THE PROTECTION OF WILD BIRDS IN ESSEX.
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result that at last, on February 6th, 1896, the order was actually
made.
In the meanwhile a Conference had been held on December 11th,
1895, between representatives of Essex, Norfolk, and East Suffolk,
to consider what means should be taken to ensure the enforcement
of any order that might be made—a step due to the foresight of Mr.
E. N. Buxton, who felt that immediate action was required, if the
birds were to be protected during the summer of 1896.
From the experience of Norfolk, where a similar order was
already in force, it was determined to form Bird Protection Societies
for each county, working on much the same lines.
A public meeting was held at Chelmsford on March 17th, 1896,
when it was resolved to form the "Essex Bird Protection Society,"
which should direct especial attention to the preservation of the coast
area.
Mr. E. N. Buxton was appointed President of the Society, Mr.
E. A. Fitch Vice-President, Mr. C. W. Parker Treasurer, Mr. C. B.
Russell Hon. Secretary, and a committee was formed, which lost no
time in getting to work ; with the result that the most important
centres have been visited, interest has been stirred up all round the
coast, twelve Bird Protection officers have been appointed—men of
influence in their districts—whose work lies near the breeding
grounds, and rewards have been offered for convictions. It is
hoped, however, that the public sentiment, which is growing in
favour of the birds, will be more effectual than many prosecutions ;
for if the local people are keen about their preservation, the egg-
stealers will not readily incur the summary punishment likely to be
inflicted.
Although attention is especially paid to the foreshores, a great
deal is being done by co-operating with the adjacent owners and
occupiers inside the sea wall, so as to protect the gulls, redshanks,
and wild fowl of all sorts breeding there. It is worth observing that
the eggs of wild duck, widgeon, and teal are protected by the Game
Laws under a penalty of 5s. for each egg.
Two arguments are raised against the work of the Society :
(1.) It is said that the real cause of the birds becoming extinct is
the increase of population, and the speed with which people can
travel, even to the most remote spots by land and water alike. In
this there is an element of truth. Our coast used to be celebrated
as the haunt of sea birds ; but while the destroying hands have