. ; Sky, 95. , Wood, 179. Lesser Gull, 170. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 89. » Tern, I69. Linnet Grey, 179. Little Auk, I63. , Bustard, IOS. , Stint, 126. Long-eared Owl, 78. Long-tailed Tit, 179. | Lump Fish, 182. Magpie, 88. Maigre, 182. Martin, House, 92. , Sand, 94. Meadow Pipit; 179. Merganser, Redbreasted, 160, Merlin, 74. Missel Thrush, 178. Montagu's Harrier, 76. Moor Hen, 130. Mountain Finch, 96. Mute Swan, I46. Night Heron, II3. Nightingale, IOO. Night Jar, 91. Norfolk Plover, Io;. Northern Diver, Great, I62. I96 JNDEX Nuthatch, 88. Osprey, 69. Otter, 181. Ousel Ring, 99. Owl, Barn, 79. , Long-eared, 78. , Short-horned, 77. , Tawny, 79. Oyster Catcher, III. Pallas, Sand Grouse, IO2. Partridge, Common, IOI. 35 Red-legged, IOI. Peewit, Io9. Peregrine Falcon, 71. Petrel Fulmar, 176, , Storm, 176. , Wilson's, 176. Phalarope, Grey, 132. Pheasant, Common, IOI, 179. Pied Flycatcher, 83. Pigmy Curlew, 125. Pigeon, Wood, 179. Pink-footed Goose, 142. Pintail Duck, 153. Pipit Meadow, 179. , Rock, 94. ,, Tree, I79. Plover, Golden, Ioff. , Great, IOS. , Grey, Io9. 92 Kentish, Io'7. Pochard Duck, I57. Pomerine Skua, 175. Puffin, 164. Quail, Common, 103. Rail, Land, 128. 9, Water, 130. Raven, 84. Razorbill, 165. Red-backed Shrike, 80. Redbreast, 178. Red-legged Partridge, IoI. Red-necked Grebe, 161. Redshank, Common, 117. 59 Spotted, II?. Redstart, Black, 99. 55 Common, 178. Red-throated Diver, 162. Redwing, 178. Reed Warbler, 178 Reeve, 121 Ring Ousel, 99. Ringed Dotterel, Ioy Rock Pipit, 94. Roller, 83. Rook, 88. Rotche, 163. Royston Crow, 85. Ruff, 121. Sanderling, IIo. Sandpiper, Common, II9. 2? Purple, 128. 22 Wood, II8. INDEX. I97 Scaup Duck, 157. Scoter, Common, I56. , Velvet, I55. Seal, 180. Sedge Warbler, 178. Shieldrake, 150. 92 Ruddy, I50. Shore Lark, 94. Shoveller, 152. Shrike, Great, 80. 2, Red-backed, 80. Siskin, 97. Skua, 174. , Buffon's, 175. , Pomerine, I75. , Richardson's, 175. Smew, I 59. Snipe, Common, I24. 9, Great, I24. » Jack, 124. , Gould's, I24. Snow, Bunting, 96. Sparrow, 97, 179. Sparrowhawk, 76. Spoonbill, II4. Starling, Common, 98. Stint, Little, 126. , Temminck's, I26. Stonechat, 178. Stork, White, II3. Storm Petrel, 176. Swallow, 92. Swan, Black, I47. , Hooper, I46. Swan, Mute, I46. 2, Species incerta, I47. Swift, Common, 91. Tawny Owl, 79. Teal, Common, 154. Temminck's Stint, 126. Tern, Arctic, I69. , Black, 169. » Common, I69. , Lesser, I69. , Species incerta, I69. Thrush, Common, 178. Tit, Blue, 81. » Cole, 179. 2, Crested, 82. » Great, 81. , Long-tailed, 179 Tree Lark, 179. Tree Sparrow, 97. Tufted Duck, 158. Turnstone, IIO. Turtle Dove, 179 Twite, 97. Velvet Scoter, 155. 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The collection comprises, for the first time, the love-letters of Henry;VIII. to Anne Boleyn, in a complete form, which may be regarded, perhaps, as the most singular documents of the kind that have descended to our times; the series of letters of Edward VI. will be found very interesting specimens of composition; some of the letters of James I., hitherto unpublished, throw fight am the Murder of Qverbury, and prove beyond a doubt the King was implicated in it in some extra- ordinary and unpleasant way; but his Letters to the Duke of Buckingham are of the most singular natnre; only imagine a letter from a Sovereign to his Prime Min- ister commencing thus: “My own sweet and dear child, blessing, blessing, blessing on