ment and sustenance to the bird. The powerful digestive organs of most of the berryand seed-eating tribes seem alone sufficient to warrant this conclusion, and experience generally corroborates it. In those species, however, which live partly on berries and partly on soft insect food, like the thrushes, I am inclined to think that in some instances seeds pass through unhurt, particularly those which are of a hard texture, and which are enclosed in a pulp, as the berries of the elder and mountain-ash, and perhaps those of currants and gooseberries &c. In the course of my own observations, I have found seeds of the elder entire in the intestines of thrushes and blackbirds, and I have also found haw-stones in those of the latter bird. It is not at all surprising that the haw should be able to resist the action of the blackbird's stomach, as it is of so very hard a nature, and I should be inclined to say that in general it does so. I am also of opinion that the seeds of the holly, which are somewhat similar to those of the haw, generally escape the grinding power of the gizzard. In some fruit-eating tribes, as the Ampelidæ, which have a wide and short intestinal canal, seeds of all kind may and probably do pass through uninjured; and in omnivorous birds, as the crows, some seeds may casually and accidentally escape, but in the truly granivorous tribes, everything is reduced to a paste. I am therefore inclined to come to the conclusion,

that the dissemination of the plants by birds is the exception and not the rule. These observations will, I trust, induce some one more qualified than I am, to come forward with his experience on the subject, and discuss the matter fully. The pages of 'The Zoologist' afford a good field for friendly debate on this and such-like controverted points on Natural History.-Id.

I have great plea

Note on the Honey-buzzard rearing its young in this country. sure in recording in the pages of 'The Zoologist,' an instance of the honey-buzzard (Pernis apivorus) having reared its young in this country. I find by my memorandums that five honey-buzzards were procured in this district in 1841. Of these five, two were picked up dead on the sea-shore; a third was shot at Blaydon, on the 24th of September, and the other two were brought to Mr. James Pape, game-dealer, Collingwood St., on the 26th of August; these two last mentioned are males, and of a uniform dark brown, and had evidently not left the nest many days; they could not possibly have flown more than a few yards, and were exactly in the state of plumage in which we find young rooks when shot from the nest-edge in spring. They now form part of the valuable collection of our talented townsman, Mr. John Hancock. I have since ascertained that these two birds were shot on the estate of John Atkinson, Esq., of Newbiggin, about two miles from Hexham, by Edward Dewison, then in Mr. Atkinson's employ as coachman: he shot them off the tree in which the nest was built. The old birds were frequently seen, but were so shy that he could not procure them.— Thomas John Bold; 24, Cloth-market, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Note on the Nest of the Long-horned Owl occurring in Trees. Observing in the last number (Zool. 492), an enquiry from a correspondent as to whether " an owl's nest had ever been placed upon the branch of a tree:" I have thrown together a few notes on the nidification and habits of the long-horned owl (Strix otus), which have come under my own and my brother's observation, and which may perhaps tend to remove Mr. Greenwood's doubts on this question : the long-horned owl being the only British one which does I believe invariably rear its young in the position referred to. This handsome species is rather generally distributed through the fir-woods within six or seven miles around York, taking possession, about the middle or end of March, of the deserted nest of the crow, ringdove (and perhaps that of the squirrel), in a Scotch or

spruce fir-tree, on which, after flattening and sometimes lining with a few feathers, are deposited its two or three beautifully white eggs. Out of six or seven instances, we have never met with more than three eggs or young ones, and in most cases only two. In some cases it must lay more freely, as Mr. Yarrell, in his beautiful work on British birds, p. 118, states "the eggs to be four or five in number." It is curious to observe how flat they invariably make their nests, so much so, that in even a slight wind it is difficult to conceive how the eggs retain their position, when the parent bird leaves them. This species does not seem to confine its flight entirely to the darker hours, nor its taste very strictly to the mouse tribe; as we have met them in the woods sailing quietly along (as if hawking) on a bright sunny day, and invariably found in or around the nest, feathers and other remains of the winged race; in one case a freshly killed chaffinch, in another, the wing of a snipe, and several smaller birds, —and in a pellet the indigestible pad of a young hare or rabbit. A nest which I examined this day (April 11th) contained three eggs, which were laid on what appeared to have been the drey of the squirrel, in a tall spruce fir. This nest was lined with a few feathers, and only discovered on the 31st of March, and had then the same number of eggs. I hope to ascertain when the young ones are hatched, and whether, as is I believe generally the case with this tribe, the parent bird had commenced incubation when the first egg was laid. I should feel much obliged if any of the numerous contributors to 'The Zoologist' could inform us whether this is a general law with the owls, and also the number of days occupied in incubation, by this or any of the same tribe. James H. Tuke; Lawrence St., York, April 12, 1844.

