Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Hunting, Crime, Ornithology, Cruelty, Cultural Geography

    Discusses a Retford and Gainsborough News report of blackbird shooting in Willingham. Believes the interest shown by villagers in this activity more closely resembles the attitude of the French than the British towards shooting. Explains that the blackbird is a 'destructive and mischievous bird' and suggests that Willingham residents might also follow the French in including the bird in their 'dietary'. Opposed to this form of hunting, Punch ironically suggests that the villagers should kill and eat other birds, including cock-robins, goldfinches, and geese.