7
Those who decide to have the Sparrows killed will probably think it well to form a committee of the farmers of the neighbourhood. As an example may be given the following notice, which has been circulated in the neighbourhood of Aylsham, in Norfolk:—
"Dear Sir, "January 5th, 1886.
"A great deal of attention has lately been called to the enormous increase in the number of Sparrows and to the damage they do.
"A wish has been expressed that some concerted action should be taken in the matter of their destruction; may we ask whether you will undertake to kill the Sparrows on your own occupation?
"It is felt that any action taken must be agreed to universally in the district, or it will be useless.
"The Committee think that care should be taken that only Sparrows should be killed.
"It would be of great service to the Committee if you would keep a record of the number of Sparrows killed on your farm, and communicate it to them at the end of the year.
"Yours faithfully,
"C. Louis Buxton.
"J. Lee Case.
"Wm. Case.
"J. Goulder.
"E. T. Learner.
"Wm. Lemon.
"B. B. Sapwell.
"J. Soame,
"H. G. Wright."
This circular was sent to all the large occupiers in Aylsham, Banningham, Blickling, Burgh, Ingworth, Marsham, and Tuttington, and the returns as sent in by 42 of them to Mr. Buxton show that in twelve months 8957 were killed, though it is to be feared a few other Finches were mixed up in this number.
