Absent Birds It is a surprising contrast of experience that
the Norwegians are lamenting the paucity of seagulls (as indeed of other more desirable birds) while our seaside folk are distressed at their multitude. A very strange reason is given for the rediiction, of numbers in Norway : the prevalent theory is that too many are killed for the sake of the silver foxes in the many and multiplying pelt farms. One Must visit such a country as Norway to feel how rich in birds is this island. Some visitors to Norway saw during a long stay only crows, a few gul&; martins and a wagtail. Small birds, Of course, prefer inland places. There are districts on our coast where birds are few, except in periods of migration. The compensation in Norway is the fantastic number of fish, in sea and estuary and river.
* * * *
Previous page
