TEE mALUR ALISA: MONTHLY JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND. EDITED BY Wait DENTSON ROEBUCK,.-F.LS. VicE-PRESIDENT OF AND RECORDER TO THE CONCHOLOGICAL SOCIETY, AND Hon. SECRETARY YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS’ UNION, &C.; WIE SAG CLARE) Els. MEMBER OF THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION, AND OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE ON THE MIGRATION oF Birps; Hon. SECRETARY YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS’ Union, &c. ’ LOVELL REEVE & Co., 5, HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN, E.C. McCORQUODALE & Co. LIMITED, CARDINGTON STREET, EUSTON ; AND LEEDS: BASINGHALL STREET. 1887. Poke Aer Tue Editors have to express their thanks to the contributors whose writings have maintained the excellence of the journal at the high level of previous years, and to the subscribers who by their support show their appreciation of the efforts both of Editors and contributors to make Zhe Naturalist a trustworthy repertory of information concerning the natural history of Northern England. The Editors would be pleased if during the coming year their supporters would contribute papers and notes relating to those counties which reference to the indexes of this and previous volumes will demonstrate to have been somewhat neglected. They also wish to bespeak the assistance of their friends in improving the circulation so as to enable them to realise the wish— much-cherished yet much-disappointed—to enhance its usefulness by giving illustrations more frequently than the exiguity of their financial position has permitted in the past. The Editors have arranged for a paper by their old friend, Mr. John Cordeaux, upon the Isle of Heligoland and upon its intimate connection through bird-migration with Northern England, to appear in the January number, and to be illustrated by autotype photographs of the famous garden in which so many rarities have been observed. The Bibliography will be resumed in 1888, its non-appearance during 1887 having been caused by pressure of original papers and notes. The Editors regard it as of the highest value, and are happy to know that this opinion is widely shared amongst the supporters of their journal. A MD) (a sila acl ani wwew \t* Lovage tmaadinhict — Vibe) Ealing: abiecttiaa ad. 4 INO. !00. VAINUART, !00/. i y a I uc nN if Madi A MONTHLY JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND. EDITED BY WM. DENISON ROEBUCK, F:LS., WAL IOAG LE CLABES, -F.L.S., MEMBER OF THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION. Confents: PAGE The River Tees, its Marshes, and their Fauna—2. Lofthouse .- .. ae ae sf DtO-1O Formation of a Yorkshire Boulder Committee a 2 Khe .. 17& 18 Notes on Varieties of Bythinia tentaculata—George emer: Mu. Gc 5. rs se .. 19 & 20 Tortrix transitana, Spilonota forecelan a» and eee weirella in Yorkshire— George T. Porritt, Y 5) EPs OY DES A ay 21 Little Gulls at Flamborough Head— cdl Luiey foo FZ. Sa; M. B. 0. U. as ae 22 Notes—Mammalia:— 2 An Ingenious Rat’s Nest—7. Mellard R cade, F.G. i. ‘E.R ALBA: : Cannibalism i in the Long-eared Bat—Wztliam Storey. Note—Ornithology :— i Bird-notes from the Humber District—Yohn Cordeaux, M.B.O.U. Notes—Conchology:— . 20 Monstrosities of various Lancashire Shells—Brockton Tomlin, M. GC: te = Variation in Helix ericetorum near Chester—/d.; Reversed specimen of Helix virgata ‘at Coatham—_ Rev. W.C. Hey, M.A. Notes—Hymenoptera :— - 20 Additions to the Vorkshire List of Ichneumonid2—F rom Trans. Ent. SBE. Lond. Note—Botany :— £ 2 Ya ee ui = 22 Bee Orchis in Cnven—T. W. eer. Notes—Geology and Palzontology :— 18 Exposure of a Fault at Apperley—S. A. ‘A damson, FG. S.; ’ Fossil Polyzoa i in Lincoln- shire—G. R. Vine. Book-Notice :-— = “4 ms «+ 23 to 32 (Lord Walsingham and Sir R. Eton Gallwey" on 1a: Notes and News .. - . Ee ds s : ie Ke & = 16 LONDON: LOVELL REEVE & Co., 5, HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN, E.C, - McCorQuoDaLE & Co. 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At the mouth’of the river there is a vast extent of mud-flats (or, as they are locally called, slems), some thousands of acres in extent. These mud flats or ‘slems’ used to be bordered by marshes more or less all the way to Stockton, a distance of about ten or twelve miles, and in former times were resorted to by vast numbers of wild fowl. The marshes on the south side of the river, and a good deal of the fore- shore from Stockton to Eston, have been for the most part reclaimed and filled with slag, and are now occupied with ironworks, wharves, and ship-building yards; and of late years ironworks have been established on the Coatham Marsh opposite to the extreme mouth of the river, on the site of a rabbit warren, and close to a wild duck decoy, which existed there down to the years 1870-2. On the north side of the river one or two ironworks have been established at Port Clarence, opposite to Middlesbrough, at a distance of seven or eight miles from the sea: that of Messrs. Bell Brothers is the principal, and one of the oldest in the district. To the east of Port Clarence, the north side of the river is still open and unoccupied, and the Saltholm Marsh remains in much the same state as in former times, but exten- sive reclamation works are being carried out on the shore opposite by the Tees Conservancy Commissioners, who have reclaimed or have in course of reclamation over 2,500 acres of land, their operations being confined to the area principally of the foreshore on both sides of the estuary, comprised between high water at spring tides and high water at neaps, and who have constructed over a dozen miles of reclamation-embankments, principally of slag. The mud-flats at the mouth of the river are succeeded by a sandy beach, on the one side reaching from Seaton Snook to Hartlepool, and on the other by perhaps one of the finest stretches of sand in Great Britain, extending Jan. 1887. B 2 R, LOFTHOUSE: THE RIVER TEES. from Tod Point to Saltburn, a distance of seven or eight miles, and firm enough for horses and vehicular traffic. These sands are thus referred to in the Cottonian MS., as quoted in Graves’ ‘ History of Cleveland,’ p. 399:—‘ From the passage of the sands, by Reason of the Fyrmenesse and Smoothnesse frequented by such as delight in Swifte Horses, you next come to Redcarre, a poor fysher Towne.’ The Tees Conservancy Commissioners have erected a magnificent break- water at Tod Point, on the south side of the river, and are now erecting another on the north side. This, when complete, will leave the entrance to the river about 700 yards wide. From this break- water to Middlesbrough there is an area of between 5,000 and 6,000 acres, between the high-water embankments of the Tees Com- missioners, which is covered at high tide only, except the channel ; the greatest extent of mud-flat is on the north side, and called Seal Sand; that on the south side is called Bran Sand. Geologically, the basin of the Tees may be said to consist principally of Boulder Clay, with detached patches of an estuarine deposit of sand and gravel in places—the old part of the town of Middlesbrough being built on one of these. Under the Boulder Clay is found the New Red Sandstone ; and below this again, at depths varying from 1,000 feet to 1,500 feet, has been found a bed of rock salt, about 100 feet in thickness, and underlying the town of Middlesbrough and adjacent district. It will probably be found to form a kind of basin, and to cover no very extensive area ; yet, taking into consideration its great thickness and its quality, it may reasonably be expected to give a great impetus to the town and trade of Middlesbrough and district, with the develop- ment of the chemical trades connected with it. It is now being pumped up in the form of soluble brine in one or two places on the north side of the river, and has been reached at boreholes on the south side of the river at Middlesbrough and Eston. The method of raising the salt is thus described in a paper on ‘The Iron Trade of Cleveland and the Industries of Middlesbrough,’ by Sir Isaac Lowthian Bell, Bart., published in a handbook of Middlesbrough and district :—‘ A tube, 16 inches diameter, is carried from the surface to the bottom of the bed of salt—the portion which traverses the salt being pierced with holes. Inside this a second tube is placed, open at the lower end. Water is run down the annulus formed by these two tubes, and, becoming saturated with salt, rises in the internal tube until it is balanced by the outer column of fresh water. The proportional weight of fresh water and brine is as 1,000 is to 1,200, so that the inner column stands considerably below the outer. A pump is placed at the top of the inner column, and by this means the brine is raised to the surface.’ Naturalist, R. LOFTHOUSE: THE RIVER TEES. 3 It would appear that the manufacture of salt is an old industry on the Tees, though operations appear to have been confined to the sur- face in former times. Brewster thus refers to it in his ‘ History of Stockton ’:—‘ Near the mouth of the Tees, on Seaton and Greatham Marshes, anciently were very considerable salt works. Traces of these works are still to be seen, and have the appearance of breast- works and fortifications. By an inquisition post mortem (an° 36, Hatfield, 1380), it appears that Robert, son of Marm. de Lumley, Knight, died seized of 25s. rent and one quart of salt issuing out of three messuages and one saltwork in the tenure of John de Carrowe in Seaton. And by another inquisition of the same kind (an® 15, Langley, 1421), that Arnisia, the widow of Thomas de Elmedon, died seized of a quarter part of the manor of Seaton, consisting, among other things of a saltwork value 2s., another saltwork, and a fourth part of a saltwork, and the passage of the river Teese. ‘The farms in the parish of Greatham, bordering upon the marshes, holden by leases under the Master and Brethren of the Hospital of God in Greatham, are covenanted to pay a stipulated number of bushels of salt as an acknowledgement to the hospital, which, of course, are now commuted for a money payment.’ In Burton’s Mon. Ebor. it is stated that the canons of Guisborough possessed considerable salt- works here; and in the Cott. MS. before quoted, is the following reference to salt and other minerals :—‘As the Tyde comes in, yt bringethe a small wash Sea-cole, which is imployed to the makinge of Salte, and the fuell of the poore fisher Townes adjoininge: the oylie sulphurousness beinge mixed with the salte of the sea as yt floweth, and consequently hard to take fyre, or to keep in long without quenchinge, they have a meanes, by making small vaults to passe under the hearthes, into which, by fore-setting the wynde with a board they force yt to enter, and so to serve instede of a pair of bellows, which they call in a proper word of art, a blowcole. The shells, sand, and sea-rock serve instead of marle to enrich the land, which is fruitfull of itself, but much bettered by the neighbourhood of the Sea, making the good husbands of the lowe towns fatt in purse and merry in the hearte. Within the sea-marke on oone syde lyeth a rock of excellent plaister, cankered by the salte water; but if it were searched from sande, yt is probable that it would prove pure alabaster.’ On the north side of the river at Canoe Point, near to Greatham Fleet, are a series of low shelving banks or cliffs of sand and gravel, four or five feet high, grassed over on the top; the face of these reveal a large mixture of shells, chiefly cockles, mussels, and whelks, at a depth of about 18 inches from the surface, which would almost Jan. 1887. 4 R. LOFTHOUSE: THE RIVER TEES. suggest that the river had at some remote time emptied at a higher level, and covered much of the adjoining marshes and land which is now under cultivation; or perhaps, more properly speaking, that the beach had been raised. In the vicinity of the river, near Middles- brough, are found patches of peat, in which occur large quantities of timber, in most cases hard and sound, and with the bark still on. In digging for drainage and foundation works, the stems of trees have frequently to be sawn through at each side of the cutting ; in this peat have also been found deer’s horns in perfect condition. The dredges of the Tees Conservancy Commissioners have at various times brought to the surface semi-fossil remains. In the Albert Park at Middlesbrough is a gigantic tree, dredged from the bed of the river some years ago, and said to be oak; it is perfectly sound and hard—indeed, sound enough to be made into furniture. I have also seen a fairly perfect skull of an animal of the genus Bos (probably Bos primigenius), which measured 2 ft. 4 in. across the horns—which were, however, imperfect —8 in. across the skull just below the horns, 10% in. at the eyes, and 1 ft. 9 in. in height, though imperfect. I have also seen part of a very large skull, probably a Mastodon, and a single vertebra (of some animal) fully a foot in diameter, and two very large and perfect deer’s horns, besides many other bones ; these are all in private hands, and have not been examined by any expert, so far as I am aware. Turning to the fauna of the Tees, if we look over the Ordnance and other maps, we find many names suggestive of the same, some of animals long since extinct. We have Seal Sand in the river estuary, and Seal Goit on the coast beyond Saltburn, Wolviston and Wolviston Grange on the north side of the river, and, as might be expected, Cowpen in the same neighbourhood ; then we have Hart- burn near Stockton, and Hart and Hartlepool on the adjoining coast, and, of less significance, Hunter Hall and Cat Coat; and on the south side, Warrenby at the mouth of the river, Eaglescliffe near Yarm, and probably Ayrsome near Newport, North Hern near Hartlepool, and Dabholm Beck adjoining Coatham Marshes. Seal Sand was, until within the last fifty years, the resort of vast numbers of Seals, which bred there. They have, however, gradually disappeared, though, up to the present time, seldom a year passes but individuals are seen or procured. It could hardly be expected that they would long survive the enormous development of the iron and shipping trades, and the reclamation works which have been for years going on in the river. In Meynell and Perkins’ ‘List of the Mammalia of Northumberland and Durham,’ it is stated that ‘between 1820 and 1830 about 1,000 seals frequented the mouth of Naturalist, R. LOFTHOUSE: THE RIVER TEES. 5 the Tees, of which as many as thirty might often be counted at one time, but that in 1862 the number was reduced to three individuals.’ So late as twenty years ago, however, I have been informed by a gentleman who was in the habit of shooting on the Tees, that it was a common occurrence to see twenty or thirty on the sand-banks at one time. They were doubtless then on the decrease, and had been for many years, as a large amount of shipping traffic was then developed in the Tees. My friend informs me they were very wary, and when approached in a boat it was an amusing sight to see them tumble about, throwing up the sand in all directions, in their awkward and seemingly ludicrous efforts to regain the water. They were, however, very curious, and would follow the boat at a safe distance. When on the sands they generally kept within about twenty yards of the water ; but he remembered assisting to capture a young one that was asleep on the sands about 200 yards from the water near Seaton Snook; it was cut off from the water, and being laid hold of, it made desperate efforts to escape, being almost a match for two strong men. It was, however, at last secured, and was a beautifully-spotted specimen, or, as my friend expressed it, marked likea leopard. About this time two seals used to visit regularly every day the stake-nets set for Salmon at Seaton Snook, though repeatedly shot at. They are, undoubtedly, partial to Salmon. It is recorded in Messrs. Clarke and Roebuck’s ‘Vertebrate Fauna of Yorkshire,’ published 1881, that. in 1802 ‘they interfered to such an extent with the Salmon fishery that determined measures were proposed for their extirpation. There is no evidence to show that the extermination was so effected.’ Seals always appear to have been more partial to the north side of the river than the south, though I am informed that occasionally a few might be seen on Bran Sand. ‘The north side is higher, lies better to the sun, and having a bend in the centre of what is called Seal Sand, commands the river both ways. It appears from an old chart of the river, bearing date 1762, published in Mr. Fallows’ ‘History of the River,’ that there were two channels at this point ; and that at low water Seal Sand formed an island between them. The river attains its greatest width across the eastern portion of Seal Sand, where it is about 34 miles wide between high-water marks at neap tides, and as the foreshore on the south side of the river is soft sticky mud from a foot to 18 inches in depth, it will be seen that Seals could rest here pretty securely. Eleven stones was not an unusual weight for Seals caught in the Tees. Nearly all Seals captured and seen in the Tees during recent years have been young animals, which would almost suggest that they still breed in limited numbers somewhere in the neighbourhood. Jan. 1887. 6 R. LOFTHOUSE: THE RIVER TEES. In Brewster’s list of Fishes, published in his ‘ History of Stockton,’ 18209, it is stated that ‘Salmon have much decreased of late years, owing chiefly to the method of hushing carried on in the lead mines of Teesdale, and probably also to the increase of Seals at the mouth of the river.’ Of old records of Seals in the Tees, I have not been able to meet with much, except casual references. It is mentioned in the ‘List of the Fauna of Cleveland’ in Graves’ History, published in 1808; in Sharpe’s ‘History of Hartlepool,’ published in 1816; and in Brewster’s ‘ History of Stockton,’ mentioned above. In the ‘ Durham Household Book, or accounts of the Bursar of the Monastery of Durham, from Pentecost, 1530, to Pentecost, 1534,’ published by the Surtees Society, wherein is minutely detailed all the costs of provisioning that house, Seayll’s and Seayll-Calves are frequently mentioned ; and in one place Tyse fish are specially mentioned (p. 122). It is probable that some at least of these Seals were procured from the Tees. The conservancy of the Tees, together with the rivers Tyne and Wear, belonged to the Bishop of Durham from a very early period, and to him belonged the privileges and profits incident to such power, such as royal fishes, wrecks, duties, anchorage, fishings, weirs, etc. In 1345 there was paid to the Bishop 22s. 11d. for fee farm rent, for the ‘ privilege of trading or towing of vessels in the Tees’ (Bishop Hatfield’s Survey). Not only were Seals much more plentiful formerly, but they appear to have been regarded as a favourite article of food. Ata great feast made by George Nevill, Chancellor of England, and Archbishop of York, at his inthronization (6th Ed. IV, 1468), ‘thirteen Porresses and Seals formed part of the provision’; and again, at the inthronization of Archbishop Warham, in 1504, ‘Seals et porposs were provided.’ The value of a Seal or Porpoise was 13s. 4d. in the 17th year of Henry VIII. In Brewster's ‘ History of Stockton’ is a quotation froma record in the Curistors’ Rolls (1530), having reference to the regulation of the fisheries in the Tees, in which ‘Sealles, Purpose, Sturgion, and other like fishes’ are mentioned. It appears that some difference had arisen between the fishers using ‘drawing netts’ and those using ‘haling netts,’ and is an agreement between the ‘parties for appeasing of all variance in time to come.’ In an account of the Salmon fishery in the same history, it is mentioned that ‘large shoals of porpoises frequent the sand-banks, and are supposed to be very injurious to Salmon and fishes of inferior size. A fishery for these has been attempted, but it has not been attended with success.’ I imagine that Seals are meant here, and that these two animals are often confounded in old records. —__ Naturalist, R. LOFTHOUSE: THE RIVER TEES. 7 Of recent occurrences of Seals in the Tees, I have the following records made by myself, and previously I can remember many being exhibited at Middlesbrough by fishermen and others :—One shot in Billingham Creek on Christmas Day, 1880 ; this Seal was 3 ft. 4 in. long, and, of course, immature. In the same winter one was shot at Redcar, and another was seen on the rocks at Redcar previous to this, date not noted. On the 24th August, 1881, a local newspaper reported that ‘a school of Seals were discovered in the cut at the Middlesbrough Dock entrance. One of the animals made its way into the dock. Efforts were made to capture it, but without success. It is supposed they had chased a number of Salmon up the river.’ I afterwards conversed with two persons who saw these Seals ; they both put the number at two. It was in the afternoon of the day named when they were seen; they were pursued by boats, and dived when- ever the boats came near them; they were eventually lost some distance down the river. At the beginning of the following November a large Seal was observed for several days to frequent the beach opposite the ironworks at Eston, a place noted for Eels, to which Seals are said to be very partial. It was observed through a glass from Eston Jetty. About the 15th of January, 1883, one was seen in the Tees, and shot at several times. At the beginning of the following February, one was captured in the Tees, opposite Eston Jetty, measuring 3 ft. in length. On the 28th of July in the same year, one was exhibited alive in the Middlesbrough Market, which had been taken in the river. In 1884, I have been informed, one was seen and shot at several times on the Durham side of the Tees’ mouth; this was in the autumn, and on October, 25th, 1885, a Seal was captured in the Tees near Eston Jetty; this was a young female; it was pursued for some distance, and was at last shot. This I examined ; it was 3 ft. ro in. long, and beautifully mottled on the back with black and yellowish-white. It was reported there was. another seen at the same time. One was caught on the rocks at Hartlepool on January 4th, 1886 ; it was left in a pool by the tide, and attracted some men by its call; it was a young female, and about aol son. long: It is probable that the Grey Seal (Phoca gryphus), as well as the Common Seal, occurred in limited numbers in the Tees. Graves, in his ‘ History of Cleveland,’ published in 1808, and before referred to, mentions the Great Seal or Sea Calf (of Pennant’s Zoology, 36). I have seen a very large skull which was dredged from the Tees, and was probably referable to this animal. One is reported to have been found alive at Seaton Snook in the year 1871, as mentioned in Clarke and Roebuck’s ‘ Vertebrate Fauna’; and in the Report on the Jan. 1887. 8 R. LOFTHOUSE: THE RIVER TEES. Migration of Birds for the year 1883 (page 58), reference is made to the occurrence of a large Seal, seen at the Tees mouth on the 18th of November, 1883, probably also referable to the above species. Porpoises (Phocena communis) are abundant in the sea at the ~mouth of the river, and frequently enter and are sometimes captured in the river. One was seen in the river at Newport, near Stockton, quite recently ; efforts were made to capture it, but without success. They are generally mentioned together with Seals in old records; and Portus marinus appears to have been a favourite dish with the old monks and the aristocracy, as appears from numerous entries in the ‘Durham Household Book’ before mentioned, and from their frequent mention in bills of fare of famous feasts. Otters (Zutra vulgaris) are found in the higher reaches of the Tees, but not often at the estuary. Some years ago one was caught at the Middlesbrough Docks, and I have heard of another caught near Stockton Racecourse. Brewster, in his ‘ History of Stockton ‘ before referred to, states that the Otter is rare, but occasionally caught in the Tees. Two were seen on the rocks at Winston Ridge, about the end of April, 1883. The Water Rat (Arvicola amphibia) is common in all the tidal ‘stells’ which run into the Tees. The common or Norway Rat (Afus decumanus) swarms in all the reclamation embankments constructed by the Tees Com- missioners, particularly those constructed of slag, and make short work of any wounded birds taking refuge there. The old English or Black Rat (M/us rattus) still lingers in some old warehouses at Stockton, and, I believe, in an old building at Middlesbrough, and probably at Yarm also. Three fine specimens in Newcastle Museum _ were procured at Stockton, in 1868; they are jet black, and finer and larger than some other specimens in the same museum from the south of England. Hares (Lepus timidus) have a peculiar partiality for the reclaimed land on the Tees’ banks ; at one place where the game is preserved they are very numerous. In the Saltholm and adjoining marshes several Kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) may often be noticed at the same time, hovering over the rough grass, on the look-out for Mice and Shrews, which there abound, particularly the Long-tailed Field Mouse (Mus sylvaticus), the Field Vole (Arvicola agrestis), and the Common Shrew (Sorex tetragonurus). Notwithstanding the aversion which the carnivora are supposed to have for the latter, I once shot a Weasel (Mustela vulgaris) which was carrying one in its mouth, but on picking the Shrew up I found it impossible to find any wound on it whatever. We have also in the neighbourhood, I believe, two Water Shrews, S. fodiens and SS. remifer Macg. I have myself caught the latter with eight young. In the drier part of Naturalist, R. LOFTHOUSE: THE RIVER TEES. 9 the marshes and the adjoining land, Moles (Zalpa europea) are common, cream-coloured individuals being occasionally met with. The sands and mud-flats of the Tees estuary and the adjoining marshes have always been the resort of vast numbers of wild-fowl, and many very rare birds have at various times been procured here ; their numbers have, however, greatly decreased of late years, owing to the increase of shipping and boating on the river, the reclamation works, and the yearly increasing number of shooters, who take advantage of the reclamation embankments which have been made to intersect the mud-flats, or, as they are locally called, ‘slems.’ As these banks are formed of slag from the ironworks, small huts are easily formed in them, where a shooter can sit completely concealed, and wait the rising of the tide, when the Waders are compelled to leave and seek refuge in the adjoining marshes, and, of course, have to cross the banks ; at times great numbers are thus shot, both of Waders and Ducks. At various places on the mud-flats may be observed the tops of casks, protruding out of the mud eight or nine inches. ‘These have been put down by wild-fowlers to conceal themselves in (before the slag banks were built). They had to be approached on mud-pattens, or flat pieces of wood fixed to the boots, to prevent sinking into the mud. ‘The casks had to be baled out every time they were used, not a very pleasant proceeding on a frosty day in winter; nor would they form a very comfortable waiting place when they were baled out. Curious experiences are related by some old wild-fowlers, who in former years were in the habit of using these casks. I have heard of one man who, after baling out his cask, was in the act of lowering himself into it when he accidentally caught the trigger of his gun with his foot, and had his hand shattered. The wild-fowlers frequenting the Tees at the present time are chiefly working men from Middlesbrough, and the guns they carry are a study in themselves, every conceivable kind of weapon being brought into requisition, from the modern breech-loader to adaptations of the flint and steel guns of our forefathers ; the greater number are single muzzle-loaders. Some have old duck guns, such as were formerly used in the fen districts, fully six feet long over the stock, and almost as heavy as a punt gun. Some of these guns will kill at very long distances. One man I have met carries a double-barrelled ‘ Joe Manton,’ which has been a very expensive gun in its day, and formerly belonged to Wynyard. Punt guns are also still used on the river, and, I understand, were much more frequently so formerly, when the river was periodically visited by wild-fowlers from Lincoln- shire and other places, who usually took up their quarters on the river for some time. Jan. 1887. ie) Rs LOFTHOUSE: THE RIVER TEES: In the Coatham Marshes, on the south side of the river, there existed down to the years 1870-72 a Wild Duck decoy, in which used to be taken the Mallard (Azas boschas), Sheldrake ( Zadorna vulpanser), Widgeon (Aareca penelope), Pintail (Dajila acuta), Shoveller (Spatula ~ clypeata), and Pochard (Fuligula ferina), and occasionally the Scaup Duck (/uligula marila). Onthe 17th of March, 1850, a Ferru- ginous Duck (lVyroca ferruginea) was taken. Very little indication of this decoy now remains, the establishment of the ironworks in the neighbourhood would soon scare the birds away. That most beautiful of our native ducks, the Sheldrake ( Zadorna vulpanser), used to breed in some numbers on the sandhills at both sides of the estuary, and does yet in limited numbers. I have frequently seen old birds in the breeding season; and the birds shot early in the autumn are chiefly young. In 1880 a pair nested in a metal pipe that goes under a slag- bank at Tod Point. In 1883 a pair nested in a slag-bank at the north side of the river. The young birds were caught by some navvies who were working there, and, I am afraid, destroyed. I have heard of several other nests being found within these last few years, but I am afraid in most cases the eggs have been taken. There is an accession of numbers in winter, when flocks of from three or four to a dozen or more are not unfrequently met with. The Mallard (Anas boschas) is sometimes met with in large numbers in the autumn and winter months, flocks of one hundred or more being not unfrequently seen. A few years ago a number were washed ashore dead at Tod Point after a severe gale. The other ducks most commonly met with are the Widgeon (Mareca penelope) and Teal (Querguedula crecca). ‘The Mallard and Teal breed here in the marshes, and it is possible that the Garganey Teal (Querquedula circia) may occasionally. I have known an old and a young bird be shot together early in August. Others of the duck tribe frequently met with are the Goldeneye (Clangula glaucion), Shoveller (Spatula clypeata), Pintail (Dajfila acuta), Pochard (fuligula ferina), Scaup Duck (& maria), Tufted Duck (F. cvzs- fata), and occasionally the Long-tailed Duck (Afarelda glacialts) and the Common Scoter (@demia nigra), in considerable numbers at times in the autumn and winter months. The Eider Duck (Somaterta mollissima) has been met with a few times in the Tees. The Goosander (Alergus merganser) has frequently been met with ; one was shot in the winter of 1833. The Dabchick or Little Grebe (Zachybaptes fluviatilis) is a winter resident. The. Sclavonian or Dusky Grebe (Podiceps auritus) and the Eared Grebe (P. nigricollis) have also been met with. It appears that two centuries ago the sands and marshes by the Tees estuary were remarkable for the numbers of birds which nested Naturalist, . R. LOFTHOUSE: THE RIVER TEES. II there, as the following quotation from the Cott. MS., copied from Graves’ ‘ History of Cleveland,’ will show :—‘ Neere unto Dobham, The Porte of the mouth of the Teese [now called Cargo-fleet, or, more properly, the Cleveland Port] the shore lyes flatt, where a shelf of sand raised above the highe water marke, entertaines an infynite number of sea-fowle*, which lay theyr Egges heere and there scatter- inglie in such sorte, that in Tyme of Breedinge one can hardly sett his Foote so warylie, that he spoyle not many of theyr Nests. These curious Buylders may furnish themselves with choice of shells and particoloured stones fytt for the makinge of artifyciall works.’ In the memory of man large numbers of birds, I have been informed by a friend who was born there, still frequented the shore opposite Cargo- fleet, and nested on the shingle there and in the adjoining ditches and marshes. Wild Ducks, Wild Geese, Snipe, and Water-hens were some of the birds mentioned as breeding here. Snipe may be taken as including the Redshank and others, as I find birds of that kind are called Snipes indifferently by many people in the district. The foreshore at Cargo-fleet is now covered with ironworks and a graving dock. ‘The Ring Dotterel (4gvalitzs hiatecula) no doubt nested on the shingle, as it does still at a particuiar place, in some numbers, every season. I have before me, while writing, two eggs of this bird, taken from a nest containing four, found in a slag-bank last year (1885). They are spotted with dark brown, on a drab ground, and also with less distinct greyish-purple spots. Dunlins remain all the spring and summer, but I doubt whether they breed. The Redshank (Zotanus calidris) used to nest in Coatham Marshes, and may do still occa- sionally ; a pair nested, to my knowledge, on the north side of the river in the summer of 1884. Two or three Spotted Redshanks (Zotanus fuscus) were shot at the estuary last autumn. It is not improbable that the Ruff (Machetes pugnax) bred here formerly. JI have seen a very fine pair of male birds that were shot in the month of March, in the act of fighting, twenty-five years ago. Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) still nest in the cliffs beyond Salt- burn, and during the breeding season they are observed to make daily visits to the Tees mouth. Numbers of non-resident birds sojourn for longer or shorter periods on the sands and mud-flats in the spring and autumn—or, perhaps, more properly speaking, there is a succession of the same species. Autumn birds begin to arrive at the beginning of August, and continue passing southwards until late in October ; these are the Whimbrel (Vumenius pPheopus), Dotterel (Eudromias morinellus), Pygmy Curlew (Z7inga subarquata), Little Stint (Z7inga minuta), in * Probably Terns, with a few Oystercatchers and Ringed Plovers. Jan. 1887. 12 R. LOFTHOUSE: THE RIVER TEES. limited numbers, and others of the Sandpipers. The Dotterels pass here, going north, early in May, and return early in September. The numbers are said to be on the increase ; a few years ago, before there was a close time for birds, a local sportsman, who is an expert at tieing trout-flies, shot seven in one day; he uses the feathers for making flies. They are stupid birds, and easily shot, allowing them- selves to be walked up to and shot in succession. Unlike many of the other migrants, they appear to be oftener met with in the spring than in the autumn migration. In 1883 one killed itself against the telegraph wires, and in the same year over a dozen were observed flying over Cowpen Marshes. The Little Stint ( Zynga minuta) is occasionally met with ; I came across four on the 22nd September last year, and shot one. ‘Their note is a feeble plaintive whistle; nothing like that of the Dunhn. The Common, Sandwich, and Arctic Terns (Sterna fluviatilis, cantiaca, and macrura) also appear at this time, the first some- times in great numbers. If one of these birds be shot, the others will hover round it, regardless of their own danger, even after several shots have been fired. The Roseate and Black Terns (Sterna dougallt and AHydrochelidon nigra) are also occasionally met with; one of the latter was observed among others of the common species this last autumn. The Little Tern (Sterma minuta) and the White-winged Black Tern ({ydrochelidon leucoptera) have also been met with. All the commoner Gulls are abundant during the winter and autumn months, and in less numbers the whole year. The Iceland, Glaucous, and Little Gulls (Larus leucopterus, L. glaucus, and L. minutus) have been met with occasionally; one of the latter in November of last year (1885); and an Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea) on the 14th February, 1880. Herons (Ardea cinerea) are also very common in the autumn, chiefly, if not entirely, young birds ; at least, all those I have known to be shot were birds of the year. I remember seeing ten or eleven on the wing together on the 2nd of September, 1884, skimming along lazily just over the surface of the ground. They leave before the winter sets in. They must come from a considerable distance, as there is no heronry in the neighbourhood ; there used to be one at Kildale, another at Sedgefield, and I have been informed there was one at Greatham, but none of them exist at present that I am aware of. Other birds, such as the Grey Plover (Sguatarola helvetica), are resi- dent, but in diminished numbers, most of the winter ; as is also the Turnstone (Strepsilas interpres), Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), Purple Sandpiper (Zynga striata), Knot (Zringa canutus), and Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa Jlapponica). ‘The Common Curlew Naturalist, R. LOFTHOUSE: THE RIVER TEES. 13 (Mumenius arguata), Golden Plover (Charadrius pluvialis), and Redshank (Zotanus calidris) are resident all the year, but in greatly increased numbers in autumn and winter. The Dunlin (Zringa alpina) and Ring Dotterel (“gzalitts hiaticula) are also resident all the year, and congregate in immense flocks in the autumn and winter, occasionally associated with Knots (Zringa canutus), Turnstones (Strepstlas interpres), Greenshanks (Zotanus canescens), and Redshanks (Zotanus calidfris). Dunlins (Zringa alpina) shot on August 7th still retained the black pectoral patch, but it had entirely disappeared in birds shot on September 22nd. These birds vary greatly, not only in plumage, but in the length of the bill and other members, so much so, that a taxidermist of my acquaintance maintains there are two distinct species, one having a bill much longer and more bent, and more slender legs, than the other. Of the winter migrants, the average date of the arrival of the Woodcock (Scolopax rusticula) at the Tees mouth is about the 5th of October, generally with north-east or easterly winds. ‘They begin to arrive early in September, and continue until late in December, but the greatest number usually arrive about the date named, and, curiously enough, often accompanied by Goldcrested Wrens (Regulus cristatus). The breakwater, which is built of slag, at times swarms with these pretty diminutive birds, which arrive in an exhausted condition. In Sharpe’s List, published in 1816, it is recorded that many Woodcocks were found drowned on the north sands about twelve years previously, ‘in the spring, supposed to have met with a contrary wind.’ Redwings (Zuzdus iliacus), and Field- fares (Z: filaris) begin to arrive about the end of September, but the second week in October for the Redwings and the third for the Fieldfares is about the average time of arrival. There is generally, too, a very large immigration of other Thrushes about the same time, or a little earlier, chiefly the Missel Thrush (Zurdus viscivorus), with a sprinkling of the Common Thrush (Z- muszcus) and the Blackbird (Z: merula) amongst them. I have several times noticed the fields suddenly to literally swarm with these birds; they, however, soon disperse, or probably pass on in a body further south. Short-eared Owls (Aszo brachyotus) arrive chiefly in September and October ; Hooded Crows (Corvus cornix) about the middle of October; and Snipes (Gallinago celestis) from October, probably on to December. Large numbers of Wild Geese pass over in September and October in flocks of from a dozen to one hundred, and occasionally stay a short time on the mud-flats ; they do not, however, frequent the mud- flats much until later on, when cold and frosty weather sets in and Jan. 1887. 14 R. LOFTHOUSE: THE RIVER TEES. they are driven down from the moors. Wild Swans [? Cygnus musicus and bewzck:'| frequent the estuary in severe winter weather, and are seen passing over in the autumn months. Individual birds are shot almost every winter, both mature and young birds in grey and white plumage. Sometimes they are observed singly or in pairs, at other times in flocks of from five to upwards of one hundred. I have examined many birds in private collections that were procured on this river. In Brewster’s List it is described as follows:—‘ The Wild Swan visits the marshes near the Tees in large flocks in severe winters. In the beginning of the year 1823, several were killed at Cowpen, and also in January, 1827.’ The following actual records of the occurrence of Swans in the Tees are copied chiefly from the last six years’ Reports of the Committee appointed by the British Association to collect statistics from the lighthouse-keepers on the migration of birds :— 1879. December 4th.—Six at Teesmouth, flying N. to S. ss a 8th.—Five at Teesmouth. i A 14th.—Nine 53 ks 15th.—Forty-three ,, a , 16th.—Three i ye 18th.—Two a oF a 2oth.—Ten . 10 a.m. 8 i 2oth.—Ninety-five ,, £13 1870- W; | One shot in Billingham Bottoms: a young bird inter, é 1880. in grey plumage. 1881- } 1882. 1882. August 5th.—Six at Teesmouth. 5 October 24th.—Six 5 1883. March 25th.—One, Tees Light-vessel. 1884. October 5th.—Nuine at Redcar, flying N. Semi-wild birds of the tame species or Mute Swan (Cygzus olor), that have escaped from confinement on ornamental waters, are frequently met with in the estuary. Last winter one was shot ; and on August 1st this year (1886) eighteen put in an appearance, and on the following day eight or ten were shot for wild birds; a few of the remainder were observed about for several days; three were seen by a friend (some distance inland), who supposed them to be wild birds from their strong, steady flight. Bewick’s Swan (Cygnus bewicki) has been shot in the estuary on two or three occasions. Snow Buntings (Plectrophanes nivalis) frequent the margin of the river in the winter, arriving about the beginning of November, and departing again early in the spring. They may be seen in vast flocks or clouds, sometimes associated with Larks and other small birds; in severe weather Winter,—Two noticed at Durham side of estuary. Naturalist, R. LOFTHOUSE: THE RIVER TEES. 15 feeding on the stubbles—they eat grain and other seeds, and always appear to be in good condition. I have examined them at all times during their stay here, and never saw one in bad condition ; they are exceedingly fat when they arrive in November. I witnessed their arrival on a cold and stormy day the 3rd of November, at Tod Point, last year. They appeared to be somewhat exhausted, but heading inland in great numbers; they apparently did not wait long to rest. Larks (A/auda arvensis) swarm at times in the winter months by the margin of the river; and vast numbers of Brown Linnets (Lznota cannabina) and Redpoles (Linota rufescens) frequent some patches of Sea Lavender (Statice limonium) on the south side of the river, feeding on the seeds, Starlings (Stwurnus vulgaris) and Lapwings (Vanellus vulgaris), associated with Golden Plovers (Charadrius pluvialis), congregate in immense flocks on the marshes; and in very severe winter weather Wood Pigeons (Columba palumbus) come down to feed after the receding tide. Reed Buntings (Emberiza scheniclus) frequent the reeds and long grass by the sides of the saltwater ditches, and breed there; and Meadow Pipits (Anthus pratensis) are abundant all the year. Kingfishers (A/cedo cspida) are frequently met with by the river-side, and in the small tributaries, but are sadly persecuted by gunners, their skins being readily pur- chased by the dealers for half-a-crown each. Wheatears (Saxicola enanthe) are common on the river-banks during the summer months, and nest there; their numbers are greatly increased during the autumn months when migrating—on August 22nd last year the banks literally swarmed with them. This is one of the earliest of the migrants to arrive with us, generally appearing about March 29th or 30th, and I have seen it so late as October gth. The Spotted Crake (forzana maruetta) breeds in the marshes on the north side of the estuary, and is frequently shot in the autumn. Baillon’s Crake (forzana baillont) and the Little Crake (orzana parva) have been met with in the same place. In stormy weather the Storm Petrel (Procellaria pelagica) and the Little Auk (MJergu/us alle) are often driven into the estuary. On the 22nd November, 1884, I got a fine specimen of the latter, and others were seen. The Great Snipe (Ga/linago major) is occasionally shot in the marshes. The Jack Snipe (Lzmmnocryptes gallinula) and the Common Snipe (Gallinago celestis) were, until late years, abundant, the latter breeding there. In speaking of the Common Snipe, Brewster, in his List, says :—‘lI am informed that there is a Snipe sometimes shot in the marshes, which is commonly called the Russian Snipe; it is larger than the Common Snipe, and differs from it in the white lines Jan. 1887. 16 NOTES AND NEWS. on the back, and some other marks of the plumage. As I have not yet seen a specimen, I know not whether it be a distinct species or only a variety of the Common Snipe.’ Of rare birds that have been procured here, I may mention the Avocet (Recurvirostra avocetta), the Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia), and some Pallas’Sand Grouse (Sy7rhapies paradoxus), shot at Port Clarence in 1863, which went to Mr. Oxley’s collection at Redcar; two bought at his sale are now in the Newcastle Museum. A Bee-Eater (Wlerops apiaster) was shot some years ago unde1 peculiar circumstances. A wild-fowler had seated himself in a slag- bank to wait for birds, when suddenly a bird alighted on the barrel of his gun. He shot it, and it turned out to be a specimen of this rare bird.* The commonest of the Falconide are the Kestrel (77w- nunculus alaudarius) and the Sparrow Hawk (Accrpiter nisws) ; and the Merlin (Falco esalon) is by no means uncommon in the autumn and winter months; while the Iceland Falcon (Falco islandus), the Hobby (Falco subbuteo), and the Rough-legged Buzzard (47rchi- buteo lagopus) have been shot here, and I have heard of one of the latter being noticed inland this autumn (1886). In the autumn of 1883 a Kite (A@zlvus ictinus) was shot near Warrenby, and has been purchased for the Middlesbrough Museum ; it was a female bird, and in good condition. A Golden Eagle (Aguila chrysaétus) is reported in Brewster’s List as having been shot near ‘the? Fees'‘on the 5th November, “1823,° by “May ie akudds of Marton, Cleveland. It weighed 12 lbs.; its length was 3 ft. 4 in.; the extent of its wings 7 ft. 5 in.; bill, 3 in. long. * Mr. Hancock (‘ Birds of Northumberland,’ &c., p. 28) says an example of the Blue-tailed Bee-eater (AZevops philippinus) ‘was shot near the Snook, Seaton Carew, in August 1862.’ I have not been able to ascertain whether the above refers to the same bird as my own note, made several years ago from information communicated by a friend, who saw the bird. NOLL SAND INE VW-ES: The annual meeting of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union is to be held at Dews- bury, on Monday afternoon the 14th of March. In the evening the Rev. W. H. Dallinger, LL.D., F.R.S., will deliver his address as retiring President. >< The Members and Associates of the Union will be pleased to learn that the Presidency for 1887 has been accepted by Sir Ralph Payne-Gallwey, Bart., M.B.O.U., in whom they will welcome a worthy successor to Dr. Dallinger. poor Bryological readers will be pleased to learn that the honorary degree of M.A. has lately been conferred upon Mr. Henry Boswell, of Oxford, in recognition of his ‘services to botanical:science. - = =e The same honorary degree was conferred at the same time upon the Rev. Robert Harley, F.R.S., F.R.A.S., whose high mathematical repute is known to his fellow- Yorkshiremen. Naturalist, E7 FORMATION OF A YORKSHIRE BOULDER COMMITTEE. It has long been thought advisable by many members of the York- shire Naturalists’ Union that in addition to the sectional work con- ducted at the field excursions, committees should be formed to carry on scientific research throughout the year, to be conducted in a similar manner to those of the British Association. The work of the latter body is by no means all done at the great annual meetings, but committees are continually working upon special subjects, and reporting their results annually. Thus we have committees upon the rainfall of the British Isles, the migration of birds, tidal observations, the erosion of our sea-coasts, the erratic blocks of England and Wales, and many others. In this manner valuable facts are collected and collated by scientists of repute and experience, and the year’s work of these committees is carefully recorded. The Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union had at the last annual meeting no fewer than 2,310 members and associates, resident in all parts of the county. It is thus, from its composition, its magnitude, and also from the wide radius of its operations, specially adapted for the formation of such committees as the above-named. If the ladies and gentlemen connected with the Union, recognising the vaiue of such committees, will promote their formation and then forward reports, there would soon be such a mass of. systematic scientific information relative to Yorkshire, as would make it in this respect, as it is in many others, the premier county in the kingdom. The geologists of the Union have taken the initiative in the matter, and a circular was lately issued to the leading geologists in the county, convening a meeting to consider the advisability of form- ing a committee to receive reports relative to the erratic blocks of Yorkshire. The meeting was duly held in Leeds, and letters were read from Professor Green, F.R.S., Professor Miall, F.L.S., Mr. J. W. Davis, F.G.S., and other well-known Yorkshire geologists, expressing their approval and promising their support. The Rev. E. Maule Cole, M.A., president of the Geological Section of the Union, and other gentlemen had previously commended the idea. The follow- ing resolution was then unanimously passed, and afterwards ratified by the Executive of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union :—‘ That in connection with the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, a committee be and is hereby formed, to be named the “ Yorkshire Boulder Com- mittee,” the duty of this committee being to receive reports and conduct observations relative to the Erratic Blocks of Yorkshire, including particulars as to their position, height above the sea, litho- logical character, size and origin, and to work upon the same lines Jan. 1887. c 18 NOTES—-GEOLOGY AND PAL//ONTOLOGY. generally as the Boulder Committee of the British Association, to whom annual reports will be presented.’ An influential committee of gentlemen resident in the three Ridings of Yorkshire was then formed, with Mr. Samuel A. Adamson, F.G.S., of 52, Wellclose Terrace, Leeds, as hon. secretary. Mr. Adamson will be glad to forward schedules to record observations upon to anyone knowing of isolated erratic blocks or boulders, or groups of boulders—that is, in other words, masses of rock, evidently transported by natural agency from some locality more or less remote. Geologists have for some time recognised the great importance of this special subject, as its eareful study will explain many of the phenomena of the glacial epoch, and will clear away many of the speculative theories involved in glacial geology. The Yorkshire Boulder Committee is now an accomplished fact, and if local and county geologists will give their assistance, signal service will be rendered to the British Association in their endeavours to promote geological science. Dr. Crosskey, of Birmingham, the eminent glacialist, and secretary to the Boulder Committee of the British Association, has written, giving practical hints and valuable instructions for procedure, expressing his delight that Yorkshire geologists are about to engage in such good work, and also further expressing his appreciation by becoming an honorary member of the Yorkshire Committee. -NOTES—GEOLOGY AND PALZONTOLOGY. Fossil Polyzoa in Lincolnshire.