THE CRIME

To the Editor of the Times:

Sir,--I understand on good authority that in certain poulterers' shops in the neighborhood of London certain birds are being exhibited and sold, which should certainly not be permitted. The birds in question are the goosander, red-breasted merganser, and last, but by no means least, the great-crested grebe! Ironically enough the grebe is being sold as a "shuffleduck"!

One knows full well how difficult it is to obtain the necessaries of life, but for such birds as I have mentioned to be exposed for sale and human consumption is abominable, and I hope that this publicity will cause a stop to be put to this distressing practice. Yours very sincerely,   W. PERCIVAL WESTELL, Curator, Letchworth Urban District Council Museum.   Broadway, Letchworth, Herts, March 11.   London Times 3-13-41