NOTES—ORIGINAL AND SELECTED. 291
Seals on the Essex Coast.—In addition to the example recorded by
Mr. Fitch in the last part (ante p. 234) from the Crouch river, several
other seals have recently been seen on the Essex Coast. But as Dr. Laver
remarks in the Mammals, &c., of Essex (p. 57) there is generally great doubt as
to the species, the animals not having been examined by naturalists, and in
the present cases all efforts to obtain further information have been unavail-
ing. According to the Essex County Standard on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24th)
"A fine specimen of the 'Grey Seal' (?) was shot in the River Stour, just
opposite Mistley Place, by Mr. Chas. Porter, one of the local puntsmen. It
is stated that about 45 years ago a pilot named Eteen secured one of the
brown species."
In spite of this definite statement, Dr. Laver is of opinion that the
animal was not the true Grey Seal (Halichaerus gryphus) but that it, and the
two following, would properly be referred to the Common Seal (Phoca
vitulina).
On February 12th, according to the Essex County Chronicle, the men
employed by the Roach River Oyster Company were returning home in the
sailing boat ' Choice' when they noticed a seal disporting itself in the
Branklet reach of the river Roach by Wallasea Island. A gun was immediately
produced, and William Bridge succeeded in shooting the mammal. The men
rowed in the same boat to secure their booty, but just as they came up to it
the seal sank.
The Evening News of March 2nd, under the heading "Seal Hunt in the
Thames," gives the following narrative:—"Much excitement was caused at
Grays, a correspondent reports, by the appearance of a seal on the mud
opposite the training ship, 'Exmouth,' seemingly making frantic efforts to
reach the water. Several boats from the ship put off to try and capture the
creature, which seemed tired out. The men expected no trouble in their
undertaking, but as the boat approached it, the seal dashed with the speed
of the wind into the water, and after giving the boats a little chase, finally
dived and disappeared, to the great disappointment of the ship's boys, who
were eagerly watching the chase."
A "seal" is reported to have been shot in the Althorne Creek, Crouch
River, after the flood on November 29th last, but no further particulars were
obtainable.
And finally, Mr. Matthams states (in litt.) that Seals have been more
than once taken in the Kiddle-nets at Fowlness Island, and that one was
sent alive to Southend some years ago.
We suppose, as sad experience seems to teach, it is quite useless protest-
ing against this wanton destruction of harmless animal life which so con-
stantly goes on. Otters, badgers, seals, and other interesting creatures are
ruthlessly destroyed at sight by gentle and simple alike. Although we fear
the pleasing anticipations of the writer would not have been realized, all will
agree with the spirit of the remarks in the Chronicle anent the river Roach
seal:—" If the seal had been captured the men who secured it would no
doubt have made a little out of it, but how much more would people make
if, by allowing one treasure to remain, they induced others to come? If
Burnham could only persuade the seal to inhabit its waters the place would
be "made" in the twinkling of an eye, for the sight of the harmless seal