—Through the kindness of Mr. H. Wallis Kew, of Louth, I have received four specimens of a Polyzoon from the Neocomian Clays of Donington-on-Bain. This is the first time that I have been able to examine a fossil Polyzoon from Lincolnshire, and the species is either new, or allied to foreign examples of the Lxtalophora gracilis (Ceriopora gracilis) Gold- fuss. On account of the peculiar ‘closure’ of the aperture, one of the specimens will merit closer study and fuller description, but as Mr. Wallis Kew expressed a desire that I should make a note of the fossil for publication in the Maturadist, I have complied with his request, thanking him for the present, and hoping that he will be able to find other Polyzoa in the strata of his neighbourhood. If he should succeed I shall be glad to examine them in detail.—-G. R. VINE, Sheffield, Nov. roth. Exposure of a Fault at Apperley.—Mr. Wm. Cheetham, vice- President of the Leeds Geological Association, reports that travellers on the Midland Railway between Leeds and Bradford may, at present, see at Apperley a splendid example of what is known geologically as a ‘fault.’ ‘Faults’ or dis- locations of the strata are caused by the movements to which the crust of the earth has been subjected, by which the strain has been so great that the continuity of the strata has been disturbed. This fault is the one shown on the Geological Survey Map as passing nearly S.W. by N.E. through Apperley Station to Buckstones. The Midland Railway Company in their extensions now being made at Apperley to provide space for a waiting room, are having the rock cut away up the side of the north platform. This grandly exposes the above-named fault, the rough rock being on either side. It may be seen that to the east it is a solid mass dipping slightly to the S.E., whilst on the west the dip is slightly greater, but to the N.W., the rock being considerably shattered. The line of fracture is represented by a band of crushed and broken rock (Fault Rock) about two feet in thickness. Such a clear exposure of a prominent geological feature is rarely to be seen, and certainly deserves a report.—-S. A. ADAMSON, November 11th, 1886. N t Naturalist, ~ NOTES ON VARIETIES OF BYTHINIA TENTACULATA. GEORGE ROBERTS, Lofthouse, Wakefield; Author of the History and Topography of Lofthouse, etc. Bythinia tentaculata monst. scalariforme. In July 1886, I found one specimen of this monstrosity at Milford, near Pontefract. The description is :—Shell conical, pointed at the apex ; whorls 54, tumid, narrow; suture very deep; mouth round; length, tr mill. The shell very much resembles a coloured enlargement of Bythinia leachii inserted in Tate’s ‘ British Mollusca,’ p. 34. Bythinia tentaculata var. major Locard. Specimens were found by myself at Fairburn, in September 1886 ; and others have been found near Bradford by Mr. J. A. Hargreaves. Locard’s descrip- tion of this, which I have obtained, along with others, through the kindness of Mr. T. D. A. Cockerell, of Chiswick, is :—Shell 12 mill. or more in length; same form as type; pale in colour, sub-transparent.’ The Fairburn specimens were not pale but reddish-brown in colour, 12 mill. to 14 mill. in length. Bythinia tentaculata var. nov. angulata. Specimens were col- lected in 1886 by Mr. J. A. Hargreaves, in the canal near Brad- ford. Description: Each whorl somewhat sharply angulated or shouldered above the periphery, giving the shell a turreted appearance ; colour, reddish; length, 9-10 mill. At p. 58 in ‘ British Conchology,’ vol. i, Jeffreys mentions a single specimen of Paludina vivipara (which is classed next preceding JZ. senta- culata) that had ‘a keel occupying the place of the upper band.’ This would be a parallel form to the angulated variety of 2. zen- taculata. Bythinia tentaculata var. ?producta Menke. In September 1886, Mr. J. Wilcock, of Wakefield, dredged a peculiar form (one specimen) from a ditch at Fairburn. It is about 14 mill. in length ; somewhat cylindrical ; suture deep ; spire pointed. Bythinia tentaculata var. zonata Baudon. Shell reddish, zoned with one or more white lines or bands. Collected by Mr. Hargreaves near Bradford. Noted also in my second volume of ‘Topography of Lofthouse’ (1885), p. 237. Bythinia tentaculata var. fulva Locard. Collected at Apperley, near Bradford, November 1886, by Mr. J. A. Hargreaves. A pretty variety of a shining tawny colour. Apparently new to Britain ; I do not find it in any recent shell list. Bythinia tentaculata monst. decollatum Jeff. I have specimens from Kirkthorpe, near Wakefield, J. Wilcock; near Bradford, J. A. Jan. 1887. 20 NOTES—CONCHOLOGY AND HYMENOPTERA. Hargreaves; and from Prestwich, B. Tomlin—all from ponds or still water. Bythinia tentaculata var. ventricosa Jeff. This is described by Jeffreys as white, but I think some misapprehension may arise from this description. I take it that the variety, which is a form-variety, may be white or any other colour. If the true ventricosa be always white, it must be rare. I should be glad to have the views of anyone else, or to hear of localities where the true variety has been collected. NOTES—CONCHOLOG Y. Monstrosities of various Lancashire Shells.—The occurrence of the following monstrosities in Lancashire has probably not been previously noted, and may be worth a place in your journal. The specimens are in the Wood- wardian collection in the Cambridge Museum. Planorbis complanatus monstr. terebrum: Turton: Rochdale. Flelix aspersa monstr. s¢nistrorsum Taylor: Ulverstone. fTelix aspersa monstrosity in which two shells have grown together: Ulverstone. The 7. aspersa monstr. szzzstrorsum is not noted in Taylor’s monograph of this species (Journ. Conch, vol. iv, p. 100),—BROCKTON TOMLIN, Pembroke College, Cambridge, November 5th. Variation in Helix ericetorum near Chester.—While collecting Heltx ericetorum Miill.last month on the banks of the Dee near Chester, I came across a form which does not seem hitherto to have been differentiated from the type. It corresponds to the var. sebalbzda (Poir.) of Helix virgata, except that the single band left is rather higher up the whorl than in that variety. Its occurrence was very much limited, not more than one in twenty-five, or four per cent. I also secured two fairly representative monstr. scalariforme. The small amount of variation was remarkable, and out of many hundred specimens examined I saw not one approach- ing var. alba. The ‘ subalbida’ form I have lately taken more commonly in the neighbourhood of Cambridge. In company with Aedix ericetorum at Chester lived hundreds of Helix caperata Mont., nearly all type with occasional speci- mens of var. alba Picard, and of a unicolorous brown variety.—-BROCKTON ToMLIN, Pembroke College, Cambridge, November 7th, 1886. Reversed Specimen of Helix virgata at Coatham.—On Novem- ber 24th I was strolling on the sandhills at Coatham, and was surprised to find Helix virgata still on the move, crawling upon the grass in great numbers. I had not walked far before my eye encountered, with no small delight, a sinistral example. It is alive, and an average-sized specimen of the white variety without bands, so common in that locality. Isee Mr. Norman found a sinistral example at Clevedon. I was particularly interested in this find, because it occurred within a few yards of the spot where, some years ago, I found a reversed specimen of felix aspersa. As these are the only reversed Helices I ever found in my life, and as I do not visit the spot in question oftener than once a year, and then only for a few minutes, one is tempted to see something more than mere chance in the occur- rence of sinistral forms of two species at the same place. —Wmo. C. HEY, St. Olave’s Vicarage, York, November 25th, 1886. NOTE—HYMENOPTERA. Additions to the Yorkshire List of Ichneumonide.—Part III of the Entomological Society’s Transactions for 1886 contains a paper by Mr. J. B. Bridgman, F.L.S., on ‘ Additions to the British List of Ichneumonide.’ This list includes some species sent to him by Mr. G. T. Porritt, F.L.S.; two of them were taken in Yorkshire, and are additional to the list of Yorkshire species. They are Campoplex unicinctus Holmg., and Campoplex trisculptus Holmg.; both taken at the Green Farm Wood, Doncaster, on May 31st, 1884.—Eps. NAT. Saas Naturalist, 21 TORTRIX TRANSITANA (DIVERSANA), SPILONOTA ROSAICOLANA, AND DEPRESSARIA WEIRELLA IN YORKSHIRE. GEORGE T. PORRITT, F.L.S., F.E.S., Huddersfield; Author of the List of Vorkshine Lepidoptera; &*c. Ir is with much pleasure that I announce the addition, during the past season, of the above three species of lepidoptera to the county list. ‘The two first named I captured at Edlington Wood, near Don- caster, on August 2nd. At the time I was compiling the ‘List of Yorkshire Lepidoptera,’ Mr. Thomas Wilson, of York, wrote me he believed .S. vos@colana occurred at York, and sent me a number of larvee in rose twigs, which he supposed were the species; but as my attempt to rear them was unsuccessful, the species was omitted, though, in all probability, Mr. Wilson’s surmise was correct. D. wetrella \ found in plenty (when collecting in company with Mr. G. C. Dennis, of York) at Saltburn, during August. We found it along with seven other species of Depressaria—(including several D. douglasella, whose claim as a Yorkshire species rested previously on the capture of a single specimen at Redcar by Mr. Sang)—when searching for Prerophorus dichrodactylus (which we took freely) on flowers of tansy, after dark. NOTES—MAMMALTIA. An Ingenious Rat’s Nest.—In some work I am carrying out it was necessary to drive a heading along the course of an old brick barrel-drain in Dale Street, Liverpool, from Imperial Chambers to the main sewer, when an ingeniously constructed Rat’s nest was laid bare. From the crown of the culvert a pipe about three inches in diameter had been driven vertically upwards a distance of four feet. At the top of this pipe, and a little to the side, the Rat’s nest was situated, and from it a horizontal gallery, driven in stiff plastic boulder clay, branched off a distance of about seven feet. The gallery was about three inches diameter near the nest, gradually tapering to a point at the far end. In the nest itself was found a sz/ver spoon, now in my possession, several stems of tobacco pipes, together with buttons and bones. What the use of the spoon and tobacco pipes could be to the Rat family it is difficult to conjecture. The Rat dropped out of the hole, and was killed by the workmen, who told me it was quite bald on the back. ‘The clay was a solid boulder clay, but very free of stones, and the depth of the nest twenty feet below Dale Street. In this tenacious stuff the excavation of the pipe and gallery must have been a work of very great labour; also, the pulling-up of the spoon would not be easy. The construction was ingenious, as placing the Rat in a secure retreat above the storm water. Probably the heading, incompleted, was being driven to provide another outlet.—T. MELLARD READE, Park Corner, Blundellsands, November 23rd, 1886. Cannibalism in the Long-eared Bat.—On the same date as the observation of the Hawfinch I obtained several Long-eared Bats, all full grown except one which had scarcely any fur on. Having placed them in a box, and forgetting to attend to them for four days, on my opening the box I found to my surprise that the older ones had entirely eaten away the body of the young one, except the head and wings. Has such an occurrence been previously noticed ?>— WM. STOREY, Pateley Bridge, October 6th, 1886. Jan. 1887. 22 NOTE—BOTANY. LITTLE GULLS AT FLAMBOROUGH HEAD. J. H. GURNEY, Jounr.,. F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., Northrepps, Norwich. On August 5th I obtained a Little Gull (Larus minutus) at Flamborough Head. When freshly killed the roseate tint of the under parts was very delicate. It was shot by T. Leng, who brought in at the same time a great number of Kittiwakes, with which I suppose it was consorting. The next day Mr. M. Bailey shot another, and saw a third. Mr. Bailey’s, which he has been good enough to make me a present of, is an adult with a white tail and beautiful black collar and red legs, the occiput and part of the crown being also black. It is probably quite as old as the female in perfect breeding plumage which was shot by him on July 12th, 1868 (Zoologist, p. 1379), and if it had been killed three weeks earlier would have had an entirely black head. So many Little Gulls have been killed at Flamborough and its vicinity at one time and another, that they have ceased to be much novelty there. I presume it is partly because they are attracted by the breeding Kittiwakes, but no doubt it is also the result of the slaughter which goes on among these birds for the supplying of the plume trade, the Little Gulls generally being in their company when shot. If they exhibit no more fear of man than the unfortunate Kittiwakes, it is no wonder they are killed. Yet neither the presence of the Kittiwakes, nor the amount of shooting which goes on, could account for the occurrence of thirty Little Gulls in Bridlington Bay, in February 1870. These (like the Pomatorhine Skuas on another occasion) must have been simply storm-driven birds, perhaps seeking the shelter afforded by the promontory of Flamborough. But, what- ever be the cause, the fact remains that the Yorkshire coast has produced more Little Gulls than any other place—and it is a very singular and interesting one. ‘There is a great deal yet to be learnt about the movements of Gulls, and what we call the accidental appearance or abundance of different species, rare or common, may be accounted for in a way hitherto little considered—viz., by wind and a knowledge of its effects. NOTE—BOTANY. Bee Orchis in Craven.—On July 24th Mr. W. Eade found a specimen of the Bee Orchis (Ophrys apifera Huds.) between Stirton and Gargrave. This plant was, I believe, fairly common round Skipton in certain localities some twenty years ago, but has been lost sight of altogether until last year.—T. W. EDMONDsON, Skipton-in-Craven, August 4th, 1886. Naturalist, BOOK NOTICE. 23 NOTE—ORNITHOLOGY. Bird-notes from the Humber District.—On the oth, 1oth, and 11th of October a pair of Kites—‘ fork-tailed gleads,’ as Mr. Dobson, of the ‘ Donna Nook’ Lifeboat, called them—were seen beating about over the rabbit-warrens near Somercotes. On the 19th I saw at Mr. Musham’s, Lincoln, a remarkably fine male Buzzard, one of the lightest in colour I have seen—the head and upper parts with the feathers broadly margined with white ; the under parts yellowish white, with only a few dark streaks. The iris in this bird, Mr. Musham told me, was hazel-yellow. It was trapped on October 2nd, in Mr. Chaplin’s Park at Blankney, and was probably one of a pair of light-coloured Buzzards which frequented that locality during the summer. Mr. Musham had also a Grey Phalarope, taken at Bassingham, near Lincoln, on the 14th. A young Gannet, in the spotted plumage, was captured near Kirton-in-Lindsey about. the same time ; like the Phalarope, probably driven inland by the gale on the 14th and 15th. In the second week in October a Little Grebe was killed in the night against the lantern of the Spurn Lighthouse. A few Ring Ouzels have occurred on the Lincolnshire coast—young males of the year, with the pectoral gorget smoke-grey and very indistinct, in fact barely perceptible. So far, however, the season has been a very unfavourable one for immigrants arriving on the coast.—JOHN CORDEAUX, Great Cotes, Oct. 23rd. BOOK NOTICE. The Badminton Library of Sports and Pastimes. Edited by His Grace the Duke of Beaufort, K.G. Shooting. By Lord Walsingham and Sir Ralph Payne-Gallwey, Bart. With con- tributions by Lord Lovat, Lord Charles Kerr, the Hon. Gerald Lascelles, and A. G. Stuart Wortley. Two vols., 8vo.; with numerous illustrations. London: Longmans, Green & Co., 1886. Sportsmen may be-divided into two classes—those whose ideas of sport are measured by the size of the bag only—such are mere ‘shooting machines’ and ‘slaughterers,’ and may be dismissed without further consideration ; secondly, a much smaller class, who, with a love of sport and much manly exercise, combine a love of nature. Men of the type of Charles St. John and John Colquhoun, the beau-ideals of the sportsman-naturalist—to men of this stamp are we indebted for these two volumes—volumes which will be read with keen interest by the naturalist and sportsman alike, for they contain the experiences of those who have the best and most intimate knowledge of their subject, and who can handle the pen as readily as rifle or gun; wise in all the ways and habits of wild creatures—a knowledge acquired with much labour, difficulty, and patient endurance in field and forest, moor and bog, as well as in the lonely bays and creeks along the sea-coast. The merits of these two volumes as a complete guide to modern shooting have already been so fully discussed in various reviews that it is scarcely necessary in this respect further to notice them. They Jan. 1887. 24 BOOK NOTICE. contain every information from the choice of a gun to the best dressing for shooting-boots. We shall, therefore, rather draw the reader’s attention to those chapters which refer more especially to the Natural History of the various ‘ beasts and fowl of warren,’ and their numerous enemies. Chapter xi. in Vol. I deals with ‘vermin’ which are known to be more or less inimical to the game preserver. We fear in a large majority of cases the lack of knowledge amongst gamekeepers, who, as a rule, are deeply ignorant of Natural History, has led to a far larger extension of the ‘black list” than is warranted by fact. To the ordinary keeper every living thing which can by any stretch of imagination be considered to interfere with the rearing of game, or is unfortunate in bearing a general resemblance to an evil-doer, is ruthlessly persecuted to death, and even such harmless creatures as the Water-vole, Fern Owl, and Cuckoo are not excepted from the sweeping ban. Mr. Lascelles divides vermin into three classes. First, such as do nothing else but harm, in which are included Crows, Magpies, Sparrow-hawks, Stoats, Weasels, Cats, Pole-cats, and Rats. Secondly, _ those which do some little harm, yet are credited with some good— as Jays, Jackdaws, Kestrels, and Hedgehogs. ‘Thirdly, those which, although they destroy a certain number of game, afford sport in themselves, or are creatures of such rarity or beauty, that they ought not to be indiscriminately destroyed, such as Foxes, Badgers, Peregrine Falcons, Buzzards, Harriers, Ravens, and Owls. We can scarcely agree altogether with this classification, for even in the first and blackest list Stoats and Weasels confer great services on the game preserver in keeping down rats, and there are few animals which possess a greater aptitude for the destruction of young game and eggs than an old rat with a litter of young to support. The domestic Cat when it takes to poaching is a terrible enemy to © game, both flying and running, and should be destroyed without mercy. | Polecats and the larger raptorial birds are now practically extinct, and can scarcely be considered factors in the case. Much can be urged in favour of the Peregrine, which we have generally found preys in England during the winter on Plover, the Wild Pigeons, and. domestic Pigeons, and on the coast on wild fowl generally and seabirds. It cannot, however, be denied that the Peregrine will take Black-game, Grouse and Ptarmigan, whenever opportunity offers; not unfrequently, too, striking birds down apparently out of wantonness and for the mere love of the thing, without descending to prey on his victims. For all this the Pere- grine is worthy of preservation; to the true sportsman the flight and Naturalist, BOOK NOTICE. Has capture of a Grouse or Duck by a Wild Falcon is worth several birds in the bag—a sight not soon to be forgotten, and to be much talked of in future days. Buzzards also destroy much real vermin,* although they will seize wounded game if opportunity happens. The continued destruction of these birds in the British Isles is a matter to be deplored by all alike. Owls of all species should be omitted from the black list ; the service rendered by them to the farmer and gardener in keeping down sparrows,t mice, and rats, infinitely outweighs any slight injury to the game preserver. It should also be borne in mind that when Owls are beating for prey, the young of all flying game are safe in covert or beneath their mother’s wing. Undoubtedly, the Carrion Crow and his new cousin, the Grey Crow, are the worst pests possible. The former, whose capacity for mischief exceeds all others, we heard an old keeper designate as ‘the king of all the varmints.’ If once a pair of Carrion Crows discover— and they miss nothing that moves—a nide of young Pheasants or brood of Partridges, they never desist pursuit as long as one is left. A Highland keeper told us that he considered a pair of Grey Crows with a nest of young to feed, equal in destroying power to a couple of guns for the season. On our remarking, ‘Why, Donald, they must be bad shots!’ he went on to say that he and another keeper once found the remains of several hundreds of Grouse eggs in a moss hagg, where they had been carried and sucked by a pair of Grey Crows, whose nest had been inadvertently overlooked in a neighbouring wood. Not only do they destroy game, but they are the inveterate enemies of all small birds, destroying eggs and young alike, and in a prolonged frost they will attack and carry off any weak or disabled bird which they come across.t | Ravens also, carrion-feeders although they are, make sad havoc with Grouse and Ptarmigan when they get amongst a brood, gobbling * In a nest of Buteo vulgaris, taken in North Wales in June, 1872, there were two young partly-fledged birds, and beside them lay two Moles, two Stoats, and a Pine Marten.—Zool., 1876, p. 4829. + Mr. Frank Norgate, of Sparham, Norfolk, once found 20 dead Rats, fresh killed, ina Barn Owl’s nest. And out of 700 pellets of this Owl, examined by Dr. Altum, remains were found of 16 Bats, 2.573 mice, I mole, and 22 birds, of which 19 were sparrows. + Mr. W. Stock, master on the Outer Dowsing Light-vessel, reports, under date of October 6, 1886, ‘ Caught one Redwing, which was struck by a Crow and fell bleeding on deck ; several small birds struck by Crows and fell in water.’ As no possible use could be made of the stricken and disabled birds by the black and grey pirates, this useless raid on their fellow travellers must have been from sheer wickedness, and out of pure cussedness only. Jan. 1887. 26 BOOK NOTICE. up the young in a wholesale manner. Rooks, in dry weather and when their ordinary supply of food is cut off, are determined nest seekers and egg destroyers; and we are by no means certain that they are not, in this respect, quite equal in destructiveness to the Grey and Carrion Crow. Jackdaws, Magpies, and Jays will suck eggs whenever they come across them and are able to circumvent the old birds. Lord Walsingham commences the second volume with an admir- able chapter on Grouse and Grouse-driving. Perhaps on no subject connected with sporting has there been more speculation than in connection with the so-called grouse disease. There has, also, always been a great division of opinion amongst authorities as to the primary cause of this most fatal and destructive malady. It has been shown that the intestines of birds which die contain very large numbers ofa small entozoic parasite, described by Dr. T. Spencer-Cobbold under the name of Strongylus pergracilis, which many suppose to be the cause of the malady. ‘These should, however, more probably be considered as indications of a diseased state rather than the primary cause. Grouse-disease may be ranked with those epidemical diseases like cholera, rinderpest, and ‘foot-and-mouth’ murrain, which break out from time to time and run a certain course, and then disappear. . The weak and unhealthy condition of the birds at the time, induced by unwholesome food or some equally potent cause, as too close breeding, making them fit recipients of the seeds of disease. A marked difference in the habits of Grouse on the Yorkshire and Lancashire moors as compared with the Western Isles and the North of Scotland, has been observed in late years. In the former case the birds pack early, and there would now certainly be little chance of making a bag over dogs after the end of August. In the latter, fair bags may be made, with dogs, throughout September, and even in October. Lord Walsingham suggests that it is probable that the gradual alteration in climatic conditions, which have put a stop to the cultivation of cereals on land bordering the high moors of Yorkshire, has also affected the habits of moor game. To those who love grand scenery and rough, healthy exercise, Ptarmigan shooting offers much attraction, not so much from the mere sport afforded, as the wild localities where the birds are found. Equally interesting also to the ornithologist are these lingerers from a past age—left stranded, like the Snow Bunting and many a small Arctic plant—on the summits of the highest ranges in Scotland. There, on the barren, stone-strewed plateaux, where the snow lies in patches all through the summer months, in mist and cloud-land, the Zarmachan finds a congenial home, feeding on the fruit of the many: berry- Naturalist, BOOK NOTICE. 27 bearing shrubs which, dwarfed and creeping, cover the sides and hollows of the hills. ‘No one,’ says Lord Walsingham, ‘who has seen them in their native haunts—be he naturalist or sportsman, or the more happy combination of both—can have failed to be struck by the perfect resemblance of their colour to the objects by which he finds them surrounded. The first time he makes their acquaintance he will probably see them at from ten to fifteen yards distance, where the short jerking motions of their tails will first attract his attention as the birds walk along among the stones, and he will wonder how he could have been so near them without noticing them before.’ We have ourselves, after marking Ptarmigan down, and being perfectly certain within a few yards of their position, found it most difficult to make them out, even with the aid of a glass, so nearly did their plumage assimilate to the loose shingle and tufts of silver-grey and pale-yellow lichens; and it was then only by catching sight of the scarlet patch above the eye that we were able to discover the crouch- ing form of the bird. If it were not for this protective colouring. Ptarmigan would never be safe so often as the winged-shadow of the keen-eyed Falcon drifts along the hill. The best hills in Scotland for Ptarmigan are in Ross-shire, round Loch Maree, and in the Auchnaehellach Forest ; Sutherland, Caith- ness, and parts of Perthshire also afford good ground on their highest peaks and ridges. Ben Wyvis, in Ross-shire, is a noted Ptarmigan hill; also the elevated and continuous ridges north of Loch Laggan, in Perthshire. In windy weather Ptarmigan sit on the lee side of a hill, and in looking for them the sportsman should endeavour to walk as much as possible at one level, and not up and down. When rising, their flight is at first directly away from the hill, and then parallel with it, following the curves. The sketch at page 43, by Mr. G. E. Lodge, excellently represents the grouping and flight of Ptarmigan when leaving a hillside. Black-game, says Lord Charles Kerr, are becoming less numerous than they were some years ago. Amongst the theories advanced to account for this are the abnormally wet seasons in late years, also the deep open drains now made by hill farmers, into which the young birds fall and are drowned. We are inclined to think, also, that the premature slaughtering of the young broods in the early season may have something to do with this. ‘There is a. general agreement amongst sportsmen that the 2oth of August is too early for Black- game shooting to commence; even in the middle of September we have found them lie like stones, so that the merest tyro cannot fail to kill, and each bird in a brood can be easily obtained. It is Jan. 1887. 28 BOOK NOTICE. not till October that they are in full feather, when the cocks are well able to take care of themselves, but the hens can scarcely be said ever to get very wild. An old cock on the wing has a very close resemblance at some distance to a Velvet Scoter. While Grouse cling to the heather, Black-game may be found in September in boggy patches on the moors, in spots spangled with the pretty flowers of the Grass of Parnassus, and amongst rushes, on the seeds of which they partly feed. When flushed they fly up wind, whilst Grouse, as a rule, fly down wind. It is a curious fact that Black-game are not found in Ireland, although many attempts have been made to introduce them. Small and isolated colonies of the old indigenous race exist in several localities in England, and Scotch birds have been turned out as a cross, but notwithstanding this, and careful preserving, they are gradually diminishing. That magnificent game bird, the Capercaillie, became extinct in the north of Scotland soon after the commencement of this century.* They were introduced again in 1836 from Norway, by the second Marquis of Breadalbane, at Taymouth, and since this period have extended to many districts in the north, such as are best adapted to their habits; they feed chiefly on the shoots of the pine, also on various berries. An old cock on the wing, with a bright sunshine lighting up his plumage, is a noble sight. ‘The cocks, when driven a few times, get very wary, and will soar above the woods for a long time, higher almost than any other game-bird. In chapters i and iv the whole subject of deer-stalking and deer- forests has been exhaustively treated by Lord Lovat, and many interesting facts are recorded in connection with the habits of the Deer. Deer, it is known, shed their horns towards the middle of March or in April. It is a curious fact, which we have often heard keepers remark upon, how seldom these cast antlers are found in the forest ; their scarcity being probably due to the habit, both of the stags and hinds, of gnawing and eating them; they will also gradually gnaw away any other bones they find. It has often been stated that each year adds two points to a head, but this, Lord Lovat says, is a mistake ; some heads never have more * Mr. J. A. Harvie-Brown, in some further additions to the Appendix ‘Caper- caillie in Scotland,’ speaking of the former extension of this species into England, and quoting from the review of his book, says :—‘ We have met with old grants (circa 1343-1361) of land in the county of Durham, held by the tenure, zxter alia, of paying ‘one wode-henne yerely’ to the Bishop of Durham for the time being, indicating pretty clearly the ‘ Ceiliog Coed’ or Capercaillie. Mr. James Backhouse, of York, has discovered numerous bones of this species in caves in the mountain limestone of Teesdale, so that there can be no doubt it was at one period a common species in the North of England. Se Naturalist, BOOK NOTICE. 29 than four points (Caber Slat, or rod-heads), while others may. have eight or ten at two or three years of age, and this number may or may not increase with each year till the Stag has reached his prime. Heads of eighteen or even twenty points have been obtained in Scotland ; but in Germany and Austria, where the feeding is far better, Deer have been obtained with heads of forty, or even more, points. There is an old head of a Stag shown in the magnificent collection at the Castle of Moritzburg, near Dresden, which carries sixty-six tines. With regard to the weight of a full-grown Stag, they range from 15 stones to 20 stones. One mentioned by Lord Lovat, a notable beast, was shot in 1876, by Colonel the Hon. Alastair Fraser, of the great weight, quite clean, of 30 stones 2 lbs. His haunches weighed 73 lbs. and 75 lbs. Mr. Scrope also mentions several exceeding 30 stones. : The 20th of September is called in Gaelic ‘the day of the Roaring,’ for it is on that day the rutting season is supposed to commence. Sometimes it begins before, and sometimes after, but in average years the proverb seems to hold good. Stags will often travel great distances for Aealth, actually for sea- bathing. There are several places on the coast, one in Aberdeen- shire, forty miles from the nearest forest, where Stags are annually killed in winter and spring. They come to bathe in the sea, as seen by their tracks, bathe two or three nights, and go home again. Jan. 1887. 30 BOOK NOTICE. Chapters v to xiil, by Sir Ralph Payne-Gallwey, on Woodcock, Snipe, and Wild-fewl generaliy, wiil be read with much interest by the naturalist, as they are written by a specialist, who, by long experience and much observation, has made himself thoroughly acquainted with the life-history and habits of the birds which fre- quent the mere and marsh and sea-coast. ‘These chapters, indeed, contain as much Natural History as they do other matter pertaining to sport. A short description is given by the author under the head of separate species, of the Geese, Swans, Ducks, Divers, Grebes, and Waders, which are known to occur in the British Isles, sufficient for their identification. The list includes also many of those rarest wan- derérs, which from time to time have turned up on these islands, and thus obtained an entrance into the British list, such as the American Widgeon, Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Buffel-headed Duck, Steller’s Western Duck, Surf Scoter, and the Hooded Merganser, also several rare Waders, with particulars of their natural haunts, and the circumstances and number of their occurrences on our shores. The Woodcock breeds in England much more commonly than it did, and there are now few, if any, counties in which it has not been recorded as nesting. It is a well-established fact that these home-bred birds do not remain to winter in the localities where they have been brought up. They leave about the last week in August and early in September, and their place is taken by foreign birds which arrive in October and November, with ee regularity to the same favourite coverts and spots.* From the accounts which Haves pveen handed down by old sports- men, Woodcocks are much scarcer now than formerly. Sir Ralph Payne-Gallwey thinks this may to some extent be due to the increased number of shooters, and the more rapid means of firing with breech- loaders. The custom of shooting down Woodcock on their first arrival in an exhausted condition on the east coast is greatly to be deprecated. It is not uncommon for sixty to a hundred to be shot in a very limited locality ; when we consider this, and the enormous and wholesale slaughter of these poor birds during a season of severe frost by the peasants in Ireland, we cease to be surprised at the gradually diminishing numbers which come to us. Considering the persistence with which they are followed up by shooters, we have often been surprised that any are left to return northward in the spring. * The writer knows an oak spinney of about five acres, near the east coast, which for the last thirty years has almost invariably held a couple of cock. These in the course of the season have generally been shot, yet the next autumn. another couple have taken their place. The conditions of the locality would appear to be favourable to the support of two Woodcock and no more. Naturalist, BOOK NOTICE. 31 In proportion to their bulk, the appetite of the Woodcock is enormous. Sir Ralph Payne-Gallwey once gave a tame Woodcock a large cupful of garden worms for his breakfast, and yet after swallow- ing these he followed him about looking wistfully for further supplies. Besides worms, Woodcocks will feed on on all sorts of larvee or any insects they can pick up. We have sometimes detected their presence in a wood by seeing places where the dead oak-leaves had been care- fully turned over in their search for slugs and insects. It is frequently asserted that Woodcocks are in wretchedly poor condition on their first arrival, and scarcely worth powder and shot. The contrary, however, is the case, a poor bird is the exception, heavy birds in high condition the rule. Notwithstanding assertions to the contrary, it is really not possible to distinguish the sexes by their plumage. Our author points out that the tooth-like markings on the outer feather of the wing are absent in the old birds of either sex, although very apparent in the young. Jan. 1887. 32 BOOK NOTICE. Of the Snipe, Sir Ralph Payne-Gallwey remarks, ‘it is strange, after all that has been written and observed, how little we really know concerning their habits ; how they come, where they go, or when they may be expected in numbers. The eccentricity of their movements baffles the oldest Snipe shooter; no one can with any certainty look for sport with Snipe on Tuesday, because he had it on Monday, though he seeks the birds at the same place and under the same climatic conditions.’ We can quite bear out the observation of the writer that the Jack Snipe is becoming scarcer every year in ourislands ; why, it is hard to say, as they have never been known to breed with us, and when full Snipe are abundant often get off without a shot. Not the least attractive portion of these volumes are the numerous excellent illustrations from the pencils of our best painter-naturalists, as Messrs. Stuart Wortley, Charles Whymper, G. E. Lodge, J. G. Muillais, and others. Much more might we have said, had space permitted, about these excellent volumes. We can strongly recommend our readers to buy them, or at least to borrow them and read them. ‘They will form a valuable addition to the book-shelves of the sportsman and naturalist, and we venture to say for many years to come, be the chief work of reference on all matters connected with the sport of Shooting. ————— Naturalist, Now ready, 8vv, cloth, price 6/- post free. LIST OF YORKSHIRE LEPIDOPTERA, By:G: 1). PORRITT, F.L-S. Contains copious records of the localities, &c., of the 1,340 species of macro- and micro-lepidoptera known to inhabit the county ; particulars of local. variation in species ; with all other necessary information on the subject. To be had only from the Hon. Secretaries of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union WM. DENISON ROEBUCK, Sunny Bank, Leeds; WM. EAGLE CLARKE, 18, Claremont Road, Headingley, Leeds. THE YOUNG NATURALIST. A Monthly Magazine of Natural History, conducted by JoHN E. Rosson, - Hartlepool, with the assistance in various departments of— ’ G. C. BIGNELL, Plymouth. C. S. GREGSON, Liverpool. G. COVERDALE, London. S. L. MOSLEY, Huddersfield. Dr. ELLI, Liverpool. : JOHN SANG, Darlington. G. ELISHA, London. J. P. SOUTTER, Bishop Auckland. Price Six Shillings per annum, post free. Monthly Supplements are given, intended to form when complete separate manuals of the var'ous groups treated upon. There is also being issued at present a List of British Lepidoptera fo labelling collections, after the arrangement of the late Henry Doubleday, with all the laiest corrections and additions. All orders and other communications to be addressed to JOHN E. ROBSON, Hartlepool. Ln Preparation. A Monograph of the Land and Fresh-Water Mollusca ol the British Fauna. The work is intended to be full, detailed, and exhaustive, and adequately illustrative of Variation, Development, and Geographical Distribution. Co-operation is invited from all interested, and any information or specimens {the common species of every district are particularly desired) will be welcomed and carefully acknowledged. The Authors may be addressed—c/o Mr. JOHN W. TAYLOR, Office of the Journal of Conchology, Hunslet New Road, Leeds. Information is at present specially required on the Slugs ( Zestacella, Limax, and A feed, of which living specimens from every district are desired. THE INSECT HUNTER’S COMPANION, By the Rev. JOSEPH GREEN, M.A. Being instructions for Collecting, Rearing, Setting, and Preserving Butterflies and Moths, Beetles, Bees, Flies, and other Insects. THIRD EDITION. REVISED AND EXTENDED BY A. B. FARN, The Chapter on Coleoptera, by Edward Newman. CONTENTS.—Hoyw to obtain the Egg by searching: boxing female moths: ; pairing insects. How to obtain LARV& by beating; the Bignell tray; sweeping ; searching by night; how to rear the larve; sleeving; hybernating larvee ; parasites ; preserving larve. PUPA-DIGGING; preserving pup; forcing pupz. THE PERFECT INSECT.—Localities; net; mothing ; honeydew; sugaring ; light ; indoor light; grouting; smoking; killing; relaxing; setting; grease; mites; mould; cabinets and store boxes; painting; arrangement and nomenclature ; number of specimens and manner of placing ; transmission by post ; entomological diary; books. MICRO-LEPIDOPTERA; COLEOPTERA; HYMENOPTERA; BREED- ING OF GALL-FLiges. PRICE ONE SHILLING. LONDON: SONNENSCHEIN & ALLEN, PATERNOSTER SQUARE. THE NATU RALiee The Editors hope to publish the following papers within the next few months:— Lichen-flora of Westmoreland, Part 2.—J. A. MARTINDALE. Lepidopterous Fauna of Lancashire and Cheshire (Deltoides and Geometre) —Joun W. E tis, F.E.S. Spiders obtained in North Lincolnshire in 1886.—H. Watts Kew, F.E.S. Notes on Decapodous Crustacea found at Redcar.—Rev. W. C. Hey, M.A. Land and Freshwater Shells of Whitby District.—H. PoLtarp.. | Annotated List of the Land and Freshwater Mollusca of Lincolnshire. List of Lancashire Land and Freshwater Mollusea.—R. STANDEN. The Extinct Animals of the Lake District.—Joun Watson. Bibliography for 1885 (continuation) and 1886. Natural History of Lincolnshire.—The next instalment of this is to be upon the Mammalia, by Joun Corpzaux. Schedules have been prepared for obtaining informa- tion: one will be sent to any one willing to furnish notes. Short Notes.—It is the wish of the Editors to give in each number about a page of short notes in each of the various subjects of which the Vaturalist takes cognisance. To this end they rely upon their friends keeping them well supplied. At present short notes on Botany, Entomology, Paleontology, Microscopy, Conchology, &c., are particularly desired. A HANDBOOK OF THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF YORKSHIRE. Being a Catalogue of British Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fishes, showing what species are or have, within historical periods, been found in the county. BY ; WM. EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S., & WM. DENISON ROEBUCK, F.L.S. PRICE 8s. Gd. MAY BE HAD OF THE AUTHORS, OR OF LOVELL, REEVE & CO., 5 HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN, LONDON EXTRACTS FROM REVIEWS. ‘The authors of this catalogue may take a pride in their work, which has evidently been executed with most conscientious care. They have given a short introductory exposition of the principles by which they have been guided, and an excellent brief sketch of the physical aspects of Yorkshire, and the summary of the results of their investigation of its Vertebrata. ‘lhe Little book is a most valuable contribution to British zoological literature. —Anuz. & Mag. Nat. Hist. ‘The work is an excellent one of its kind.’—A theneum. The Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine. Price 6d. monthly, 24 pages 8vo, with occasional illustrations. Conducted by C. G. BARRETT, F.E.S., J. W. DOUGLAS, F.E.S., Rev. W. W. FOWLER, M.A., F.L.S., R. MACLACHLAN, F.R.S., E. SAUNDERS, F.L.S., H. T. STAINTON, F.R.S., &c. This Magazine, commenced in 1864, contains Articles and Notes on all subjects connected with Entomology, and especially on the Insects of the British Isles. Subscription 6s. per volume, post free. The volumes commence with the June number in each year. The early volumes are out of print, but can be occasionally obtained by pur- chasers of the entire series. In this case the price of vols I. to V. is 10s, per vol. The succeeding vols. (strongly bound in cloth) can be had separately er together at 7s. per vol. Lonpon: JOHN VAN VOORST, 1, Paternoster Row. N.B.—Communications, &c., should be sent to the Editors at the above address. NOW READY, 224 PAGES, 125 ILLUSTRATIONS, DEMY 8vo. PRICE 7s. 6d. THE STRUCTURE AND LIFE-HISTORY OF THE COCK ROACH, An Antroduction to the Sindy of Insects. L. C. MIALL ano ALFRED DENNY. LONDON: LOVELL REEVE & CO. LEEDS: RICHARD JACKSON. ¥ FEB (387 FEBRUARY, 1887. thi i “Ng i | Ai B i “mutt =o Pan \ alli) IH A MONTHLY JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND. EDITED BY we. DENISON ROEBUCEK,. F-I.S:, AND Pore EeeG hh CLARE -BLEss., MEMBER OF THE BRITISH OKNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION. Confents: PAGE Some traces of an Ancient (Keuper) Beach at Castle cee Shipman, F.G.S.{with woodcut)... ce 3 ae an 5 2 ess to. 97, The Extinct Animals of the Lake District— a ohn Watson .. os te Be .. 39 to 45 The Lichen-flora of Westmoreland— Joseph A. Alartindale (continuation) oe -> 47 to 54 Spiders obtained in North Lincolnshire in 1886-—/7. Vallis Kew, F.E.S. a Sui GERLOPES Notes—Ornithology:— .. 2 On trees and rocks. Not very abundant, and always barren. Alectoria bicolor (Ehrh.); Nyl., Syn., p. 279; Leighton, Lich. Flora, p. 78.. Among moss on a wall near Brow Foot, Staveley. XXX. PARMELTA (Ach.) Nyl. Parmelia caperata (L.); Nyl., Syn., p. 376; Leighton, Lich. Flora, p. 114. On trees. Generally distributed, but not very abundant, and rarely fertile. 1887. 99. 100. Iol. TO2. 104. J. A. MARTINDALE: THE LICHENS OF WESTMORELAND. Parmelia conspersa (Ehrh.); Nyl., Syn., p. 391; Leighton, Lich. Flora, p. 124. On slate rocks and wails in lowland places. Very common. The varieties stenophylla Ach. and insidiata Anzi, or a form resembling it, occur here and there along with the type. Parmelia Mongeotii Schar., En., p. 46; Nyl., Syn., p. 392; Leighton, Lich. Flora, p. 125 (as a form of conspersa). Very rare in South Westmoreland, where I have only gathered two small specimens on slate stones near Staveley. It occurs very abundantly on red sandstone just north of the Eamont (Cumberland), and will most probably be found on the Westmoreland side of the river. Parmelia crinita Ach. Var. ciliata (DC.); Stiz., Lich. Helv., p. 54.2. Gearvmelia perlata v. ciliata Nyl., Syn., p. 380 ; Leighton, Lich. Flora, p. 120.) ~£; “EUSTICTEL Nyl. AXXT, LOBARIA (Hffm.) Nyl. 118. Lobaria pulmonacea (Ach., L. A., p. 449; Syn., p. 233); Nyl. in Flora, 1877, p. 233; (Stecta pulmonacea Nyl., Syn., Pp. 3513; S. pulmonaria Leighton, Lich. Flora, p. 111.) On trees in most parts of the county, as in Levens Park, Underbarrow, Staveley, Ambleside, and Lowther Park. Sub-tribe wi sSTICT INET Ny. NX XID STICTINA Nyl 119. Stictina limbata (Sm., EF. Bot., 1r04);-Nyl., Syu., p.- 346; Leighton, bach: Flora, p. 108. On trees near Staveley, near Ambleside, and in Barrow- field Wood. Very sparingly, poorly developed, and barren. 120. Stictina fuliginosa (Dicks.); Nyl, Syn., p. 347; Leighton, Lich. Flora, p. roo. Near Ambleside (Sir J. E. Smith). On shady rocks under Nab Scar, Rydal. Barren. 121. Stictina sylvatica (L.); Nyl., Syn., p. 348; Leighton, Lich. Flora, p. t09. On rocks in Naddle Forest, Mardale. Barren. Naturalist, 5 SPIDERS OBTAINED IN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE, 1886. OL H. WALLIS KEW, E.E.S. Hon. Sec. to Louth Naturalists Society, Lozt:. So little attention has been paid to these animals that it may be well to record the following sixty-eight species, as a contribution towards a list of the Spiders of North Lincolnshire, to which I hope to be able _to make many additions at the end of another season. Most of the species included in the present list have been found in Louth and the adjoining villages. Louth is situated on the eastern border of the Wolds, where in many places the chalk 1s much covered with boulder clay. Skirting the Wolds near Louth there are numerous small woods, known respectively as Muckton, Burwell, Haugham, Maltby, Jenney, and Legbourne Woods, which are evidently remnants of the great ancient forest which formerly covered the country below the Wolds. — A little collecting has also been done at Mablethorpe, Saltfleet, and Saltfleetby, which are marsh-villages drained by slow-flowing ditches and bounded on the east by the broad sandhills of the coast. The Rev. O. Pickard-Cambridge, whose courteous help I grate- fully acknowledge, has examined my captures. One specimen at least of all the following has been through the hands of Mr. Cam- bridge, with the exception of Apeiva scalaris and Zilla atrica. Epetra scalaris cannot be mistaken for any other British Spider, nor can Zilla atrica if the palpi of the male are noticed. DYSDERIDES. _Dysdera cambridgii Thor. One specimen of this formidable Spider was brought to me in May from a chalk-pit in Louth. Harpactes hombergii Scop. Plentiful under the flaking outer bark of sycamores near Louth. Also taken on the Mablethorpe sandhills. Segestria senoculata L. Several specimens taken in May from 7 beneath the bark of some dead wood in a hedge on Hubbard’s Hills, near Louth. DRASSIDES. Drassus blackwallii Thor. About houses in Louth. More than once noticed crawling on the walls of bedrooms at night. Drassus lapidicolens Walck. Not rare near Louth. Also taken at Mablethorpe. Feb. 1887. 56 H. WALLIS KEW: SPIDERS IN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE. Clubiona holosericea DG. Common near Louth, between leaves, under bark, and on the lower branches of trees. Clubiona brevipes Bl. Several specimens taken under bark of a dead ash at Burwell Wood, December 1885. Clubiona compta Koch. Maltby Wood. Anyphena accentuata Walck. Beaten from oak, Burwell Wood. DICTYNIDES. Dictyna uncinata Westr. Taken by beating bushes in July near Louth. 7 Amaurobius fenestralis Stroem. ‘This is one of the commonest spiders in the Louth district in outhouses, between bricks of old walls, and under bark, especially that of sycamores. Also plentiful at Mablethorpe. Avmaurobius similis, which is said to occur much more plentifully in buildings than the present species, has not yet been detected in the vicinity. Specimens of Amaurobius fenestvalts from the cellar at 7, Lee Street, have been through Mr. Cambridge’s hands. Amaurobius ferox Walck. One or two specimens have been taken near Louth during the year. Var. Amaurobius (Ciniflo) mordax Bl. One specimen approach- ing this variety, near Louth. AGELENIDES. Crypheca silvicola Koch. ‘Two or three specimens taken during a ramble through Burwell and Haugham Woods, with Mr. Roebuck, on 15th April, 1886. Ceelotes atropos Walck. This large Spider is found plentifully in the wooded parts of the Louth district under stones, logs of wood, and loose bark. After sunset on 1st May a specimen was taken from under a dead crow (Corvus corone) on the keeper’s tree in Maltby Wood. Tegenaria derhamii Scop. Abundant in outbuildings and cellars in Louth. Agelena labyrinthica Clk. This fine Spider is very common, for a short distance, on the sandhills at Saltfleetby; it also occurs, though a little less plentifully, at Mabiethorpe, where its exten- sive web stretches over the marram grass and lower parts of the sea buckthorns. THERIDIIDES. Theridion sisyphium Clk. Very common on furze and other bushes in various parts of the Louth district. Naturalist, H. WALLIS KEW: SPIDERS IN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE. 57 Theridion denticulatum Walck. On neglected windows in Louth, also noticed about the dead bodies on the keeper’s tree, Maltby Wood. The pale brownish egg-cocoons were noticed in the corners of windows in July. Theridion varians Hahn. ‘Taken, with Zz//a x-nofata, between the iron railings of the Baptist Chapel, Eastgate, Louth. Theridion bimaculatum L. Taken in August on furze bushes, Lincoln Road, near Louth. PhyJlonethis lineata Clk. Very common near Louth, both with and without carmine markings. Steatoda bipunctata L. Plentiful in Louth in the corners of neglected windows and about out-buildings. In June three specimens were noticed on the outside of a building facing the sea at Mablethorpe, one of which was winding up an Ottorhynchus ovatus L. in silken lines. Neriene rufipes Sund. Ona bramble bush, Mill Lane, Louth. Neriene rubens Bl. On furze, Lincoln Road, near Louth, August. Walckenaera acuminata Bl. Haugham chalk-pit, near Louth, April. Pachygnatha degeerii Sund. Taken while dragging and heating in several localities in the Louth district. Large numbers found in November sheltering within inverted sheep-troughs on a pasture-field near Louth. Linyphia minuta Bl. In crevices of tree-trunks near Louth. Linyphia socialis Sund.. Welton Vale near Louth. Linyphia insignis Bl. Welton Vaie. Linyphia bucculenta Clk. One under stone on the lower green- sand at Donington, near Louth. Several taken on sandhills, Mablethorpe. ' Linyphia clathrata Sund. Hubbard’s Valley, near Louth. Linyphia montana Clk. Common. Linyphia hortensis Sund. Maltby Wood. Ero thoracica Wid. Several specimens on furze, Lincoln Road, near Louth, August. EREPIRIDES: Meta segmentata Clk. Abundant. Meta meriane Scop. Common in the tunnels formed by brick bridges crossing streamlets and drains near Louth and at Mablethorpe. Tetragnatha extensa L. Fairly plentiful in the Louth district. In July it was very abundant, with Lpera cornuta, in webs amongst the long grass by the sides of a drain near the sea at Saltfleet, the webs being only just above the surface of the water at high-tide. Feb. 1887. 