Note on Owls building in Trees. On looking over the last number of The Zoologist,' I find an inquiry by Mr. Alfred Greenwood (Zool. 492) respecting a former communication of mine (Id. 383). In reply I may state, that although I have not yet climbed to an owl's nest myself, individuals who have done so have frequently seen them, in this neighbourhood, in a situation similar to that in which Mr. Walker found the nest of the heron.-R. Dick Duncan.

It

Notes on the Passerine Owl. One principal charm of the country is the pleasing effect produced upon the mind by the various rural sounds, amongst which there is one so remarkable, and yet so agreeable, that I recommend attention to the little animal which produces it for the sake of increasing the enjoyment of those who like retirement. This singular and plaintive note is heard during the evening, and early part of the night, throughout the spring and summer, commencing about sun-set, and proceeds from the Strix Passerina, a British bird, now, I believe, very rarely found, and which, with the exception of Strix Scops, is the smallest of our native owls. closely resembles the Strix Tengmalmi, being nearly the same size as that species, and chiefly differing from it in the legs not being much clothed, the feathers in S. Tengmalmi covering the legs as entirely as in S. nyctea and other large species. There is another point of interest too about these little birds, in the remarkable jump which is peculiar to this species. All who are fond of Natural History must be familiar with the delightful writings of Mr. Waterton; and in a paper of his which I read some time ago (I think in one of the Magazines of the late lamented and excellent Mr. Loudon), he has well described this strange movement, but I do not recollect that he mentions the pleasing note of this species, which is equally characteristic and singular. A pair of these birds were in the pheasantry here for some years and none of the feathered tribe can better reward the attention of those who take any interest in such objects - John Thomas Brooks; Flitwick House, March 30, 1844.

Anecdote of the Common Wren. I am at any time glad to have it in my power to record, for the benefit of my brother naturalists, any fact that appears not to have been noticed by others. As the following little incident, pertaining to the habits of one of our most familiar birds, is not mentioned by Selby or Yarrell, I may reasonably presume that it has not been noticed by these distinguished naturalists. Walking the other day in Leven's park, my attention was arrested by the singular movements of a common wren; and being so situated that I had an excellent opportunity of minutely watching its operations, I distinctly observed it to walk over head into the water by the shallow margin of a brook, as if in search of insect food. This action it repeated

several times in quick succession, and then, as if it had secured the object of its search, darted off into a neighbouring bush. I will not be so bold as to advance what some have advanced respecting the dipper-that it actually walked at the bottom of the water, for indeed its movements were too rapid to admit of any such subaqueous promenade; but that it was really submerged, and that for three or four times, I take upon myself unhesitatingly to repeat: as, from the position I occupied with respect to the bird, and at only a few yards distance from it, I could not possibly be mistaken. As I cannot suppose this habit is peculiar to the wrens of my neighbourhood, I am in hopes that others of your correspondents may have an opportunity of verifying my assertions. Apropos of these interesting little creatures. I find it stated by Mr. Yarrell in his excellent work on British Ornithology, that "Sir W. Jardine and Mr. Selby, both mention the circumstance of several of these diminutive birds passing the night together, in the same aperture." I beg to state in confirmation of this, that several winters ago, I was tempted to examine a small hole in the side of a moss-covered hermitage, which I had reason to believe was frequented by a colony of wrens: and going thither one evening, when there was a deep snow on the ground, I placed a small hand net over the hole, and actually secured ten or a dozen that had repaired thither for a comfortable night's lodging. Although the little captives were soon afterwards set at liberty, I am not aware that their rest was again disturbed, or that any search was afterwards made for them in the snug little hiding-place they had made for themselves.-S. H. Haslam; Greenside Cottage, Milnthorpe, April 15, 1844.

