Suburban Duck The general decrease of wild duck, in the
fullest sense of the word, is greatly agitating sportsmen and, in a less degree, ornithologists. Protective legislation is intended ; and if it takes the form of prohibiting the shooting of " flappers " in August everyone should rejoice. In voluminous correspondence on the subject one writer, dating his letter from London, makes the apology that his observations of duck were not made in London. If they had been, that fact would hardly have needed an apology. If anyone wishes to study wild duck—not of one sort, but of many—he could scarcely find a surer observation post than the bank of some of the reservoirs near London, whether on the West or North-East side. How very large are the flocks of widgeon at Staines, and beside them may be seen Mallard, Pochard and even Golden-eye. I do not know why the number of duck on these accidental reserves should not be as good a test of the duck population as any. So far as my knowledge goes, the duck on these waters have not visibly diminished in recent years, and their numbers suggest the doubt (expressed, I think, by Mr. Buxton in the Field) whether, after all, the diminution of duck is as general and serious as we have been asked to believe. These reservoirs are not, of course, breeding homes ; but some water- birds would breed there if it were not for the carrion crows. My own experience, which is small, contains instances where Greater Crested Grebe at Staines and Mallard in Richmond Park have lost eggs or young before the attacks of these harpies.
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