58 H. WALLIS KEW: SPIDERS IN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE. Zilla x-notata Clk. Abundant about buildings, and between iron railings in the streets of Louth. Both this and the next species are plentiful in the garden at 7, Lee Street, Z//a atrica spinning its webs amongst the ivy covering the walls, and Z:l/la x-notata confining itself to the buildings. Zilla atrica Koch. Abundant on furze and other bushes near Louth, and also on the sea buckthorns at Mablethorpe. Mr. Blackwall mentions ‘ buildings’ among the haunts of this Spider, but, like Mr. Cambridge, I have never found it in such a situation ; on two occasions, however, I have seen its webs (identified by male examples of the Spider) on wooden railings or gates away from foliage. Epeira cucurbitina Clk. One beaten from oak, Burwell Wood, June. Epeira diademata Bl. Common throughout the Louth district, being especially abundant on the shrubs in the Louth Cemetery. Epeira scalaris Walck. This large and beautiful Spider was taken in September by the road-side at Authorpe, and in Burwell Wood near Louth. Epeira cornuta Clk. Plentiful by the sides of the marsh-drains at Mablethorpe, Saltfleet, and Saltfleetby; also on the banks of the Louth Canal. Epeira quadrata Clk. This beautiful Spider is very plentiful on the coast sandhills at Mablethorpe. Also taken near Louth and in Burwell Wood. At Mablethorpe many of the toils contained remains of grasshoppers. Epeira umbratica Clk. Found abundantly throughout the Louth district concealed under loose bark during the day, and in the centres of their large orbicular snares after dark at night. THOMISIDES. Misumena vatia Clk. One taken, in May, while preying upon a fly on leaves of nettle, Maltby Wood. Xysticus cristatus Clk. Common. On one occasion when beating I noticed this Spider while in the net seize and carry off a Lycosa nigriceps. Xysticus audax Koch. Obtained by beating in Muckton and Maltby Woods. Xysticus lanio Koch. Maltby Wood. Xysticus ulmi Hahn. Maltby Wood. Oxyptila atomaria Panz. Several obtained by beating furze, Lincoln Road, near Louth, August. Oxyptila praticola Koch. Several beaten from furze bushes, Lincoln Road, August. Naturalist, H. WALLIS KEW: SPIDERS IN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE. 59 Philodromus aureolus Clk. Common. Tibellus oblongus Walck. Plentiful throughout the Louth district amongst grass. In May, among the herbage on the hedge- banks in Mill Lane, Louth, these Spiders were often noticed seated on the midribs of leaves of Rumex obtusifolius, where a kind of protective resemblance operated, owing to the similarity of the elongate body of the Spider to the midrib of the leaf. One thus situated was observed to be preying upon a //2lodromus. In July this species was very plentiful among the strong grass on the coast sandhills at Salttleet. LYCOSIDES. Ocyale mirabilis Clk. Taken on the steep banks of Grisel-bottom, Burwell Wood. Also at Well Vale, near Alford, and on the Lincoln Road, near Louth. Pirata piraticus Clk. Margins of a drain, Mablethorpe. Trochosa picta Hahn. ‘Taken, though not very commonly, on the sandhills at Mablethorpe. Trochosa ruricola DG. A specimen taken in December 1885 in its winter quarters—a cavity under the bark of a tree-stump at Caw- thorpe, near Louth. The only other specimen I have met with as yet was taken after dark, in April, on a wall in Crow Tree Lane, Louth. Trochosa terricola Thor. Several specimens taken in spring near Louth ; also at Mablethorpe. Tarentula miniata Koch. ‘Taken at Mablethorpe, in June. ‘This Spider has hitherto only been recorded for one locality in England—Southport. Lancashire. It is also found in Scotland. Tarentula pulverulenta Clk. Taken at Mablethorpe in June. Lycosa amentata Clk. Common. Lycosa lugubris Walck. Haugham Wood. Lycosa proxima Koch. Common. Lycosa nigriceps Thor. Beaten plentifully from furze, Lincoln Road, near Louth. Also taken in an old chalk-pit on the London Road, near Louth. SACD ES: Epiblemum scenicum Clk. Common on walls and gates, Louth and Mablethorpe. Epiblemum cingulatum Panz. Common about wooden railings and posts in the neighbourhood of Louth and near the sea at Saltfleetby. Attus pubescens Fabr. Taken in a room at 7, Lee Street, Louth. Var. Attus sparsus Bl. Louth, one specimen. Feb. 1887. 60 BOOK NOTICES. The Structure and Life-history of the Cockroach (/eriplaneta orientalis): An Introduction to the study of Insects. By L. C. Miall, Professor of Biology in the Yorkshire College, Leeds ; and Alfred Denny, Lecturer on Biology in the Firth College, Sheffield. London: Reeve & Co., 8vo, cloth, pp. 224, price 7/6. The authors of such a book as this, treating of a special depart- ment of zoology and mainly of one zoological form, and seeking to furnish an introduction to the study of insects, have no ordinary difficulties to face. To the popular writer on natural history, or the specialist labouring at a monograph, the way is comparatively clear ; but in such a work as the present the needs of very different classes of readers have to be met. The general reader, knowing little or nothing of zoology, but anxious to learn something about insects, will be attracted by the title of such a book as this; while the scientific student will be disappointed if, upon opening its pages, he finds that the authors have omitted minute details, and have avoided those theoretical questions to which morphological studies infallibly lead. To fulfil requirements so diverse as these is no easy task, and the authors of the present volume have succeeded admirably. Professor Huxley had already shown, in his exquisite little work on the Crayfish, that it was possible to write a book interesting and profitable to general as well as scientific readers, and this was no small advantage to the present authors, who, indeed, refer in their preface to that deservedly popular treatise. Following similar lines, the present book will, we are sure, secure a place of its own, and while it will find its way rapidly into biological laboratories, it will be perused with hardly less interest by non-professional readers. Familiar as the Cockroach is—too familiar, most housemaids would agree—few readers will take up this book without learning very much that is new to them. ‘There is ample evidence of patient and accurate work, with an occasional correction of errors current in text-books ; but in addition to this, the authors have laid under contribution much of the scattered literature, referring directly or indirectly to the family 4/attina and their Orthopterous allies. Over a hundred figures are given, some of which have appeared before, but a large proportion of which are new and of high excellence. We think, however, that a few additional diagrammatic figures would have been useful, even more so, sometimes, than the drawing of an actual preparation. ‘Thus the sections of the alimentary canal are of great value, as illustrative of the points in the text; but only the very careful reader will appreciate the force of the statement on p. 115, that Naturalist, BOOK NOTICES. 61 the stomodszeum and proctodzeum are epiblastic invaginations, while the mesenteron is hypoblastic—the extraordinary extent of the epiblast infolding, orally and aborally, not being sufficiently conveyed by the words ‘the mesenteron of the Cockroach is very short.’ The con- dition in these Arthropods is indeed precisely the reverse of that in higher forms—the epiblast invagination being in Vertebrates reduced to its smallest limits, while almost the entire length of the alimentary tract is lined by hypoblast. ‘The diagrammatic figures of the mouth- parts in various insects, as well as Mr. Newton’s well-known figures, will be of great utility to the student; indeed, the illustrations, as a whole, are clear, bold, and well executed, and merit the highest praise. It is, of course, impossible to refer to the various parts of the book seriatim, and we must pass over the opening chapters treating of the classical researches of Malpighi, Swammerdam, and other pioneers in insect anatomy, the zoological position of the Cockroach, and the chapter on its food, habits, &c., which contains many interesting facts. The account of the exoskeleton is, perhaps, the best chapter, as it is also the longest, and anyone who will turn these pages to practical account by examining—book in hand—the Cockroach itself, and following systematically the account given, will accomplish a task in Insect Morphology as thorough and complete as it will be pleasurable. We notice that while the dorsal and ventral divisions of the thoracic segments are named, the usual designations of the segments themselves—viz., pro-, meso-, and meta-thorax-—are omitted, although the last name does occur on p. 62. Chapters V and VI treat very fully of the muscles and nerves—the histological figures being noteworthy—while the curious facts brought together under the heading ‘ Muscular Force of Insects’ will interest many for whom much of the book will be unattractive detail. Chapter VIII, on Circulation and Respiration, is also a good piece of work, and it includes a brief account of respiratory movements by Prof. Plateau, of Ghent. Reproduction and Development occupy two chapters which should have been amongst the most valuable and interesting in the book; but they are somewhat disappointing, and Mr. Nusbaum’s brief account of the formation of the embryonic layers, &c., is less full and satisfactory than we could have wished, while the section on Animal Metamorphoses calls for revision. The chapter on the Genealogy of Insects is far too brief for so profound a topic, and does not sufficiently exhibit the importance of those features in Peripatus, which point not merely to an ancestral kinship of Tracheates and Annelids, but are leading some zoologists to favour the inclusion of Arthropods and Annelids in one large group of metamerically segmented animals, the Arthropoda being more nearly Feb. 1887. 62 BOOK NOTICES. related to Annelids for the most part, than many Annelids are to each other. The concluding chapter on the Cockroach of the past is full of interesting facts, and will prompt many to regard this Insect with less disgust, though it be an intruding foreigner, as being the repre- sentative of.an ancestral line extending back to the Paleeozoic age, and apparently without suffering any degeneration, for Mr. Scudder tells us that none of the fossil Cockroaches attained the dimensions of the largest existing species. Certain slight defects of a verbal character have struck us, such as the recurrence of the objectionable word ‘squarish,’ and, the startling verb ‘parallelise,’ occurring on p. 77, while we think that the sentence on p. 20, ending with the adverb, ‘horribly,’ should be re-cast, and that Feriplaneta, or at any rate its abbreviation, ?., should be prefixed to ‘ ovzentalis’ on p. 20, such a colloquialism of entomologists being hardly admissible here. Prof. Miall’s writing is usually so felicitous and graceful that such slight blemishes as we have named, and there are others, are some- what surprising. We cannot forbear to point out how the usefulness of the book would be increased by the addition of an index, while a few pages of practical instruction, as an appendix, would make it still more a book necessary for the student in the laboratory, for whom we presume the work is largely intended. ‘That it will be read with interest and delight in a far wider circle than that increas- ing class, the students in our Zoological Laboratories, we feel confident ; and the excellent typography, paper, &c., contribute still further to the good qualities of a work which we cannot but regard, both on account of its purpose and execution, as a worthy successor to Prof. Huxley’s ‘ Crayfish.’ We certainly cannot doubt that this will be by far the most popular and widely-used of the ‘ Studies in Compara- tive Anatomy’ which are associated with Prof. Miall’s name.—E.E. P. snes Classification of the Vegetable Kingdom, showing the position therein of the British and some of the larger Exotic Natural Orders of Plants. Compiled by J. D. Siddall. Chester; printed by G. R. Griffith. This is a small broadsheet, containing, as its name describes, a classified arrangement of the principal natural orders of plants. There are twenty-two columns, under which are ranged the following: kingdom, sub-kingdom, group, class, division, sub-division, natural order, number of genera and species, the same of British, typical examples, characters of stems and leaves, shape of flowers, number, cohesion and adhesion, of sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels, number of loculi, and of ovules, placentation, character of seed, and fruit, general remarks, and geographical distribution. Besides Naturalist, BOOK NOTICES. 63 this enormous amount of matter condensed into the briefest sym- bolism, room is found for a sufficiently complete list of definitions, and for one or two miniature chapters on vegetable physiology, in which the maximum of information has been packed into the minimum of space. The whole appears to have been compiled with great accuracy, and, so far as we have verified it, with a singular freedom from slips.. Opinions of course must always differ as to the specific value of varying forms, and the statement that there are only forty-three British species belonging to the order Rosacez, is not deduced from the last edition of the London Catalogue. Exceptions also can always be found to any briefly generalised negation, such, for instance, as that none of the Orchidez: are found. on ‘cold mountains’; but these are points hardly worthy of notice. Taken altogether, the compilation gives an admirable conspectus of the Vegetable Kingdom, and 1s likely to be of much use to all who have to teach, and all who have to learn, systematic botany. It is printed on thin, but serviceable paper, and the only suggestion which we can make is that it might also be issued in larger type and on a larger sheet.—H.E.F. ees Transactions of the Leeds Naturalists’ Club and Scientific Association, 1886. Leeds; pp. 88; 2s. 6d. For the last seven years the Leeds Naturalists’ Club has not been dormant, still less latent, for the reports bear witness of quiet work within its own circle, but to the outer world, at least, it has been silent. The issue of a volume of Transactions is not only evidence of a considerable accession in membership, but also, we trust, an earnest of increased activity in scientific research. Besides the Sixteenth Annual Report, the volume contains abstracts of papers end other proceedings, which have been condensed, no doubt very fairly, but in some cases with a brevity that is more than tantalising. It seems a pity that the space given to the Diary of Natural History observations, most of which are of the smallest scientific value, could not have been occupied by verbatim reports of some of the papers, as, for example, that of Mr. Roebuck on his specialty, or Mr. Paul on Fertilization. ‘The construction of such a diary as that which occupies fifteen pages of the Transactions may be an admirable exercise in observation for young people, but it is hardly worth publication in a volume of ‘“ Transactions.” We are puzzled to discover what purpose is meant to be served by such records, for instince, as that Lychnis diurna (evidently a favourite with the diarists), was observed on the r1th, 16th, and 23rd of May; that Stellaria holostea was gathered on May 16th and 26th, or that Dactylis glomerata was seen in flower on June 27th, and Lapsana Feb. 1887. 64 NOTES AND NEWS. communis on the day following. A happy ambiguity clothes the records of the Water Crowfoot and the Dog Rose, which are safely noted as Ranunculus aquatilis and Rosa canina. We should like to verify the discovery of the ‘Holly Fern’ at Howstean, and the locality of Vicza /utea (mis-spelt, by-the-way) on May 30th. The ‘Spotted Orchis’ is not ‘O. mascula, the ‘Oxlip’ at Copgrove is scarcely likely to be the true ‘P. e/ator, unless cultivated, and the ? which follows ‘ Azum ampeloprasum’ as the synonym for ‘Wild Garlic’ may no doubt be doubled. We notice that the plant records, at least, are not confined to West Yorkshire, but apparently extend at random to districts of quite different climatic and geologic conditions. ‘There is a good deal of typographical carelessness in the proper names, especially the botanical ones. Dodecatheon media is a probable misprint for D. AZeadzz, and might easily be pardoned if it were not the sixth in as many successive lines. We are glad to notice the commencement of a Flora of Phanerogamous plants and a list of the Aigee of West Yorkshire. As the former is only carried to the end of the Cruciferze, we trust it is a pledge that the next volume of Transactions will appear in less than another seven years. —H.E.F. NOTES AND NEWS. At the anniversary meeting of the Entomological Society of London, January 19th, 1887, the following gentlemen were elected as officers and council for 1887:— President, Dr. David Sharp, F.Z.S.; Treasurer, Mr. Edward Saunders, F.L.S.; Secretaries, 2 Mr. Herbert Goss, F. I: S.} and the Rev. W. W. Fowler, M. Ke Hil Ses), Librarian, “Mr. Ferdinand Grut, F.L.S.; and as other members of council, Messrs. Robert M‘Lachlan, F.R.S., Gervase Mathew, R.N., F.L.S., George T. Porritt, F.L.S.,- Edward B./ Poulton,’ M.A., F.G.S., Osbert, Salvin, MeA.; BoR.S., Henry. 2. Stainton, h-R:S:, Samuel; Stevensaeue lao-5, and if -fenner Weireh ssi. ZS: poo< At the November meeting of the Entomological Society of London the following gentlemen were elected Fellows, viz., Mr. Peter Cameron, of Sale, Cheshire ; Mr. F. Archer, of Crosby, Liverpool; and others. Mr. E. B. Poulton exhibited a mass of minute crystals of formate of lead, caused by the action of the secretion of the larva of Dicranura vinula upon suboxide of lead. He stated that a single drop of the secretion had produced the crystals which were exhibited ; and he called attention to the excessively high percentage of formic acid which must be present in the secretion, and to the pain, and probable danger, which would result from being struck in the eye by the fluid which the larva had the power of ejecting to a considerable distance. Mr. J. W. Slater read a paper on ‘The relations of insects to flowers,’ in which he stated that many flowers which gave off agreeable odours appeared not so attractive to insects as some other less fragrant species ; and he stated that Petunias, according to his observations, were comparatively neglected by bees, butterflies, and Diptera. Mr. Distant, Mr. Stainton, Mr. Weir, Mr. Stevens, and the President took part in the discussion which ensued, and stated that in their experience Petunias were often most attrac- tive toinsects. Mr. Stainton referred to the capture-by himself of sixteen specimens of Sphinx convolvult at the flowers of Petunias in one evening in 1846. Jonkeer May, the Dutch Consul-General, asked whether the reported occurrence of the Hessian Fly (Ceczdomyza destructor) in England had been confirmed. In reply Mr. M‘Lachlan stated he believed that several examples of an insect thought to be the Hessian Fly had been bred in this country, but that everything depended upon correct specific determination in such an ae and difficult genus as Cectdomyza. % = tp § 3 Naturalist, THE YOUNG NATURALIST. A Monthly Magazine of Natural History, conducted by JoHN E. Rosson Hartlepool, with the assistance in various departments of — G. C. BIGNELL, Plymouth. C. S. GREGSON, Liverpool. G. COVERDALE, London. S. L. MOSLEY, Huddersfieid. Dr. ELLIS, Liverpool. JOHN SANG, Darlington. G. ELISHA, London. J. P. SOUTTER, Bishop Auckland. Price Six Shillings per annum, post free. Monthly Supplements are given, intended to form when complete separate manuals of the various groups treated upon. ‘There is also being issued at present a List of British Lepidoptera for labelling collections, after the arrangement of the late Henry Doubleday, with all the latest corrections and additions. All orders and other communications to be addressed to JOHN E. ROBSON, Hartlepool. The INSECT HUNTER’S COMPANION. By the Rev. JOSEPH GREEN, M.A. Being instructions for Collecting, Rearing, Setting, and Preserving Butterflies and Moths, Beetles, Bees, Flies, and other Insects. THIRD EDITION. REVISED AND EXTENDED BY A. B. FARN. The Chapter on Coleoptera, by Edward Newman. CONTENTS.—How to obtain the Egg by searching ; boxing female moths ; pairing insects. How to obtain Larv# by beating ; the Bignell tray ; sweeping ; ; searching by night; how to rear the larvae; sleeving; hybernating larve; parasites; preserving larve. Pupa DIGGING; preserv- ing pupz; forcing. pupe. THE PerFect INSECT. —Localities; net; mothing ; honeydew sugaring ; light ; indoor light; grouting; smoking; killing; relaxing; setting; grease; mites; mould; cabinets and store boxes; painting ; arrangement and nomenclature ; number of speci- mens and manner of placing ; transmission by post; entomological diary; books. 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They have given a short introductory exposition of the principles by which they have been guided, and an excellent brief sketch of the physical aspects of Yorkshire, and the summary of the results of their investigation of its Vertebrata. ‘The little book is a most valuable contribution to British zoological literature.’—Azn. & Mag. Nat. Hist. “The work is an excellent one of its kind.’—A thene@u77. The Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine. Price 6d. monthly, 24 pages 8vo, with occasional illustrations. Conducted by C. G. BARRETT, ES: J. WV DOUGLAS, FES. REv. W. W. FOWLER, M.A., ES, Rr: MACLACHLAN, F.RS., @ SAUNDERS, Ful. S:, eT: STAINTON, 1 ator &e. This Magazine, commenced in 1864, contains Articles and Notes on all subjects connected with Entomology, and especially on the Insects of the British Isles. Subscription 6s. per volume, post free. The volumes commence with the June number in each year. The early volumes are out of print, but can be occasionally obtained by pur- chasers of the entire series. In this case the price of vols I. to V. is 10s. per vol. The succeeding vols. (strongly bound in oa can 1 be had separately or together © at 7s. per vol. Lonpon: JOHN VAN VOORST, ie Bebe: Row. N.B.—Communications, &c., should be sent to the Editors at the above address. THE NATUBALIST. The Editors hope to publish the following papers within the next few months :— Some Rare Mosses in Westmoreland.—cC. H. Binsreap, B.A. Lepidopterous Fauna of Lancashire and Cheshire (Deltoides and Geometiee} —Joun W. E tis, F.E.S. Lepidoptera, &c., on the N.E. Coast of Yorkshire—G. T. Porrirt, F.L.S. I.ocal Specimens of Rare Birds in Newcastle Museum —Dr. J. T. T. Reep. Ornithological Notes from Redcar in 1886—T. H. NeEtson, M.B.O.U. An Unrecorded Yorkshire Golden Hagle—Hersert PrRopHAM. Some Footprints in the Snow—Joun Corpeavx, M.B.O.U. Wotes on Decapodous Crustacea found at Redcar.—Rey. W. C. Hey, M.A. Land and Freshwater Shells of Whitby District.—H. Pot.arp. Annotated List of the Land and Freshwater Mollusea of Lincolnshire. List of Lancashire Land and Freshwater Mollusca.—R. Sranpen. Bibliography for 1885 (continuation) and 1886. Natural History of Lincolnshire.—The next instalment of this is to be upon the Mammalia, by Joun CorDEAUX. Schedules have been prepared for obtaining informa- tion: one will be sent to any one willing to furnish notes. Short Not2s.—It is the wish of the Editors to give in each number about a page of short notes. in each of the various subjects of which the Maturadist takes cognisance. ‘lo this end they rely upon their friends kee,ing them well supplied. At present short notes on Botany, Entomology, Palzontology, Microscopy, Conchology, &c., are particularly desired. NOW READY, 224 PAGES, 125 ILLUSTRATIONS, DEMY 8vo. PRICE 7s. 6d. THE STRUCTURE, AND. LIFE-TUSTORY De Kes COCE ROA C EZ: An Antroduction to the Studp of Ansects. L. C. MIALL ann ALFRED DENNY. LONDON: LOVELL REEVE & CO. LEEDS: RICHARD JACKSON. On Monday, February Ist, 18865, was Published, No. |, Price 4d. Monthly, THE SCIENTI€ZIC ENQUIRER: Affords a medium through which information on every Scientific Subject may be obtained. It contains Queries, Answers, Short Papers and Notes, Extracts, Correspondence, Sale and Exchange Column. THE JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY AND NATURAL SCIENCE, PUBLISHED QUARTERLY, PRICE 1/6. The recognized organ of the POSTAL MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY, contains interesting articles in every department of Microscopy and the allied Sciences, written by experienced Microscoj ists and Specialists, and illustrated by Lithographic Plates. It is one of the largest, cheapest. ani most widely circulated Journals of its class. Special features are ‘‘ Half-hours at the Microscope with Mr. Tuffen West, F.L.S., F.R.M.S., etc.;” ‘‘Selected Notes from the Society’s Note-books.” Reviews of new books relating to every branch of Natural Science; Correspondence on matters of Microscopic or Scientific interest. Current Notes and Memoranda, ‘‘ Exchanges,” &c. Both Journals are edited and published by Mr. ALFRED ALLEN, Hon. Sec. P.M.S. London: BAILLIERE, TINDALL & COX, 20, King William St., Strand, W.C. INDISPENSABLE TO STUDENTS AND COLLECTORS. THE JOURNAL OF CONCHOLOGY Contains Descriptions and Figures of New Species and Varieties, Geographical Lists, and Original Articles, dealing with all departments of the science, by the leading Conchologists of the day.