48
THE THREATENED DESTRUCTION OF
heard. The Maplins, the Swallow-tail, and the whole coast-line
hereabout, swarm in winter with visitors of the feathered tribe ; the
Wild Goose, Duck, Widgeon, Teal, Dun-bird, and Ox-bird, as well
as flocks of small Waders, all find congenial haunts, and are a source
of sport to the rich and support to the poor. Many a frozen-out
fisherman brings his gun into requisition when nets are useless.
Decoy ponds also contribute not an insignificant addition to our
home supply of winter wild-fowl. The abundance of birds increases
in proportion to the severity of the weather, and the quantity killed
varies according to the number of those unable to follow their
ordinary avocations. At these times the punt-gun is much in vogue,
and interesting it is to watch from the deck of the oyster-smack, laid
to at respectful distance, the stealthy approach of the punt towards a
large patch of birds quietly resting on the sand-banks. The punt
painted as nearly as possible the colour of the water, the occupants
attired in oil-skins and sou'-westers of the same hue, at last reach a
point from which the punt-gun, fixed on a swivel in the bows, is
discharged with effect. This done the time arrives for the limited
crew of two or three to make free use of the small shoulder gun.
Although not a sportsman, and having but little sympathy with much
that is carried on under that name, I do not hesitate to say that this
wild-fowl shooting is not only legitimate sport, but materially con-
tributes to the food supply of the people.
The picturesque is to be found in every locality, if we are
blessed with eyes to see, and minds to appreciate and contemplate ;
and this region presents no exception to this rule, having character-
istics peculiarly its own. Old Crome has fascinated and made
us familiar with the homely roadsides, lanes, and farms of Suffolk ;
—it is hopeless to expect one of his genius—but an artist has
yet to be found to give us, upon canvas, the many interesting
features of this part of the coast, for the preservation of which
we are now so apprehensive. That, viewed in this light, these
parts have weighty claims which must not be ignored, none in
the least acquainted with them will doubt. Both in summer and
winter they teem with animal and vegetable life. From the ancient
and massive tower of Canewdon, — crowning the summit of
one of the ridge of hills skirting the south bank of the Crouch, and
situate about six miles from the estuary, and two miles above the
attractive and thriving town of Burnham—an extensive and charm-
ing view of the whole of the district which would be affected by the