thy heart-roots and all thine.” Prince Charles and the Duke of Buckingham's Journey into Spain has never been before so fully illustrated as it is by the docu- ments given in this work, which also includes the very curious letters from the Duke and Duchess of Buckingham to James I. 3 John Russell Smith, 36, Soho Square, London. BURKE (John) Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Extinct and Dormant Baronetcies of England, Ireland, and Scotland. Medium 8vo, SECOND EDITION, 638 closely printed pages, in double columns, with about 1000 Arms engraved on wood, fine port of JAMES I., cloth. 10s (original price £1.8s) This work engaged the attention of the author for several years, comprises nearly a thousand families, many of them amongst the most ancient and eminent in the kingdom, each carried down to its representative or representatives still existing, with elaborate and minute details of the alliances, achievements, and fortunes, generation after generation, from the earliest to the latest period. NORFOLR'S (E. E.) Gleanings in Graveyards: a Collection of Curious Epitaphs. Third edition, revised and enlarged, foolscap 8vo, cloth. 3s TESTAMENT (The New).-Translated from Griesbach's Text, by SAMUEL SHARPE, Author of the History of Egypt, etc. 6th edition. 12mo, pp. 412, cloth. 1s 6d - The aim of the translator has been to give the meaning and idiom of the Greek . as far as possible in English words. The book is printed in paragraphs (the verses of the authorised version are numbered in the margins) the speeches by inverted commas, and the quotations from the “Old Testament” in italics, those passages which seem to be poetry in a smaller type. It is entirely free from any motive to enforce doctrinal points. Six large impressions of the volume sufficiently attest its value. We cordially recommend this edition of the New Testament to our readers and contributors. —British Controversialist. Upon the whole we must admit that this is the most correct English Version in existence, either of the whole or of any portion of the New Testament.—The Ec- clesiastic, and repeated by the English Churchman. TESTAMENT (Old).-The Hebrew Scriptures, translated by SAMUEL SHARPE, being a revision of the authorised English Old Testament. 3 vols, fcap. 8vo, cloth, red edges. 7s 6d “In the revision of the Authorised Version of the Old Testament, the aim of the Translator has been to shew in the Text, by greater exactness, those peculiarities which others have been content to point out in Notes and Commentaries. He has translated from Van der Hooght's edition of the Hebrew Bible, printed in Amster- 'dam in 1705; except when, in a few cases, he has followed some of the various readings so industriously collected by Dr. Kennicott.”—Préfetce. TEXTS from the Holy Bible, explained by the help of Ancient Monu- ments. BY SAMUEL SHARPE. With 166 drawings on wood, chiefly by JoSEPH BonoMI, Curator of Soane's Museum. Post 8vo, SECOND EDITION ENLARGED, cloth. 3s 6d A LIFE OF SHAKESPEARE, including many particulars respecting . the Poet and his Family, never before published. By J. O. HALLI- WELL, F.R.S., etc. 8vo, illustrated with 75 engravings on wood, (most of which are of Kew objects from drawings by Fairholt, cloth. 15s A Catalogue of 500 Books published by J. R. SMITH, or of which he has the entire remainders, may be had for a Postage Label, 36, Soho Square, London. T 6994 DO NOT REMOVE C};2 Aftly"; i.AT: CARDS