—VoL. V. commenced January 1886. VOoLs. I., EH.) Iil., & TV. may still be ‘had. The Journal, edited by Mr. J. W. TayLor (who may be addressed c/o Taylor Brothers, the Steam Colour Printing Works, Hunslet Road, Leeds), is the organ of the Conchological Society, to whose members it is supplied in return for the subscription of 5s. per annum. Forms of proposal of new members may be had from the Secretary, THOS. W. BELL, 10, Reuben Place, Leeds. | MARCH, 1887. Tne <1 i Synth, “AU ) i \@ im \ “imme uh * slam, 2 ; lt in os Bt MONTHLY JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND. EDITED BY ev DENISON ROE BUCK: F.L.S., how EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S MEMBER OF THE BRITISH OKNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION. Confenis: PAGE Some Rare Mosses in Westmorland—C. A. BSinstead, B.A. . .. 65 & 66 Lepidoptera, etc., on the North-east Coast of Yorkshire, in August 1 1886—Geo. T. Porritt, ae SK sy 2 .. 67 to 69 Micro-Zoology and Botany of Askern—Rev, Francis H, Allen aa 5 oe .. 70 & 71 Some Footprints in the Snow— Fox Cordeaux, M.B.O.U. .. . 72 to 74 Local Specimens of Rare Birds in the Museum at Newcastle- -on-Tyne-—¥. T.T. Reed ie to 78 Ornithological Notes from Lincolnshire and Norfolk—Oliver V. Aplin we «. 79 & 80 Ornithological Notes from Redcar in 1886—7. H. Nelsox, M.B.0.U. . .. 81 to 83 An Unrecorded Occurrence of the Golden Eagle in Yorkshire—Herbert Prodham .. 84 Notes on Decapodous Crustacea found at Redcar—Xev. W.C. Hey, M.A. .. .. 85 & 86 Lepidopterous Fauna of Lancashire and Cheshire — mee W. Bins. TRC P: , arc. 93 to 96 Notes—Ornithology :— . 74, 78, 80, 83, 84 Varieties of Common Wild “Duck and “Peregrine in INGttS. fn Whitaker, i Zi Ringed Guillemots near Redcar—7. /7. Nelson, M.B.O.U.; Water-rail near Heche: Lincolnshire—H. Wallis Kew, P.E.S. Blackbird laying in Thrush’s Nest, and Albino Birds observed near Heer kh. Fitzgerald; Birds at Flamborough— Matthew Bailey; Land-rail at Barton-on-Humber—Z, W. Wade; Great Grey Shrike in Nidderdale—W. €. Clarksow; Hawfinch and Pink-footed Geese at Harrogate—Riley Fortune; Occurrence of the Hawfinch in Wensleydale—Zdwd. Chapman. Note—Conchology :— ci a 86 Scalariform Planorbis spirorbis near + Bingley— Ge Zale Hargreaves, M. €.S. Note—Hymenoptera :— . aA : hs aes 66 Sawflies in Cheshire—P. Cameron, F.E.S. ; Note—Hemiptera :— 66 Acanthosoma haemorrhoidalis washed up on the coast of Lincolnshire—7, E. Mason. Notes—Lepidoptera :— . 66, 69 Lyczna age-tis in Upper Wharfedale—¥. W. Carter: Variation in Lepidoptera from various localities—/. Goss, Sec., Ent. Soc. ; Catocala fraxini in North Lincolnshire —K. Garfit. Note—Fungi :-— ce ae ae ov 66 H pene sciophanus Fr. near Kendal—C: Z. Waddell. Notes“ Paleontolocy - — oe ay Post-tertiary cregsits at Boston—I’. ZZ. ‘Wheeler, Coe ; Discovery of a Fossil Tree at Ilkley—S. A. Adamson, F.G.S. Book-Notices :— 87 to o1 (Hay’s Elementary Text Book of British Fungi: Walton’s Geology of the District ‘between Market Weighton and the Humber ; Strasburger’ s Hand-book of Practical Botany; Lord Lilford’s Coloured Figures of the Birds of the British Islands ; British Stalk-eyed Crustacea and Spiders; Pond Life—Insects ; miscellaneous short notices.) Notes and News .. 25 3 Br ae ae ae ws ae as ite ae 92 LONDON : LOVELL REEVE & Co., 5, HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN, E.C, M©CORQUODALE & Co. LIMITED, CARDINGYON STREET, EUSTON ; AND LEEDS: BASINGHALL STREET. All Communications should be Addressed :— The Editors of ‘The Naturalist,’ Park Row, Leeds. PRICE SIXPENCE (by Post, Sevenpence). ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION (from the OFFICE only), 5s., post free. Price 8d. each. 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Single numbers, 7d. each, post free. BOOKS RECEIVED. Natural History Journal, February 1887. [Mr. J. Edmund Clark, Editor, The Young Naturalist, Part Ixxxvi, for February 1887. [Mr. J. E. Robson. Editor. Science Gossip, No. 266, for February 1887. [Messrs. Chatto & Windus, Publishers. The Naturalists’ World, vol. 4, No. 38, for February 1887. [ Mr. Percy Lund, Editor. The Midland Naturalist, No. 110, for February 1887. [The Editors, Birmingham. Edinburgh Royal Physical Society.—Proceedings, Sessions 1878-79 to 1885-86. 7 Parts. ‘Phe Society. Strasburger’s Hand-book of Practical Botany.—Edited from the German by W. Hillhouse.—8vo., 1887. [ Messrs. Swan, Sonnenschein & Co. R. Taylor Manson.—Zig-zag Ramblings by a Naturalist.—8vo, Darlington, 1884, 159 pages. [The Author. Acad. of Nat. Sci. of Philadelphia.—Procs., part 11, April—Sept. 1886. [The Acad. Berwickshire Naturalist Club.—Proceedings for 1886, vol. xi, No. I (in two parts), 8vo, 320 pages. [The Club. Spheerularia in America.—-Geo. Dimmock.—$8vo, 3-page reprint, 1886. [The Author. Free Carminic Acid for colouring microscopical preparations.—Geo. Dimmock.— 8vo, 4-page reprint, 1884. [The Author. Abnormal Food of Cats.—By Geo. Dimmock.—8vo, 2-page reprint, 1884. : [The Author. Belostomidz and some other Fish-destroying Bugs.—8vo, 8-page reprint, 1886. [Vhe Author. The Journal of Conchology.—Jan. 1887.—No. 5, vol. v. [Mr. J. W. Taylor, Ed. Mineralogical Magazine.—Vol. vii, No. 33, for Dec. 1886. [The Min. Society. EXCHANGE. Notices of Exchange inserted free of charge to Subscribers. British animals wanted. Healthy living specimens of Bats, Shrews, Weasel, Stoat, Dormouse, Harvest and Longtailed Mice, Black Rat, Water, Field, and Red Voles. Ralph Grassham, Museum, Leeds. NIGHTINGALE IN YORKSHIRE. Mr. Wm. Eagle Clarke, 18, Claremount Road, Headingley, is completing his account of the Nightingale as a Yorkshire Bird, for immediate publication, and will be glad to receive full particulars of its distribution and abundance, and the regularity of its appearance in all parts of the county. Solitary instances of occurrence are desired. Improved Egg Drills (2 sizes) and Metal Blowpipe with instructions 1/3 free. ‘Tints on Egg Collecting and Nesting,’ illustrated, 3$d. free. Birds’ Skins, Eggs (side-blown and in clutches with date), Lepidoptera, Ova, Larvze, and Pupe, Artificial Eyes, and all kinds of Naturalists’ Requisites. Lists, one stamp. All specimens, &c., sent out ‘on approval.’ J. & W. DAVIS (Naturalists), DARTFORD, Kent. The cheapest dealer in Birds, Skins, Eggs, Butterflies, Moths, Foreign Shells etc., is John Eggleston, Park Place, Sunderland. Lists free. Ret a te Apt Ss SOME RARE MOSSES IN WESTMORLAND. Cc. H. BENSTEAD, B.A., Broont Close, Kendal. Ir has been my good fortune, within the last twelve months, to discover several rare mosses in Westmorland, which are new to the county and the Lake District generally. I trust that a short account of them will be of interest to the botanical readers of the * Naturalist, Grimmia anodon B. & S. A very small patch of this moss was found, last May, near Kendal. It was growing on a railway bridge. ‘The bridge in question is built of large blocks of lime- stone, and it was on one—and one only—of these blocks that it grew. Small as was the patch of the moss, it had, nevertheless, abundant and perfect fruit. It is curious that this species should never have been found before in a neighbourhood where there is so much exposed limestone rock. Grimmia commutata Hiibn. This was found in January of this year, growing upon a large rock at Rydal Lake, and forming exten- patches of a bluish-green colour. I have observed this moss growing in plenty in Norway, and there, as at Rydal, it seems. to prefer large rocks which are liable to be at times submerged. Grimmia anomala Hampe. This occurs in several places in the Lake District, being somewhat plentiful around Kendal and Windermere. It has also been noticed at Grasmere, and in other places in the neighbourhood. In habit and general aspect this species greatly resembles Grvmmza hartmanz, with which it has doubtless been confused. It is most improbable that, had not such been the case, a moss which is by no means uncommon should have been so long overlooked in a well-worked country. It is, however, only in wet weather that the characteristic gemmz are conspicuous, and then, to a botanical eye, they afford an easy means of distinguishing this Grimmia from other species. Grimmia hartmant, moreover, is by no means common in the Lake District. We are indebted to the acuteness of Mr. Boswell for the identification of this species with G7zmmza anomala Hampe. A description will be found in Schimper’s ‘Synopsis M. Eur.,’ Bd; p..270. Bryum mihlenbeckii B. & S. This moss was found last July in the Longsleddale Valley. It was growing on a wet rock. The March 1887. F 66 NOTES—MYCOLOGY AND ENTOMOLOGY. silvery-green (not purple) colour of the tufts, and their softness to the touch, served sufficiently well to enable one to distinguish it at first sight from Bryum alpinum. It ought to occur in many places in the district. Here again thanks are due to Mr. Boswell for the final deter- mination of the species. Cinclidium stygium Swartz. Although not so rare as some other Lake District mosses, it is interesting to know that this notable plant grows in Westmorland. It was found in a wet, peaty place, in small quantity, on the Howgill Fells, near Tebay. It may be added that it was in a fertile state. Hylocomium umbratum Schreb. This occurred at Grasmere in December last. It grows in tolerable abundance in a wood, in company with “y/o. squarrosum, loreum, and splendens. The Grasmere form of the moss is smaller and less branched than usual, and the colour is dark green. NOTE—FUNGTI. Hygrophorus sciophanus Fr. near Kendal.—This species grew plentifully last month in groups on dry heathy places on the hills near this. —C. H. WADDELL, Kendal, 15th November, 1886. NOTE—HYMENOPTERA. Cheshire Sawflies.—At the meeting of the Microscopical and Natural History Section of the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society, November Sth, 1886, Mr. Peter Cameron, F.E.S., exhibited Mematus fage Zadd., a sawfly unrecorded as British, from Sale, where the larve were found feeding on a beech hedge. He also stated that he had been experimenting with Lvzocampa annulipes (whose larvae were very destructive to the beech and hawthorn hedges at Sale during the last summer) and had succeeded in getting virgin females to lay eggs from which he had reared some males. At the meeting on December 6th, he exhibited Blennocampa fuliginosa Schrank (zon Klug)=aterrima Klug—from Chobham. It has not been found in Britain since it was discovered 40 years ago by the present Marquis of Ripon.—JOHN Boyp, Hon. Sec. NOTE—HEMIPTERA. Acanthosoma hemorrhoidalis washed up on the coast of Lincolnshire.—Not long since, while looking at a case containing a general collection of insects belonging to Mr. Robert Garfit, of this town, I noticed a female specimen of Acanthosoma hemorrhoidalis, and remarking that the bug was tolerably abundant in the neighbourhood, he told me that a boxful of them had been given him:some years ago, one autumn, by Mr. Bucknall, of Hogsthorpe, a shoemaker with a taste for natural history, who had found them washed up on the seashore at Mumby Chapel ‘ by bucketfuls’ all along the beach. Has a migratory habit been previously noted in this or any other of our Heteropterous Hemiptera ? —Jas. EARDLEY MAson, Alford, toth January, 1887. NOTE—LEPIDOPTERA. _Lycena agestis in Upper Wharfedale.—A short time ago my friend Mr. Soppitt gave me a little butterfly for determination, which I was glad to recognise as Z. agestis. It was taken at Grassington last July, thus adding another locality for this uncommon Yorkshire species. —J. W. CARTER, Valley St., Bradford, January 31st, 1887. Naturalist, : 67 LEPIDOPTERA, ETC., ON THE NORTH-EAST COAST OF YORKSHIRE, IN AUGUST 1886. GEO POR RII Hales. Huddersfield; Fellow and Menber of Council of the Entomological Society of London ; Author of the Vorkshire List of Lepidoptera ; etc. FRoM the 11th to 25th August last I spent on the north-east coast of our county, from the 13th to 23rd having the company of Mr. George C. Dennis, of York. We did our best to work out the lepidopterous fauna of the districts between and around Saltburn and Redcar, making the former place head-quarters. This we found very convenient, as trains ran very frequently throughout the day to Marske and Redcar, and what was equally important, trains also returned from Redcar to Saltburn sufficiently late at night to enable us to thoroughly work the sand-hills there with our lamps after dark. Our night-collecting was chiefly done on the sand-hills from Marske to Redcar, and in a pretty ravine, having a thick and varied under- growth of plants and shrubs, at Saltburn ; whilst our day-work, besides these localities, included the woods beyond the Saltburn Pleasure Gardens, on the way to Skelton. One day was also devoted to the extensive woods of Sir Charles Lowther, several miles inland from Redcar ; and on another day a rather profitless journey was made to Skinningrove. The district altogether proved very disappointing so far as lepidoptera were concerned, for-although some interesting species—on account of their local variation, etc.—were taken, nothing of any rarity turned up. As this part of the county seems to have been worked very little by Yorkshire lepidopterists, we have thought it advisable to give a list of all the species we remember to have noticed, those marked with a * being previously unrecorded for the district. Pieris rape, Satyrus janira, and Lycena alexis, common ; *Flepialus sylvinus, very small specimens ; Luchelia jacobee, larve abundant on the sandhills ; Aumza crategata, Metrocampa margart- tata, common; Odontopera bidentala, larva; Crocallis elinguaria, common; Amphydasis betularia, larva; Boarmia repandata, an almost smoky black form on the cliffs; 3B. rhombotdaria; Acidalia scutulata and A. bisetata, common; A. incanaria, abundant; JA. aversata; Abraxas grossulariata; Larentia didymata, abounded everywhere; *Z. pectinitaria; LHypsipetes elutata, the black form not uncommon in the wood at Saltburn; *Jelanthia rubiginata, Saltburn ; MJelanippe fluctuata; Camptogramma bilineata, abundant ; Cidaria russata, dark form; C. tmmanata, common and in nice variety ; C. fulvata; Eubolia mensuraria, abundant, one very dark March 1887. 68 G. T. PORRITT : NORTH-EAST YORKSHIRE LEPIDOPTERA. form; *“£. bipunctaria, Saltburn; *Leucania conigera; L. impura and Z. pallens, both plentiful, and the variety ectypa of the latter common ; Xylophasia polyodon, abundant; Chareas graminis ; Apamea oculea, nice varieties; Mana literosa, abundant, the speci- mens often large and beautifully marbled; Cavadrina cubicularis, abundant and well marked ; Agvotis valligera, common ; A. nigricans, not uncommon, but a black form I took at Southport on the opposite coast the year previous, and which is there in fair proportion, seemed to be absent; A. ¢ritici, abounded at ragwort flowers on the sand- hills, and was one of the most interesting species, being both in size and colour most variable—I picked out, I think, the prettiest and most variable series I ever saw; Z7yphena interjecta, taken on rag- wort, tansy, and thistle flowers at Saltburn ; 7: orbona and T: pronuba, both common and variable; JVoctua umbrosa, common at ragwort flowers ; VV. xanthographa, abundant, and very variable in colour ; *Plusia chrysitis; Mania typica; Pionea forficalis ; Scopula lutealts, very abundant; Scoparia ambigualts; S. cembre and S. angustea (coarctalts), Skinningrove ; Crambus tristellus and C.-culmellus ; C. geniculellus, not uncommon at Redcar, but nearly over ; Anerastia lotella, Redcar; Zortrix rosana, T. heparana, T. unifasciana, and ZT. viridana; *Feronea comparana, and P. variegana, Saltburn ; Dictyopteryx bergmanniana; Sericoris lacunana, common ; * Scaphila pascuana, not uncommon, previously only recorded from the West Riding in the county ; *Grapholita trimaculana ; *G. penkleriana, abundant ; Pedisca occultana and P. solandriana, both common ; Xylopoda fabriciana, abundant; Xanthosetia zoegana, common ; *Aphelia pratana, abundant ; * Tinea pellionella, abundant ; * Hyfo- lepia radiatella, variable ; *Harpipteryx nemoretla and * 7. harpella, both common ; *Pizbalocera quercella ; * Depressaria costosella; D. liturella, abundant; *D. assimilella; *D. hypericella, abundant ; *D. angelicella, common; D. applanella ; D. douglasella, several— only one specimen was previously recorded for the county ; *D. weirella, plentiful, and new to the county list. All the species of Depressaria were taken on tansy flowers in the ravine at Saltburn. Gelechia rufescentella, not uncommon on the sandhills; *G. mudenella, not uncommon; G. exfolitella (politella), late, and the specimens very worn, but I think I am right in determining them as this species, of which I had taken scores some weeks earlier on our own moorland hills; G. maculella and G. tricolorella, both common on ash trunks, etc., at Saltburn ; *Che/aria conscriptella, common in the wood at Saltburn ; Ecophora pseudo-spretella and Endrosts fenestrella ; Argyresthia nitidella, everywhere ; Lithocolletis cramerella, abundant in oak trees; * Prerophorus dichrodacty/us—this interesting species was Naturalist, NOTES—LEPIDOPTERA. 69 abundant among its food-plant, tansy, which grew luxuriantly in large patches in the ravine at Saltburn; P. serotinus (bipunctidactylus), Saltburn. But probably the best insect taken during our stay was one of the Neuroptera, a specimen of Chrysopa tenella, the smallest and perhaps the rarest of our British Lace-wing Flies. Unfortunately, I did not know the species at the time, or probably could have found more. I think I beat it out of the trees in the wood adjoining the Saltburn Pleasure Gardens. Other Neuroptera taken included Czrysopa flava, Flemerobius micans, and ff. humult, the latter common ; and of. Trichoptera, Lemnophilus affinis was abundant among rushes in a ditch at Redcar ; Mficropterna seguax equally so in a ‘rushy’ hollow on the cliffs near Marske; whilst Stexophylax latipennis, Limnophilus hirsutus, L. sparsus,and L. vittatus—the last commonly —also occurred. NOTEHES—LEPIDOPTERA. Variation in Lepidoptera from various localities.—At the meeting of the Entomological Society of London, on the 1st December, 1886, Mr. Howard Vaughan exhibited a long series of Guophos obscurata, comprising specimens from various parts of Ireland, North Wales, Yorkshire, Berwick-on- Tweed, the New Forest, Folkestone, Lewes, and the Surrey Hills. The object of the exhibition was to show the variation of the species in connection with the geological formations of the various localities from which the specimens were obtained. Mr. R. Adkin exhibited specimens of Czdarza reticulata, recently bred by Mr. H. Murray, of Carnforth, from larvze collected by him near Windermere, on Impatiens nolt-me-tangere. Mr. Adkin said that as the food-plant was so extremely local, and consequently difficult for Mr. Murray to obtain, he had endeavoured to get the larvze to feed on some other species of balsam, including the large garden species, usually known as Canada balsam, but that he had not succeeded in doing so. Mr. E. B. Poulton observed that this statement tended to confirm the remarks he made at a recent meeting of the Society on the subject of the habits of lepidopterous larvze with reference to their food-plants. Mr. G. T. Porritt exhibited forms of Czdaria suffumata from Huddersfield, including one very similar to that taken at Dover by Mr. Sydney Webb (Proc. Ent. Soc. 1886, p. xxv), and one still more extreme, having only the basal mark and the central stripe, with a slight streak at the tip, brown, the remainder of the wings being perfectly white. He also exhibited a series of small bilberry-fed Wyfszpetes elutata from Huddersfield, showing green, red-brown, and black forms.—H. Goss, Secretary, Entomological Society. Catocala fraxini in North Lincolnshire.—It was, I think, in Sept. 1875 that I heard from my mother living at Hogsthorpe, a village near Alford, in a letter, that a large moth had been found under an ash-tree in the yard of the gasworks there, and duly consigned to the killing bottle of Mr. Bucknall, a shoemaker who did a little collecting. I wrote for it at once. To my great surprise and pleasure it proved to be a male Catocala fraxint. My mother shortly afterwards told me that when brought to her by the gasman the wings were soft and crumpled, so that, as she had seen me do with other moths, she allowed it to crawl up something upright till they had expanded and become dry. I regret that I have mislaid the diary containing the precise date of the capture. The insect is, of course, one of my greatest treasures, as it was undoubtedly bred on the tree under which it was found.—R. GarFiT, Alford, roth January, 1887. March 1887. 7O MICRO-ZOOLOGY AND BOTANY OF ASKERN. Rev. FRANCIS H. ALLEN, Vicar of Moss, near Askern. THE ponds, ditches, and drains which abound in this neighbourhood are simply teeming with microscopic life; but, alas, in this out-of-the- way place, with only a 4-inch objective and no library of reference to assist me, it is quite impossible for me to follow the example of my forefather, and name every individual that comes under my observa- tion. Before, however, giving a list of those I have succeeded in identifying, I should like to remark that never during the twelve years that I have resided in these parts have I come across a living AZe/2- certa, though I have found their cases without number. Why is this ? I have searched for them at all times and seasons. Secondly, although most of the objects now to be enumerated are distributed pretty plentifully throughout the district, yet certain of them seem confined to special habitats. My list is as follows :— Confervoidex.— Batrachospermum (Haywood and Wrancar Drain), Botrydina vulgaris, Coccochloris brebissonii, Spirulina jennert, Sptro- gyra, Ulva bullosa, Volvox globator (abundant, Thorpe Brickyard Pond, disused). Desmidiacess.—Cosmarium margaritiferum (Askern Pool and effluent drain), Clostertum (Haywood and Wrancar Drain), Pediastrum boryanum (Thorpe Brickyard Pond, disused). Diato- macese.— Cocconets pediculus, Cocconema lanceolatum, Diadesmis confer- vacee, Diatoma vulgare (these three in Askern Pool and effluent drain), Fragilaria capucina, Gomphonema acuminatum, Meridion circulare, LNitzcchia stgmoidea (these four in Haywood and Wrancar Drain, last also in Askern Pool and effluent drain), Sphznctocystis solea, Gyrosigma lacustre, Stauronets phoenicenteron, Synedra splendens (these two in Askern Pool and effluent drain). Entomostraca.—Canthocamptus minutus (Thorpe Brickyard Pond, disused), Cyclops guadricornis (Haywood and Wrancar Drain), Daphnia. Infusoria.—Acinera acuta, Actino- phrys sol (Askern Pool and effluent drain), Amba diffiuens (Haywood and Wrancar Drain), Amphileptus fasciola, Arcella vulgaris, Aspidisca lynceus (Askern Pool and effluent drain), Chetonotus larus, Dileptus jolium (these two in Haywood and Wrancar Drain), Coleps hirtus (Askern Pool and effluent drain), Diffulgta proteiformis, Epistylis anastatica, Euglena pyrum and £. viridis, Himantophorus charon (Thorpe Brickyard Pond, disused), Lcthydium podura, Kerona mytilus (Askern Pool and effluent drain), Loxodes bursaria, Stentor miilleri (Shirley Pool), Peredinium cinctum, Phialina viridis, Stylonichia histrio (these two in Askern Pool and effluent drain), Zvachelocerca olor (Thorpe Naturalist, NOTES—PALZONTOLOGY. 71 Brickyard Pond, disused), Uvostyla grandis, Uvella virescens, Vorticella nebulifera (these three in Askern Pool and effluent drain), Vaginzcola crystallina. Polypi and Polyzoa.—Aydra viridis and H. vulgaris, Plumatella repens (pond in four-acre glebe field belonging to Rev. F. W. Peel, between Owston and Burghwallis). Rotatoria.— Brachz- onus amphiceros, Floscularia ornata, Lepidella emarginata, Lindia torulosa (these two in a pool belonging to Mr. Townsend, of the South Parade Baths, Askern), JZegalotrocha flavicans, Melicerta ringens (cases only, Thorpe Brickyard Pond, in abundance), Wonocerca vattus, Pterodina patina (Shirley Pool), Phzlodina erythrophthalma, Rotifer vulgaris (Askern Pool and effluent drain), Stephanoceros eicthorniz (once only, Thorpe Brickyard Pond, disused). NOTES—PALA ONTOLOGY. Post-tertiary deposits at Boston.—[The Rev. E. Maule Cole, President of the Geological Section of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, has received the following communication from Mr. W. H. Wheeler, C.E., who is superintending the excavations being made at Boston, Lincolnshire, for the new dock and outfall of the river. | ‘Below a surface deposit of alluvium we came upon beds of peat and sand containing remains of large trees and a great deal of birch bark, the silvery appearance of which was as bright as if it had recently been cut down. Some of the oak when first taken out was so soft that an impression could be made on it with the fingers. On exposure it hardened and in time became as hard as ebony, and if turned in the lathe took a beautiful polish. Below the peat was a thick layer of boulder clay, largely interspersed with chalk, which gave it a grey appear- ance. Below this was a deposit of boulder clay of a lead colour, or nearly black. In this were a great number of septaria. This lower layer was evidently of entirely different formation from the former. Both contained large numbers of ice-scratched boulders of various rocks. I collected between thirty and forty specimens of different rocks. Mixed about in the upper layer of Boulder Clay were pockets of gravel and sand. The sand varied in colour from almost white to red. —W. H. WHEELER, Boston, December 1886. Discovery of a Fossil Tree at Ilkley.