80 THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
To date the many contributions to the folk lore of birds
would be impossible, but we know that it was a custom in very
ancient times. It existed in the days of the ancient Egyptians,
was a custom among the Druids and some have been handed
down to us by Pliny, A.D. 23-79. The examples which I have
used illustrate the general nature of the subject. To conceive
how these fantastic stories could have originated seems impossible,
for they might well be likened to nightmares. I remarked
earlier that one could understand the relation of birds and the
weather, yet many of the stories are just as fantastic as those
of other aspects. It is surprising enough to know that such tales
could be accepted by the less educated, but one does not know
what to think when we remember the remedies of Willughby
and the story of the Barnacle-Goose told by Gerard. In spite
of this the subject has a scientific aspect, for the superstitions
which have been created about birds have had an influence
on the status of some, and this is a question which is worthy of
further exploration. To present the subject in an ordered maimer
I have selected a series of aspects. I do not claim to have dealt
with all the aspects which could be found and further I have
quoted only examples of each aspect. I cannot give an assurance
that the folk lore has always been referred to the correct species,
as I have accepted the statements of the authors I have used.
In regard to the Essex matter much more probably exists
than has come to my notice, and it is not improbable that some
of the general matter may have been used in our County. A
list of the species is given, showing under which aspects they
have been used. I hope that the nucleus which I present will
serve as a missionary, and create around it a fuller story of
the folk lore of Essex birds.
List of birds on the ESSEX LIST about which there
is folk lore.
Raven (A.M.T.) Owls (W.)
Carrion-Crow (A.T.E.) Long-eared Owl
Rook (W.A.E.) Tawny Owl
Jackdaw (A.) Barn Owl (A.)
Magpie (W.A.) Kestrel (A.)
Jay (T.) Golden Eagle (T.)