Note on the Hoopoe nestling in Surrey. A short time since, while staying in the neighbourhood of Dorking, I was informed by a friend who resides there, that in the summer of 1841, he had some strange eggs brought to him, which had been found in the hollow of a tree in an orchard, and which proved to be the eggs of that very pretty and rare straggler the hoopoe (Upupa Epops). The old birds were not shot, but they have never since been observed to visit the spot from whence their eggs were taken. But few instances have, I believe, been known, of hoopoes breeding in this country. Although a year does not pass without a specimen or two visiting Kent, yet I have never been able to hear of a well authenticated instance of their nidification in this county. One cause of their so rarely breeding in England, may probably arise from the fact of their being such peculiar-looking birds as to attract the observation of those who would not otherwise notice them; and they are consequently generally shot or driven away. White mentions a pair which visited his garden, where, to use his own words, "They used to march about in a stately manner, feeding in the walks many times in the day, and seemed disposed to breed in my outlet, but were frightened and persecuted by idle boys, who would never let them be at rest." The hoopoe, which is an African bird, from whence it migrates in the summer into Europe, is by no means

uncommon in the warmer parts of France.

Those that visit our island, are probably

driven here by contrary winds.-J. Pemberton Bartlett; Kingston Rectory, Kent.

Note on the Swallow's course over the Atlantic. On a voyage to New South Wales in 1842, whilst passing the Cape de Verds, their noble peaks being often distinctly seen breaking through the clouds, we observed several swallows about the ship, at times resting, by clinging to the shrouds. And although these interesting wanderers were evidently exhausted by fatigue, and probably by hunger also; they never made towards the land; but continued with us until we were 130 miles to the southward of Fogo. On the 9th of October, in lat. 11° 13' N., long. 23° 27′ W., one of our companions became so weak that his flight could no longer be maintained: every attention was paid to the weary traveller, but all in vain: after a few hours he expired in my cabin. The fact of these birds not diverging from their course to land within twelve or fifteen miles, is the point to which I would direct attention, in order to ascertain, if possible, the country to which they were migrating. The ship's course was then inclining towards the African coast; the Windward islands were 2000 miles to the westward, and quite out of our track; we therefore concluded the birds were proceeding to the former, as, by continuing the line of direction, they would reach Cape Palmas, at the entrance of the Gulf of Guinea, by a flight of 1025 miles. They had, most probably, departed from America, crossing the Atlantic on a S.E. course, from Halifax to Cape Palmas, the distance being 3800 geographical miles; a very long journey, without one resting place, for the little emigrants, whose progress would be much impeded by the N.E. trade, from crossing the Tropic until their arrival on the sultry shore of Africa.-Henry F. Cliffe; Elm Cottage, Brixton Hill.

Note on the early arrival of the Swallow or Martin. The circumstance of my having seen either a martin or swallow on the 27th of last month, may be worth recording. I was riding past Snaresbrook-pond when I saw it first, and again on my return a few minutes afterwards, so that I could not be mistaken. Mr. Barclay, the banker, was with me, besides several ladies, who all saw it.—Samuel Gurney, jun.; 65, Lombard St., April 15, 1844.

Note on the late occurrence of the Swallow at Goole in December. On the 10th of last December was shot at Goole, in the West Riding of the county of York, a beautiful specimen of the common swallow, an adult bird, and not a young bird of the season, in full plumage and good condition. This bird was sent to me, and I had the pleasure of showing it to many of my ornithological friends.-R. J. Bell, Derby.