—tThe specimen was first reported by Mr. Pease, a visitor at Ben Rhydding, and as a record of the same was desirable, I and my friends (Messrs. Brownridge, F.G.S., and Hoffman Wood, F.G.S.) have visited the locality for that purpose. It is in a quarry just under the bold escarpment which overhangs the valley, and close to the celebrated “Cow and Calf’ rocks. The stone is of the ‘Third Grits’ in the Millstone Grit series, known also as the Addingham Edge Rock. This rock is evenly bedded, tabular, and of considerable thickness, and in one of the vertical faces of the rock just uncovered there lies horizontally the straight cylindrical stem of a small fossil tree. The length at present exposed is 9 ft. 2. in., with a diameter of 12 in. at one end and 9g in. at the other. Both ends are buried in the solid rock. When first revealed it was covered with a black carbonaceous bark, but relic hunters possessing more idle curiosity than love for science have removed it very com- pletely. Now that the bark has been removed, there can be seen small ridges on the surface running round the tree, at distances from each other varying from 1¥4 in. to 3'in., and also at the thinner end can be faintly discerned small hollows as 1f caused by excrescences upon the bark, these are irregular in position. To determine the species of this fossil it would be necessary to have transverse, radial, and longitudinal sections of it, and these cannot be obtained from its imperfect state; moreover, specimens from the Millstone Grit do not generally retain much of their structure. However, it is probable that it is a small drifted specimen of those fossil conifers known as Dadoxylon.—S. A. ADAMSON, November 1ith, 1886. March 1887. 72 SOME FOOTPRINTS IN THE SNOW. JOHN CORDEAUX, M.B.O.U., Great Cotes, Ulceby, Lincolishire. INTERESTING facts may be acquired with reference to the numbers and local distribution of the terrestrial mammalia frequenting any district by taking notice of their footprints in the snow. Once in the late storm, early in January, fresh snow fell sufficient during the afternoon and evening to obliterate all previous traces of beast and bird, and on the next morning, during a walk of some hours’ duration, I was careful in taking notes on the many fresh tracks of wild creatures, traced in lines of greater or less distinctness, on the smooth and level tablet. The prints of the Long-tailed Field-mouse (AZus sylvaticus) were very numerous, more particularly about the banks of old hedges. Their small rabbit-like trails crossed and re-crossed the footpaths, and the many bare spots littered with bits of root or grass indicated pretty plainly where they had scratched down in search of food. i i t vnrutle | BY “att, A >. 1 Al allt ., “omutlth. “A fm MONTHLY JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND. EDITED: BY Wie DENISON” ROEBUCK: (F.LS., Peo, MAGI E CLA RRe F-L:S ae MEMBER OF THE eae UNION. Sea Contents: : PAGE Lepidopterous Fauna of Lancashire and Cheshire—Johx W. Elvis, L.R.C.P., &¢. 97 to 115 A Naturalist’s Ramble on the Farne Isiands—7. H. Nelson, AI.B.0.U. as I16 to 128 Notes and News .. si as a X- rs Pe i a en Be me 115 LONDON: LOVELL REEVE & Co., 5, HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN, E.C. M°*CoRQUODALE & Co. LIMITED, CARDINGYTON STREET, EUSTON ; AND : Leeps: BasiInGHALL STREET. All Communications should be Addressed :— The Editors of ‘The Naturalist,’ Park Row, Leeds. RICE SIXPENCE (by Post, Sevenpence). 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Covers extra. Subseription 5/- per annum, post free. Single numbers, 7d. each, post free. BOOKS RECEIVED, The Coleoptera of the British Islands.—By Rev. W. W. Fowler. M.A., F.L.5.— Vol. i, Adephaga-Hydrophilidez, 1887. [Lovell Reeve & Co., publishers. Revue Bryologique.—14° Année, 1887, No. 2. [Mons. T. Husnot, Redacteur. The Midland Naturalist, No. 111, for March 1887. [The Editors, Birmingham. The Young Naturalist, Part Ixxxvul, for March 1887. [Mr. J. E. Robson, Editor. Science Gossip, No. 267, for March 1887. [Messrs. Chatto & Windus, Publishers. Natural History Journal, March 1887. [Mr. J. Edmund Clark, Editor. The Naturalists’ World, vol. 4, No. 39, for March 1887. [Mr. Percy Lund, Editor. Natural History Transactions of Northumberland, Durham, and Newcastle-on- Tyne.—Vol. viii, part 2, 1886. [The Tyneside Field Club. Scientific News for General Readers.—Vol. i, No. 1, March 1887. [The Publishers. R. Spruce on Lejeunia holtii, a new hepatic from Killarney.—8vo reprint, 18 pp. and plate. [The Author. Entomological Society.—Proceedings for 1885 and 1886. [Me G.2. -Porntt: Manchester Geological Society.—-Transactions. vol. xviii, parts I to 20; and vol. xix, parts I to 4, 8vo, 1884-1887. [The Society. Hertfordshire Natural History Society.—Transactions, vol. iv, part 4 (January 1887). [The Society. Essex Field Club.—Transactions, vol. iv, part 2, December 1886. [The Club. The Essex Naturalist.—January, February, March 1887. [Essex Field Club. The Wesley Naturalist, No. 1, March 1887. [ Wesley Scientific Society. Grevillea.—No. 75, March 1887. [Dr. M. C. Cooke, Editor. Leeds Geological Association.—Transactions, part 2, for 1885-86.[The Association. S. A. Adamson on Recent Discoveries of Carboniferous Vegetation in Yorkshire. —8vo. reprint, 1887, 8 pp. [The Author. Psyche, a Journal of Entomology.—Vol. iv, Nos. 135-137, July-September 1885. Bi [Cambridge Entom. Club, U.S. Book Chat, vol. ii, Nos. 1 and 2, January and February 1887. [The Publishers. The Economic Naturalist, vol. i, No. 3. [Mr. S. L. Mosley, Editor. Notarisia, Commentarium Phycologicum.—Anno u, No. 5, Gennaio 1887. [G. B. de Toni e David Levi, Redattori. The Zoologist.— Nos. 121 to 123, Jan., Feb., March 1887.[ Mr. J. E. Harting, Editor. NIGHTINGALE IN YORKSHIRE. Mr. Wm. Eagle Clarke, 18, Claremount Road, Headingley, is completing his account of the Nightingale as a Yorkshire Bird, for immediate publication, and will be glad to receive full particulars of its distribution and abundance, and the regularity of its appearance in all parts of the county. Solitary instances of occurrence are desired. Improved Egg Drills (2 sizes) and Metal Blowpipe with instructions 1/3 free. ‘ Hints on Egg Collecting and Nesting,’ illustrated, 34d. free. Birds’ Skins, Eggs (side-blown and in clutches with date), Lepidoptera, Ova, Larvze, and Pupz, Artificial Eyes, and all kinds of Naturalists’ Requisites. Lists, one stamp. All specimens, &c., sent out ‘on approval.’ J. & W. DAVIS (Naturalists), DARTFORD, Kent. The cheapest dealer in Birds, Skins, Eggs, Butterflies, Moths, Foreign Shells etc., is John Eggleston, Park Place, Sunderland. Lists free. J. W. ELLIS: LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE GEOMETRID#. 97 Macaria liturata, L. Generally distributed, but not common. Lane.—Chat Moss (J.C., W.J.); Dutton, near Ribchester (J.B.H., Ent., xiii, 105) ; Hale and Lydiate (C.S.G.) ; Longridge (J.B.H.); Silverdale (J.C.M.). Ches.—Alderley, Rudd Heath, and Delamere (J.C.) ; Bidston EMiengWoje) Welamere . Forest. (C.5.G.,.J.C.M.,.. F:N.P.) ; Prenton, scarce, and Haddon Wood (A.O.W.); Parkgate in 1973 (W:G.). URAPTERYX, Leach. Urapteryx sambucaria, L. Generally common throughout Cheshire and South Lancashire, becoming scarcer northwards. RUMIA, Dup. Rumia luteolata, L.=crategata, L. Abundant everywhere. ASPILA TES. Er: (Aspilates ochrearia, Rossi=citraria, Hitibn. Though recorded as having been captured in Delamere Forest by Mr. Leather (A.O.W.), this locality requires further confirmation.) Aspilates strigillaria, Hibn. Common on the mosses. Lane.—Chat Moss (J.C., J.C.M., W.J., and R. S. Edleston, Zool. 1845, 1220); moss near Grange (J.C.M.); Pilling Moss (J.B.H.) ; Risley Moss (J.C.). Ches.—Carrington Moss, Rudd Heath, and Staley-brushes ee.) ~ Delamere (j.C:,,F.N:P-). SCODIONA, Boisd. Scodiona belgiaria, Hiibn. Heaths and mosses. Lane.—Chat Moss (J.C., W.J., J.C.M.); Pilling Moss and Longridge Fells (J.B.H.); Simmonswood Moss (C.S.G.). Ches.— Bidston Hill, scarce (W.J., A.O.W.); Carrington Moss (J.C., J.C.M.); Delamere Forest, scarce (Geo. A. Harker, NOE); Lindow Common, local (J.C.,,H.H-C.); Storeton, near Birkenhead (C.S.G.). PHASIANE, Dup. Phasiane petraria, Hibn. Somewhat local, though common where it does occur. Lane.—Recorded only from Silverdale (J.C.M.) and Chat Moss (J.C.). Ches.—Barnston Heath (W.G.); Bidston Hill (W.G., W.]J., A.O.W.) ; Delamere, abundant (G. A. Harker, F.N.P.); Dunham Park, Lindow Common, and Rudd Heath (J.C.); Eastham Mend (CS: G., FON.P.,A.O.W... J. W.E.). ; April 1887. H 98 J. W. ELLIS: LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE GEOMETRID#. NUMERIA, Dup. Numeria pulveraria, L. Local. Lanc.—Brockholes Wood, near Preston (J.B.H.); Hoghton Tower, near Blackburn (J.C.); Silverdale (J.C.M.). Ches.— Bowdon, rare (J.C.) ; Delamere (S.J.C.) ; Claughton, Tranmere, Rock Ferry, Eastham Wood, Ness, and Newton Lane, Chester (A.O.W.); Prenton, Oxton, and Storeton (C.S.G.). CABERA, Tr. Cabera pusaria, L. Common and generally distributed. Var. rotundaria, Haw., recorded from Dutton, near Rib- chester (J.B.H. é 4¢t. and Ent. xill, 242). Cabera exanthemata, Scop. Common and generally distributed. BAPTA, Steph. Bapta temerata, W.V. Local. Lanc.— Botany-bay Wood, near Worsley (J.C.); Hale (C:S:G:) 5, Grange, Preston, rete, (J.B. F1.). Ches.—Chester, captured by Miss Smith (A.O.W.); Delamere Forest, common near the Blue-cap Inn (J.C.M.); Eastham Wood (C.S.G., A.O.W.). Bapta bimaculata, Fab. =taminata, W.V. The only locality from which it has been recorded is Grange (J.B.H. zz “?¢t. and E.M.M., xvii, 70). ZERENE, Tr. Zerene adustata, W.V. ‘The only localities I have for this species are both in Lancashire, viz., Grange (J.B.H.) and Silverdale (ECGM,): ABRAXAS, Leach. Abraxas sylvata, Scop.=ulmata, Fab. Rather local, but usually abundant where it does occur. Lane.—Bolton (W.J.); Little Crosby, formerly abundant (G. A. Harker) ; Croxteth (C.S.G.) ; Ince-Blundell Woods, very abundant (J.W.E., F.N.P.); Manchester district, but local (J.C.) ; Preston, Hoghton, and Windermere—a leaden-coloured variety occurs near Withnell (J.B.H.) ; Silverdale (J.C.M.). Ches.—Generally distributed through Cheshire (A.O.W.) ; Sutton, common in Elm woods, and Storeton, occasionally (W.G.). 7 Abraxas grossulariata, L. Abundant everywhere. For interesting varieties, ranging from almost white to nearly black, of this protean species, no collection surpasses that of -Mr. C. S. Naturalist, J. W. ELLIS: LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE GEOMETRIDA. 99 Gregson, whose specimens are chiefly the selection of many years’ continual breeding of large numbers of this insect. Some of these specimens are figured in ‘ Mosley’s Illustrations of Varieties of Lepidoptera,’ while the figures of aberrations of this species in ‘ Newman’s British Moths’ are from the same source. Abraxas (Lomaspilis) marginata, L. Common and generally | distributed through both counties. HIBERNIA, Latr. Hibernia defoliaria, L. Local, but usually abundant where it occurs. Lane.— Crosby, scarce (G. A. Harker); Prestwich (J.C.) ; Ereston’ (J. B.H..). Ches.—Alderley district (H.H.C.); Bidston, Eastham, Upton, Birkenhead, Ledsham (A.O.W.); Delamere, Dunham Park, and Tatton Park (J.C.); Eastham Wood, abundant (J.W.E., F.N.P.); Wallasey and Bowdon (J.C.M.). Hibernia aurantiaria, Esp. Rather local. Lane.—Aigburth and West Derby (C.S.G.); Preston (J.B.H.); Prestwich (J.C.). Ches.—Delamere and Tatton Park (J.C.); Denhall and Puddington, scarce (A.O.W.); Dunham Park (J.C., J.C.M.) ; Bowdon (J.C.M.). Hibernia progemmaria, Hiibn. Abundant everywhere. In Mr. Joseph Chappell’s collection is a very singular monstrosity of this species. The specimen is gynandromorphous, having wings on the right side and being apterous on the left, but the singularity of the specimen is that the left antenna is pectinated (indicating the male sex), while the right is filiform. The specimen was captured at Staley-brushes. Hibernia leucophearia, W.V. Generally distributed wherever oak abounds. Lanc.—Preston (J.B.H.); Prestwich (J.C.). Ches.—Alderley and Bramall (H.H.C.); Eastham Wood, very common (C.S.G., W.G., J.W.E., F.N.P.); Dunham Park and Tatton Park, common (J.C.); Prenton, Patrick Wood near Bromborough, Ness, Puddington, and Delamere (O.A.W.). Hibernia rupicapraria, W.V. Local. Lan.—Crosby, scarce (F.N.P.) ; Preston (J.B.H.) ; Stretford, near Manchester (J.C.). Ches.— Bowdon (J.C.); Bromborough (G. A. Harker, J.W.E.) ; Chester and Delamere (A.O.W.); Eastham (F.N.P., W.G., NEWeE:). April 1887. 100 J. W. ELLIS: LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE GEOMETRID. SELIDOSEMA, Hibn. Selidosema plumaria, W.V. Recorded only from a very few localities, and those only in Lancashire, viz., Pilling Moss, not rare (J.B.H.); near Preston (J.B.H. in Zool. 1845, 1085) ; Rainford Moss, and upon a small moss near Eccleston (C.S.G.). THAMNONOMA, Led. Thamnonoma Wavaria, L. Abundant wherever currants are grown. FIDONIA, ‘Tr. Fidonia piniaria, L. Common in fir-woods throughout both counties. Fidonia atomaria, L. Abundant on all the heaths and mosses. Fidonia clathrata, L. Very local. Lane.—On the sides of railway-banks near Carnforth, not uncommon (J.B.H.). Ches.— Delamere and Puddington (A.O.W.). GNOPHOS, Tr. Gnophos obscurata, W.V. Local on heaths. Lane.—Banks of the Wyre, near Fleetwood (J.B.H.). Ches.— Bidston (W.G., W.J., J.C.M., A.O.W., J.W.E.); Burton, Wallasey, and Tranmere (A.O.W.); Heswall and Storeton (W.G.);near Prenton (C.S.G.) ; Wallasey (W.J., F.N.P.). HEMEROPHILA, Steph. Hemerophila abruptaria, Thunb. Not common. Lane.—Hale, and occasionally in other parts of the Liverpool district (C.S.G.). Ches.— Alderley district, very rare (H.H.C.) ; Chester, Upton, Tranmere, Rock Ferry, Ness (A.O.W.). BOARMIA, Tr. Boarmia liehenaria, Hiibn. Very local, occurring usually in the neighbourhood of old orchards. Lanc.—Preston, rare (J.B.H.). Ches.—Prenton, Hooton, Frankby, Spital (C.S.G.); Frankby and Prenton (A.O.W.). Boarmia repandata, L. Common and generally distributed. In the Entomologist, v, 73, Mr. Gregson writes: ‘Around Lytham the specimens have always a yellowish suffused appearance, markings not defined. In South Lancashire and Cheshire they appear as a family of sweeps—rich, dark, smoky, suffused speci- mens, having the zigzag posterior marginal line distinctly defined.’ Naturalist, J. W. ELLIS: LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE GEOMETRID#. IOL Boarmia rhomboidaria, W.V. Common and generally distri- buted. Boarmia roboraria, W.V. Very scarce, being recorded only from Dunham ‘Park: (J.C., J.B.H.): Boarmia biundularia, Borkh. =laricaria, Doubl. Local. Lane.— Preston, Longridge, etc. (J.B.H.); Prestwich and -- Worsley (J.C.). Ches.—Petty Pool Wood, Delamere Forest (S.J.C., F.N.P.). Boarmia crepuscularia, W.V. Local. Lane.—Botany-bay Wood, Worsley (J.C.); Hale (C.S.G.); Longridge (J.B.H.). Ches.—Alderley, occasionally (H.H.C.); Hooton (C.S.G.) ; Rudd Heath (J.C.). Boarmia consonaria, Hibn. One locality recorded in each county, viz., Newby Bridge, near Windermere (J.B.H.), and Upton, near Birkenhead, a single specimen only (C.S.G.). Boarmia extersaria, Hiibn. Mr. Hodgkinson records the capture of a single specimen at Newby Bridge, at the foot of Windermere. Boarmia punctularia, Hubn. Local, and nowhere common. Lane.—Chat Moss, Hoghton Tower (J.C.); Croxteth and Knowsley (C.S.G.); Preston (J.B.H.); Silverdale (J.C.M.). Ches.—Bramall (H.H.C.); Delamere (S.J.C.); East Cheshire, on the authority of N. Greening (A.O.W.). BISTON, Leach. Biston strataria, Hufn. = prodromaria (W.V.). Generally distributed through both counties, but nowhere common. Lane.—Preston, rare (J.B.H.). Ches.—Alderley, rare (H.H.C.) ; Bidston (C.S.G.); Bowdon and Dunham Park (J.C.M.) ; Dunham Park and Tatton Park (J.C.); Delamere (J.C., C.S.G., Ent., vi, 452) ; Eastham Wood, occasionally (W.G., W.J., A.O.W., T. Galliers, Ent. Weekly Intell, 1866, 1, 19). Biston pilosaria, W.V. Common and generally distributed. Biston hispidaria, W.V. Recorded only from Dunham Park, Cheshire ().C., |:B.He, R./S. Edleston; Zool.) 1,176), ‘Biston zonaria, W.V. Coast sand-hills of Cheshire and Lancashire, probably introduced into the latter county. This species was discovered by the late Mr. Nicholas Cooke in 1833 (although his brother, Mr. Benjamin Cooke, had found a pupa in 1832) on the New Brighton sand-hills. | April 1887. Io2 Jj. W. ELLIS: LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE GEOMETRID-. AMPHIDASIS, Tr. Amphidasis betularia, L. Generally distributed and fairly common in Cheshire and South Lancashire, especially on the moss lands, but becoming scarcer northwards. The black variety (Doubledayaria, Mill.), is the prevailing form. PSEUDOTERPNA, Hiibn. Pseudoterpna pruinata, Hufn. = cytisaria, W.V. Local, the localities recorded being, with two exceptions, in Cheshire. Lane.— Morecambe and Silverdale, not common (J.B.H.). Ches.—Bidston (F.N.P.,. W.J:, C.S:G., “ALO a Wek,):- Claughton Fir-wood, Haddon Wood, Ness (A.O.W.) ; Tatton Park and Delamere Forest (J.C.). GEOMETRA, L. Geometra papilionaria, L. Generally distributed, but apparently nowhere very common. Lane.—Chat Moss (J.C., W.J.) ; Didsbury (J.C.M.) ; Dutton, Preston, etc., not common (J.B.H.) ; Woolton (C.S.G.). Ches.—Alderley and Cheadle Hulme (H.H.C.); Bidston Hill’(C.S.G., A. OW); Delamere forest (S: |:C7, 1-2) sO unham Park and Knutsford, rare (J.C.) ; Eastham Wood, occasionally (W.J.) 5° Hartford (F-N’P:); Rock. ‘Ferry, “edsham;, Ince (A.O.W.). NEMORIA, Hiibn. Nemoria strigata, Mill.=thymiaria Guen. Very local, and not common where it does occur. Lane.—Aigburth (W.J.); Fleetwood and near Lytham (J.B.H.). Ches.—Bidston (F.N.P.); Chester, and in Wirral occa- sionally (A.O.W.); Parkgate (W.G.); Wallasey (J.C.M.). Nemoria lactearia, L. Common, and generally distributed. ACIDALIA, Tr. Acidalia subsericeata, Haw. Rather local. Lane.—Barlow Moor and Withington, not common (J.C.) ; lanes round Manchester formerly (J.B.H.); Humphrey Head, near Grange (J.B.H.). Ches.— Bidston (C.S.G., A.O.W.); pasture lands near Leasowe sand-hills (C.S.G.) ; Wallasey (W.G., J.C.M.). Acidalia holosericeata, Dup. The only recorded locality for this species is ‘below Bidston Plantation, looking towards Moreton, in plantations where the ground is swampy’ (C.S.G.). Naturalist, J. W. ELLIS: LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE GEOMETRID. 103. Acidalia circellata, Guen. Very scarce. Lane.—Chat Moss, rare (J.C., J.B.H.), probably extinct, the wood where it occurred having been destroyed by fire. Ches.—Bowdon; specimens collected here by Mr. R. S. Edleston are in the collection of Mr. J. Cosmo Melvill. Acidalia humiliata, Hufn. = osseata, W.V. Local. Lanc.—Barlow Moor, common (J.C.); banks of the Wyre, not rare (J.B.H..). Ches.—Hedges near Leasowe sandhills (C.S.G.) ; Wallasey (Wok J-C.M.). Acidalia dimidiata, Hufn. = scutulata, (W.V.). Common, and generally distributed. Acidalia trigeminata, Haw. Recorded only from Barlow Moor and Irlam, but not occurring there commonly (J.C.). Acidalia bisetata, Hufn. Common and generally distributed. Acidalia inornata, Haw. Scarce. : Lane.—Bolton (W.J.); Chat Moss (R. S. Edleston, Zool., 1845, 1220); Preston (J.B.H.). Ches.—Staley-brushes, rare (J.C., J.B.H.). Acidalia aversata, L. Abundant everywhere. Acidalia muricata, Hufn. = (Hyria) auroraria, Borkh. Very local, and only on the mosses. Lane.—Chat Moss (W.J., J.C., J.C.M.); Heysham Moss and Pilling Moss (J.B.H.); Risley and Rixton Mosses Che.) Ches.—Carrington Moss and Lindow Common (J.C.M.). Acidalia emarginata, L. Very local, being recorded only from Barlow Moor and Irlam (J.C.) and Bidston (W.J.). Acidalia rubiginata, Hufn. = rubricata W.V. ‘Taken by the late Mr. Joseph Sidebotham at Ashton-on-Mersey (J.C.). Acidalia marginepunctata, Goeze=promutata, Guen. Recorded only from Silverdale (J.B.H.). Acidalia incanata, L. Local. Lane.—Grange (S.J.C.); Lytham and Preston (J.B.H.) ; Liverpool district, occasionally (C.S.G.) ; Prestwich (J.C.M.). Ches.— Bidston Hill (A.O.W.); Meols (J.W.E.) ; Tranmere (W.G.) ; Wallasey (J.C.M.). Acidalia fumata, Steph. Plentiful on all the moss-lands. Acidalia remutata, Hiibn. Generally distributed and fairly common. Acidalia imitaria, Hiibn. Generally distributed and fairly com- mon. Acidalia ornata, Scop. Recorded as rare on Chat Moss (J.C.). April 1887. 104 J. W. ELLIS: LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE GEOMETRID, TIMANDRA, Dup. Timandra amataria, L. Uncommon, and recorded only from localities in Cheshire, viz.:—Backford (W.G.); Ness, Pudding- ton, Chester, Ince (A.O.W.); lane leading from Liscard to Wallasey Church (J.W.E.). ZONOSOMA, Led. Zonosoma (Ephyra) porata, Fab. Delamere Forest, rare (J.C.) is the only locality of which I have information. Zonosoma punctaria, L. Very local. Lane.— Hale (C.S.G.). Ches.— Bidston and Eastham (C.S.G.); Eastham Wood (A.O.W.); Dunham Park and Delamere, common (J.C.). Zonosoma trilinearia, Borkh. Scarce, the localities recorded being the Silverdale and Middlebarrow woods (J.C.M.) in Lancashire, and Dunham and Tatton Parks (J.C.) in Cheshire. Fam. PHYTOMETRIDA. ANISOPTERYX, Steph. Anisopteryx escularia, W.V. Rather local. Lane.—Aigburth (W.J., J. W.E.); Manchester district, common (j: GC.) >. Preston ((j2B: H.): Ches—Dunham Park and Bowdon (J.C.M.); Chester (A.O.W.); Delamere -Forest (F.N.P.,- A.O.W.); Eastham Wood (W.G., F.N.P., J.W.E.). ODEZIA, Boisd. Odezia atrata, L.=cherophyllata, L. Local, but common where it does occur. Lane.—Bolton (W.J.); Pendleton (J.C.); Prestwich hills (J.C.M.) ; Withnell (J.B.H.). | Ches.—Bramall and Knutsford (J.C.). STERRHA, Herr.-Schaff. Sterrha sacraria, L. Of very occasional occurrence, localities recorded being :— Lane.— A specimen captured by Mr. S. J. Capper near his residence, Huyton Park, near Liverpool, in August 1867 (Ent., ill, 347). Four specimens taken in the Liverpool district by a local collector (C.S.G., Ent., 111, 347). Some of these are probably the Cheshire specimens taken by Mr. E. L. Ragonot (see next page). One captured in the Freemasons’ Hall, Manchester, Sep- tember 5th, 1872 (J. T. Carrington, E. M. M., ix, 139). Naturalist, | J. W. ELLIS: LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE GEOMETRID#. To5 Ches.—Ness (A.O.W.). One on August 16th, at Wallasey, and one on August 21st, 1867, at Poulton, captured on ragwort flowers, —another speci- men at the latter locality being lost (E. L. Ragonot, E. M. M., iv, E23 ): 3 One at Wallasey (C.S.G., E. M. M., v, 129). ANAITIS, Boisd. Anaitis plagiata, L. Local, and not common. Lane.—Bolton (W.J.); Bury (J.C.); Chat Moss (J.C.M.) ; Childwall (C.5.G.) ; Longridge (J.B.H.). Ches.— Bowdon, Knutsford, Delamere, Marple, not common (J.C.). Anaitis paludata, Thumb. = Carsia imbutata, Hubn. Common on the moors and mosses. CEE STAS. air Chesias spartiata, Fuessl. Local, and not common. 7 Lane.—Bury and Staleybridge (J.C.); Crosby, one specimen at light (F.N.P.) ; Preston (J.B.H.). Ches.—Alderley district (H.H.C.); Delamere (A.O.W.) ; Bromborough and Hooton (C.S.G.). (Chesias oblata, Fab. =obliquaria, W.V. The record of its occur- rence in Delamere Forest by Mr. A. O. Walker requires to be verified. ) ne LOBOPHORA, Curt. Lobophora polycommata, W. V. Recorded only from Grange (J. B-H:). Lobophora viretata, Hiibn. Very scarce, being recorded only from Grange (J.B.H.) and from Sandal Heath and Goss Moss, near muiderley.(14..E1.C.). Lobophora carpinata, Borkh. =lobulata, Hiibn. Local. Lane.—Botany-bay Wood near Worsley, and Atherton, rare (J.C.) ; ‘not uncommon in the woods round Kirkby and Sim- monswood’ (C.S.G.). Ches.—Delamere Forest (S.J.C., J.B.H., F.N.P., and C.S.G., Ent., vi, 452). Lobophora halterata, Hufn. = hexapterata, W.V. Recorded by | Mr. Alfred O. Walker, probably on the authority of Mr. Brock- holes, from Puddington and Ness. Lobophora sexalisata, Hiibn. The only instance I have of the occurrence of this species in either county is the record of the capture of a specimen in Croxteth Woods by Mr. Gregson. April 1887. 106 Jj. W. ELLIS: LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE GEOMETRID. ORTHOLITHA, Hiibn. - Ortholitha (Eubolia) palumbaria, W.V. Abundant on heaths and mosses throughout both counties. Ortholitha limitata, Scop. = mensuraria, W.V. Common and generally distributed. Ortholitha cervinata, W.V. Scarce. Lanc.— Preston, rare (J.B.H.). Ches.—Bidston (C.S.G.) ; formerly not uncommon in Clifton Park, Birkenhead (A.O.W.); Hoylake (W.].). Ortholitha bipunctaria, W.V. Mr. Gregson‘records the occurrence of this species at Hoylake, at the mouth of the Dee, in July 1845. Ortholitha badiata, W.V. Generally distributed, and fairly common. Ortholitha comitata, L. Local. Lane.—Crosby (G. A. Harker); Pendleton and Irlam (J.C.) ; Preston (J.B.H.); Southport (W.]J.). Ches.—Alderley district (H.H.C.); Bowdon (J.C.); Egremont and Rock Ferry (C.S.G.); near Wallasey Church (J.W.E.) ; Wallasey, Denhall, and Chester (A.O.W.). MESOTYPE, Hiibn. Mesotype virgata, Hiibn. = Eubolia lineolata, W.V. Common on the Lancashire and Cheshire sand-hills wherever the yellow bed- straw (Galium verum) is plentiful. PHIBALAPTERYX, Steph. Phibalapteryx fluviata, Hiubn.=gemmaria, Hiibn. Scarce. Lane.