28 THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
mentioned, there is one in Pyefleet Channel and another off
Bradwell Quay. In this period we find also the earliest refer-
ence to such species as the Bullfinch, Song-Thrush, Blackbird,
Hoopoe, Kestrel, Red Kite, White-tailed Eagle, Shelduck,
Cormorant and Lapwing. The inclusion of the Canary and the
Cormorant in the household expenses of Sir Thomas Barrington
calls for amplification. Prof. Newton states that the Canary
seems to have been imported into Europe very early in the
16th century. In mediaeval days the Cormorant was commonly
used in England for fishing, and the Royal household included
the Master of Cormorants. Although this method of fishing
has disappeared from Britain it is still practised in Eastern
waters. It is impossible to say if the Cormorants were hired
by Sir Thomas Barrington for the purpose of sport or utility.
The 18th century brings to our notice the existence of a second
heronry, and from an advertisement we gain knowledge of the
former existence of the Great Bustard, which was probably
breeding. In ornithological times this bird has been recorded
reliably on only three occasions. It is unfortunate that so few
records were handed down to us of what was taken at the decoys.
What information we have shows that the Wigeon was the
commonest winter duck of the Essex coast as it is to-day,
although it is probably now decreased. From this source we
have learned that a remarkable change has taken place in the
habits of this duck, for in the early part of the 18th century
most Wigeon appeared in September and October, whereas
150 years later January, February, and in lesser degree March,
were the favoured months. It is probable that the Pochard
was a much commoner bird in those days along the coast, for
to-day it is not seen there in great numbers. The list of other
birds from the decoys, although it does not tell us much, furnished
the only occurrence of the Ferruginous Duck and records of such
unusual birds as Long-tailed Duck, Smew, Storm-Petrel, and
Spotted Redshank. Towards the close of the 18th century we
find information relating to such game-birds as Partridges, Red-
legged Partridges, Woodcock, Quail and Pheasant. Finally
the earlier part of the 19th century gives us the earliest evidence
of the occurrence of the House Sparrow in large numbers.
In our search for information we have delved deeply into the
past and explored many curious avenues. The potential sources