Note on the Missel Thrush. The courage and strength of this bird are highly spoken of by naturalists, who assert that that it drives off larger birds from the vicinity of its nest. That it attempts to do so I readily admit, but positively deny that it is invariably or generally successful, since I have repeatedly had the very best opportunity of observing the contrary. In the large trees, usually in a fir, at the front of my native place, a pair of missel thrushes built nearly every year, and it very rarely happened that the nest was not robbed of either eggs or young, perhaps more than once, by crows or magpies, though close to the house; and I have seen a crow sitting in the nest, deliberately devouring its prey, although the thrushes were screaming as near as they dared venture. Nor was I ever able to protect the poor birds, as I would gladly have done, by shooting their enemy.-Arthur Hussey; Rottingdeane, March 23, 1844.

Note on the sudden change of Colour in the Plumage of Birds produced by Fright. May not the following facts partly account for the frequency of white varieties of birds In the Edinburgh Geographical Journal,' Mr. Young states

and other creatures?

that a cat having frightened a blackbird, the poor songster was found apparently lifeless in its cage, and quite wet with perspiration, [perspiration ?]. Its black feathers soon fell off, and were succeeded by a perfectly white plumage. Sir Robert Heron has related in his journal, that at Mr. Kendal's of Barnsley, a fox pounced upon a black Poland cock, whose screams attracted the servants to his rescue, but not until he was desperately wounded and had lost half his feathers. In time, the remainder of his feathers fell off, and were replaced by an entirely white plumage.-James H. Fennell; London.

Anecdote of a Robin's Nest being built in a Watering-pot. Early in the spring of 1839, before the usual time for birds' pairing, the gardener discovered that a pair of robins had built a nest in an old watering-pot, which had been suspended to the bough of an apple-tree, hanging over the path leading to the tool-house. The hen bird was then actually sitting. The gardener was ordered to conceal the fact, lest the bird should be disturbed by the children going to look at the nest. Unfortunately, one fine sunny morning, little Philip, who had been sowing seeds in his garden, thinking it was necessary to water them, spied the watering-pot, and getting a long stick, succeeded in knocking it down. The nest of course was destroyed: the eggs had fallen out; and it was found on examination that the process of incubation was nearly completed. You may suppose how great was our mortification, and little Phil's distress in having been the innocent cause of this disappointment to our favourite little birds.* Note on the early incubation of the Robin. The following instance of early incubation may perhaps be interesting to the readers of 'The Zoologist.' A robin's nest, containing several eggs, was taken near York a few days ago: there being snow on the ground at the time, and the temperature ranging from 30° to 13o Fahr. William Murray Tuke: York, February 9, 1844.

Correction of a supposed error in a previous communication, the name of Richard's Pipit apparently occurring instead of that of the Alpine Accentor. I am inclined to think that there is some error in Mr. Jordan's note in the last month's Zoologist (Zool. 494), relative to the capture of Richard's pipit (Anthus Ricardi) at Teignmouth, and that the bird alluded to is a much rarer one as British. My reasons for this conclusion are, that the attention of your correspondent, Mr. Alfred Greenwood, and myself, was attracted in February last to a case of birds containing two blackstarts (Phænicura Tithys) and an alpine accentor (Accentor alpinus), exhibited in the window of Mr. Drew, an ornithologist residing in these towns. We were subsequently informed that these birds had been killed at Teignmouth, and forwarded to Mr. Drew for preservation. Since the appearance of Mr. Jordan's communication, I have seen Drew, and ascertained that the birds were received from that gentleman, who doubtless will be pleased to find himself the possessor of so rare a bird as the alpine accentor. Hore; Stoke Devonport, April 8, 1844.

W. S.

Notes on the Habits of the Wagtail. My acquaintance with your delightful work commenced so recently as Saturday last. The completed volume was placed in my hands by a Reverend relative, not unknown to the ornithological world, an honourable notice of him appearing in the Introduction to British Birds' (ed. 1832) by Bewick, whom he personally knew; two agreeable circumstances that connect me by remote and proximate links with your publication. But to my task! I had been some little time in correspondence with my relative on the strange and interesting habit of the

* Addressed to and communicated by the Rev. J. Atkinson.