—One specimen captured on the Birkdale sand-hills, August) 24th, 1878-().CMe mo Dent. Ent) xie262) ale (S.J.C:) ;” Manchester, district, rare (J. C.) ;co< We regret to hear of the death of Mr. Joseph Jackson, of Settle, which took place suddenly on the 9th December last. Mr. Jackson was the discoverer of the famous ‘ Victoria Cave,’ so named because the discovery took place in the year of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne. pore We have received the second part (lately published) of the Transactions of the Leeds Geological Association, edited by our friend Mr. S. A. Adamson, F.G.S., the honorary secretary to the Society, to whom it owes in great measure the prosperity it has enjoyed during the past few years. ——— — >ooet - ————_ We are pleased to hear of the establishment under favourable auspices of a new society at Skipton-in-Craven, under the title of ‘ The Craven Naturalists’ and Scientific Association.” The subscription is to be 2s. 6d. for ordinary and Ios. 6d. for honorary members, and Mr. C. C. Smith was appointed secretary. The appointment of other officers was deferred to a meeting on the 28th March. ——_ »>o0o<—_ ——- One who has never tasted Clztopilus prunulus does not know what a delicious morsel is ; so our mycologists say. Poo The ‘Globe’ was some time ago responsible for the following brilliant example of newspaper science :— ‘WHAT Is Ir ?—Ornithologists will hasten to Lincolnshire to obtain a view of the remarkable bird which a shepherd in that county has just captured. None of the local authorities can tell its name. It is about the size of a turkey, but is not a turkey, inasmuch as it can swim. For the same reason it can hardly be, as some of the Lincolnshire folk are said to imagine, a vulture. Anyhow it is a rara avis, though not in the least like a black swan.’ April 1887. 116 A NATURALIST’S RAMBLE ON THE FARNE ISLANDS. T. H. NELSON, M.B.0.U., Bishop Auckland and Redcar. HaAvING made arrangements with some friends for a visit to the Farne Islands, we accordingly met at the Central Station, Newcastle, one fine morning early in June, and, after a pleasant journey of about an hour and a half, arrived at Belford, where a conveyance in waiting carried us to Bamburgh, five miles distant. We had secured quarters at the ‘Crewe Arms,’ a most comfortable hotel, where, I may here say, we received every attention during our stay from Miss Arthur, the amiable hostess. In the evening, Cuthbertson, the boatman from North Sunderland, came along to receive instructions for taking us out to the islands on the morrow, and having satis- factorily settled that business, we took a stroll through the village to have a look at the Castle and the surrounding neighbourhood. Bamburgh is a beautifully-situated little place, built in the form of a triangle, with a grove of trees in the centre, and the church, in the grave-yard of which is the tomb of Grace Darling, at the corner of the Belford Road. At the top of the village is the ancient manor- house, familiar to readers of ‘ Dorothy Forster,’ whilst one can almost imagine that the opening scene of the story is laid in the kitchen of the ‘Crewe Arms.’ The grand old Castle, Ida’s Keep—in former ages a fortress of might, now a house of charity—towering aloft on a high basaltic rock, stands between the village and the sea, like a huge lion keeping guard over the inhabitants of the hamlet. We walked up the carriage drive on the south-east of the Castle, where there is a magnificent view of the coast fringed with yellow sands ; Holy Island, with the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory looming in the distance to the northward, and the Farnes lying out seaward to the north-east. The latter consist of a group of low basaltic islets, some dozen or fifteen in number, extending over an area of about three miles by three and a half; some of them are mere isolated rocks, others are partly covered with a coarse herbage, but, excepting the Inner Farne, none of them supply any means of sustenance to the persons connected with the lighthouses or the preservation of the countless thousands of sea-birds which assemble there in the breeding season. ‘The nearest island, the Inner Farne, is two miles from the mainland ; adjoining it are the East and West Wide-opens and the Knoxes; then, crossing a channel a mile and a half wide, where at times the tide runs with fearful rapidity and, meeting the wind, raises a very nasty sea, we come to the Staples with the Pinnacles, Naturalist, T. H. NELSON: A RAMBLE ON THE FARNE ISLANDS. II7 the North and South Wawmses, Big Harcar, Clove Car, and Browns- man. A mile and a half to the south-east of the Staples lies the Crumstone, the breeding resort of numerous Seals; and, at an equal distance to the north-west is the Megstone, a barren rock sacred to the Cormorants. The Outer Farne or Longstone, the most northerly of the group, is five miles from the shore. It was here that the Darling family lived ; and from here the heroine Grace and her father ventured forth across the stormy waters to the rescue of the pas-. sengers and crew of the ill-fated ‘ Forfarshire.’ It is only by visiting the scene of the wreck, and witnessing the angry seas raging round the islands, that one can form any idea of what a truly dangerous adventure old Darling and his daughter embarked upon on that stormy morning in September 1838. Since then the old lighthouse has been pulled down, and on its site is now erected a more modern structure, with all necessary appliances for lighting and warning vessels from these dangerous rocks. The flash of the light on the Outer Farne reminding us that it was time to turn in, we repaired to our quarters at the inn, disturbing swarms of rabbits in crossing the links below the Castle. Next morning we drove along to North Sunderland, three miles to the south-east of Bamburgh, where we found our boatman awaiting us on the quay by the little harbour. North Sunderland is a small fishing village, where, in the herring season, a considerable trade is carried on, the preparations for which we saw were already com- mencing. ‘An ancient and fish-like smell’ pervades the place, not of an agreeable character to nostrils unaccustomed to such odours. One of my companions remarked to the boatman that the stench was very offensive, and was met by the reply—‘ Oh, it’s just a fine healthy smell!’ On that point we agreed to differ; however, we were soon seated in our coble, the ‘ Lindisfarne,’ a large roomy. craft, partly decked for’ard, and, after piloting our way amongst the boats in the harbour, soon found ourselves in the open sea, scudding before a fair wind in the direction of the islands. Our crew con- sisted of three, all told: Cuthbertson; an old salt, whose name I forget ; and William Darling, Grace’s nephew. Very few birds were observed till we passed the Inner Farne, and then a few Guillemots (Lomvia troile) and Puffins (Fractercula arctica) showed themselves, dotted about on the water; opposite the Wide-opens a flock of noisy, screaming Terns (Sterna macrura and 5S. cantiaca) were hovering about like so many large butterflies, busily engaged amongst the herring-soil near the surface ; and on the nearest islands we saw Lesser Blackbacked and Herring Gulls (Zarus Juscus and L. argentatus). As we crossed the channel between the April 1887. 118 T. H. NELSON: A RAMBLE ON THE FARNE ISLANDS. islands and neared the Staples the numbers of the birds increased until we arrived opposite the Pinnacles, when the water seemed to be perfectly alive with Guillemots and Puffins; diving as our boat approached, they reappeared behind us when we had _ passed ; others were flying overhead in all directions, the Puffins looking very comical as they passed close above us. On some of the outlying rocks and on the islands groups of Gulls were sitting, chiefly the Lesser Blackbacks, in mature plumage, although some were in the second and third years’ dress. A few Eiders (Somateria mollissima) were swimming between the islands, but they did not suffer a near approach. Cuthbertson told us that there was a King Eider (S. spec- tabilis) in the neighbourhood ; he had seen it several times during the spring, but we did not catch a sight of this rarity during our visits.* A Manx Shearwater (Puffinus anglorum) flew past us near the Pinnacles, the only one we saw, although we were told they were not uncommon in the autumn. After three-quarters of an hour’s sail we reached the Outer Farne, and landed in a little bay near the lighthouse. ‘This island is a long, low, rugged reef of rocks, destitute of herbage, and swept by every winter storm, a dreary abode for the light-keepers, of whom there are always three stationed here, a fourth being on shore, off duty. After inspecting the lighthouse and the ‘Syren’ fog-horn, we crossed over to the north or seaward side of the island, where, on a bank of shingle, we found a colony of Sandwich and Arctic Terns nesting. There were very few perfect eggs to be seen, owing to a storm a day or two previous, during which the sea had washed over the nesting- ground and broken most of the eggs; I counted at least twenty Sandwich Terns’ eggs destroyed in this manner, and there was further evidence of the violence of the storm to be seen in the timbers of a schooner, wrecked near the Terns’ colony. In addition to the Terns’ nests, one of our party found an Oystercatcher’s (Haematopus ostralegus) nest, with one egg. On leaving the Longstone we directed our course for the middle group of islands, soon landing on the Staples, where, after ascending a gentle slope, we reached the top of the island, almost covered with white campion in full bloom. The soil here is of a spongy, peaty nature, in many places perforated with holes in which the curious little Puffins, with their orange-coloured legs and beaks, were nesting. Being wishful to take a Puffin’s egg, I put my arm down one of the holes, and very soon found the tenant was at home ; fortunately ~“T notice in the Zoologist for February 1886, p. 76, that a male King Eider, in all probability the same bird as mentioned above, was killed at the Farnes in April 1885. Naturalist, T. H. NELSON: A RAMBLE ON THE FARNE ISLANDS. 119 I wore a leather glove, or my hand would have suffered from the sharp ploughshare-like beak of the angry bird. ‘Towards the east side the island rises to a height of about forty feet, and is there bare of soil ; a chasm some twenty feet wide intervenes between the island and four flat-topped rocks, each apparently about twenty to thirty feet square—some one remarked that they looked as though a giant had taken a huge axe and split a slice from the edge of the island, and then divided the detached portion into quarters—the tops of these rocks, the far-famed ‘Pinnacles,’ were literally covered with Guillemots, sitting as close together as they could pack, each bird brooding over its solitary egg. We could detect a few Razor-bills (Alca torda) and Ringed Guillemots amongst the crowds of birds in front of us, while down the sides of the Pinnacles, on every accessible ledge, a graceful little Kittiwake (zssa tridactyla) was sitting on its nest. The Guillemots took little notice of our presence, but bowed and chattered incessantly, keeping up an uninterrupted conversation ‘amongst themselves. Visitors are not allowed to climb the Pinnacles, and this feat can only be accomplished by means of a ladder; but the watcher periodically takes the eggs during certain weeks of the breeding season. The eggs of the Kittiwakes can only be reached by means of a net placed at the end ofa long pole, and, according to what we heard from the watcher, they are not often disturbed. Thinking we could not find a more romantic or suitable spot for luncheon, we had the hamper brought up from the boat, and, seating ourselves on the rocks facing the Pinnacles, proceeded to refresh the inner man. The sight of the birds on the Pinnacles is one well worth the journey to the Farnes to see, and although there are other bird- nurseries where more rock-breeding fowl are to be seen, yet I doubt if, at any place on the English coast, their habits can be studied from a closer point of view than on the Staples. There we were, seated within a few yards of this noisy, moving mass of Guillemots, so near that we could throw a biscuit amongst them, and yet, apparently undisturbed by our presence, they sat contentedly on their eges and pursued their daily avocations as though no one were near. There was a constant stream of arrivals and departures going on, each new comer being greeted with loud croaks, whether of welcome or disapprobation we could not determine. All the time we remained on the Staples swarms of Puffins flew round us in a most eccentric manner, describing large circles ; seemingly never tiring, they pursued each other round and round the south side of the island, apparently enjoying themselves immensely. I presume they meant it for play ; indeed, it reminded me very much of the manner in which Swifts April 1887. I20 T. H. NELSON: A RAMBLE ON THE FARNE ISLANDS. amuse themselves on fine summer evenings in chasing one another round old buildings. One Guillemot we noticed in the water had a very light grey head, and would have been a prize for a collector of varieties. Probably disturbed by the noise of our talking, a pair of Rock Doves (Columba livia) flew out of a cave below the rocks on our right, but, as the place seemed quite inaccessible, we did not attempt to: look for the nest. One of our party, who is an artist, made an excellent water-colour sketch of the Pinnacles, and after luncheon and a pipe of the fragrant weed, we proceeded towards the adjoining island, passing on the way innumerable nests of the Lesser Blackbacked Gulls; these were scattered about in all direc- tions, between the fissures of the rocks and amongst the sea-pinks and other plants which thrive on the higher part of the Staples; nests, indeed, they could scarcely be called, a few pieces of grass or bents, collected together, being all the efforts at architecture the birds had made. The eggs were of various shades of ground-colour, from light green to dark brown, spotted and blotched with brown and black, and varied from one to three in number. The owners of the nests, amongst which we observed a few Herring Gulls, rose at our approach and settled behind us as we advanced, so that we hada flock of birds always before and behind us on the ground, and another wheeling above in the air and greeting us with their hoarse laughing-like cries; the contrast between the black backs, beautiful snow-white breasts, and yellow legs and bills of these birds was very striking, and added a peculiar charm to the scene not soon to be forgotten. The channel between the islands was now dry, and we walked across the rocks, slippery with sea-weed, on to the Brownsman, where, in an old tumble-down cottage, the watcher and his family reside. The Brownsman appears to be a favourite breeding-place for the Eider Ducks ; we found more than a dozen nests with the female birds sitting close, the drakes being out at sea, in small parties of three or four, on the north side of the island. Several of the ducks were remarkably tame, and allowed us to go within a yard or two of their nests before they moved; one bird, sitting near the house, was evidently a favourite with the children, who fed her while we were standing close by. We examined some of the nests and found they were made of rough grass or sea-weed outside, put together in a loose and clumsy manner, and lined with down, plucked from the. birds’ breast. Each nest had its full complement of four olive-green eggs, lying snugly packed amongst the down, which 1s of a dingy brown colour, and not white, as many people imagine; the lining of one nest will fill a man’s hat, and is so elastic that it can easily be compressed Naturalist, T. H. NELSON: A RAMBLE ON THE FARNE. ISLANDS. I2I within the grasp of one hand. When the Eider leaves her nest of her own accord, she conceals the eggs by pulling the down over them, but, as we had disturbed the birds, of course they had not had time to make all secure, and therefore the eggs were fully exposed to view. In the course of our rambles on the Brownsman, a flock of Terns rose from a patch of grass on the south side, where we found a number of nests within a small compass, though very few eggs were to be seen; probably the keeper had been round that morning, for on the other islands we found plenty of Terns’ nests with full clutches of three eggs. Those breeding on the Brownsman were, so far as we could determine, Sterna macrura. A few pairs of Oystercatchers (Hematopus ostralegus) were sitting on some of the outlying rocks, and we heard others whistling in the vicinity, but, although we searched diligently, no eggs were found on this island, and, in all probability, the nests were on some of the smaller islets near the Wawmses. Our next move was to the Wawmses, adjacent to the Brownsman. The soil on these islands is of a similar character to that on the Staples—soft spongy peat, honeycombed everywhere with the burrows of the Puffins, which were here in thousands. ‘They appeared to be all around us—on the water, on the rocks, in the air, and in the ground ; every now and again they would dart from the burrows beneath our feet, flying off like bullets towards the sea, or sometimes, not getting well on the wing, they would tumble about head-first in a most ludicrous manner.- Lesser Blackbacked Gulls, with a few Herring Gulls, were also nesting here, and on our landing, they all rose in the air, flying round our heads, laughing and screaming in quite a deafening style. The scene of bustle and animation on these islands is difficult to describe ; what with the Puffins darting about in all directions and the great Gulls wheeling and shrieking around us, we were glad to sit down on the rocks for a while to allow the excited creatures time to calm down a little. The North and South Wawmses are connected by a narrow reef of rocks, bare at low-water, and across this we walked from one island to the other, where we found the same species of birds breed- ing, Puffins innumerable, with a few Gulls’ nests amongst the crevices of the rocks. The eggs of the Puffins, white in a natural state, were dyed a deep chocolate colour from the nature of the peaty soil at the bottom of the burrows. One egg only is laid by each bird, and, although sometimes we found two together, there can be no doubt that they had been laid by different birds. It was now getting late, and we decided to defer visiting the other islands until another opportunity; so, embarking in our good coble, April 1887. 22 T. H. NELSON: A RAMBLE ON THE FARNE ISLANDS. we made for Bamburgh, where, as there was no surf on the shore, Cuthbertson landed us in safety. The next morning when we looked out we saw there was a strong north-easter blowing, and, on going up to the Castle, a grand sight presented itself to our view; great waves were rolling in and bursting on the shore with a deafening roar, while, as far as the eye could see, the ‘ white horses’ were chasing each other shorewards, driven in by the fury of the gale. On the Inner Farne, at short intervals, a volume of spray shot high above the lighthouse. At the time we were puzzled to account for this phenomenon, but learnt afterwards that it was the ‘Churn’ at work, and I may as well explain the meaning of it at once :—On the north-west side of the island there is a deep cavernous fissure in the rock communicating with a perpendicular shaft at the inner end, and at low and half tide, when a sea-wind is blowing, the waves are driven into this cave with such great violence as to send a vast column of foam and spray through the ‘Churn’ high up into the air, often to a height of eighty or a hundred feet, and visible at a great distance. As there was no prospect of getting out to the islands in the face of the sea then running, we started, after breakfast, for a walk to Holy Island, five miles distance, passing the Stag rocks on our way, where we disturbed a party of Curlews ; on the links beyond these rocks the broken shells of several Eiders’ eggs were found, apparently the work of some truant schoolboys whom we saw on the beach below. I went down to question them about the broken eggs, and saw they had two Eider ducklings only a few days old. The account of their capture was a rather curious one. It appears that the boys had seen an old Eider with a brood of young ones on the shore, which, on being observed, immediately made for the sea, and, as the mother was trying to get out through the surf with the little ones on her back, a heavy breaker washed two of them off and drove them ashore, where they were easily caught. I purchased the little creatures, took them home when we left Bamburgh, and kept them in the garden, feeding them on mussels and barley-meal, but they gradually pined away and died in the course of a month. Shelducks, on the contrary, are easily reared, and become very tame. I once procured a pair at Waren Water, and kept them in the garden for some time; one died, but the other made a companion of a Bernicle Goose, and was a great favourite with all the household; every day at meal-times it came up to the dining-room window, and would even come into the room for a piece of bread or potato, sometimes persuading the Bernicle to follow it. Naturalist, T. H. NELSON: A RAMBLE ON THE FARNE ISLANDS. 123 At Waren Water, a mile north of Bamburgh, an arm of the sea runs inland for a considerable distance, at low-tide leaving an exten- sive tract of mud and sand, forming a capital feeding-ground for shore birds and wild-fowl, while at high-water Seals frequently come up the Waren in pursuit of Salmon, and Eiders and Terns often resort thither in search of food. The Coastguard stationed here kindly ferried us across to the sands on the other side of the little estuary, where Ross Links, a long range of sandhills, bordering on the beach, extend as far as the Beacons opposite Holy Island; these links are closely protected, and swarm with Rabbits, while several pairs of Shelducks (Zadorna cornuta) have their nests in the rabbit-burrows. We saw an early brood of these handsome birds, attended by the old duck, which seemed very anxious to get her young ones to a place of safety. I had made the acquaintance of the tenant of Ross Farm, who gave us permission to walk along the links, but we soon saw that our movements were closely watched,and a keeper accosted us before we had gone far; after satisfying him that we had no intention of dis- turbing the ducks and rabbits, he accompanied us to the Beacons, where his house is situate, and where he showed us several broods of Shelducks hatched under hens in separate enclosures amongst the sand-hills. After examining the keeper’s live-stock we went down to the beach near the Beacons, and our artist friend made a sketch of Holy Island. While we rested here eight Herons (A7vdea cinerea) flapped lazily overhead, going in the direction of Fenham Flatts, and a Lesser Tern (Stevia minuta) flew quickly past towards the sea, making us institute a search for a nest on the shingly beach; we could not find any, however, nor do I think the Lesser Tern breeds here now, although Mr. Hancock found about a dozen pairs nesting between Bamburgh and Holy Island in 1832 (see ‘ Birds of Northum- berland and Durham’). Some fishermen who had observed us rowed across the channel to take us to Holy Island, but we found nothing of ornithological interest, although, no doubt, an archzeologist would be well repaid by the inspection of the old Castle and the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory. Holy Island is really an island only at certain times of the tide, and at one point it is possible to walk on foot across to the mainland. On the south-west are Fenham Flatts, an immense expanse of mud and sands, covered by the sea at high-tide, a favourite place for shore birds, and in the winter season the resort of innumerable wild-fowl. After spending an hour or two on the island we returned to Bamburgh by road, on the way looking into a wood, where we disturbed a Long-Eared Owl (4szo otus)in his afternoon siesta. April 1887. 124 T. H. NELSON: A RAMBLE ON THE FARNE ISLANDS. The following day, although the wind had abated, there was still a heavy ground-swell running, and we decided on having a drive to Chillingham to see the Wild White Cattle. The day after our visit to Chillingham the sea had gone down sufficiently to allow us to get out to the islands again. We landed on the Inner Farne, the largest of the group, containing an area of about sixteen acres, partly covered with short grass. On the land- ward side it presents a bold front of basaltic cliffs, rising to a height of seventy or eighty feet, while on the north-east the ground gradually falls to the water’s edge, where there is a landing-place. It was to this island that the holy St. Cuthbert retired from the world, and lived the life of a hermit for nine years ; evidence of his occupation of the place still remains in the chapel, even now in a good state of preservation, where there is a monument to the memory of Grace Darling. A tradition exists that St. Cuthbert tamed the Eiders and trained them to build near his oratory, whence they derive one of their names, ‘St. Cuthbert’s Ducks,’ but we found no sea-birds breeding here at the time of our visit. The other buildings on the island are the Tower, a square-shaped building, built by one of the Priors of Durham, and, on the landward side, the two lighthouses, occupied by the light-keeper and his family. I may mention here that the islands are leased by an association having for its object the preservation of the birds breeding there— a most desirable aim, and one which it is to be hoped will be strictly carried out. Members of the association are allowed to live in the Tower for certain periods, and I can imagine no more delightful manner for an ornithologist to spend a holiday than to picnic on the islands in the breeding season, given pleasant companions and fine weather, for without the latter it 1s often impossible to land on the middle islands, and many a visitor who disembarked when the sea was calm has had to remain for days before he could be taken off again. A gentleman whom we met at Bamburgh told us he had once gone out to the Longstone for a few days’ seal-shooting, when a storm coming on the night of his arrival kept him a prisoner in the lighthouse for more than a week. During one stormy winter, Cuthbertson, who is the Trinity House relief man, had to wait for thirteen weeks before he could get out with provisions for the relief of the light-keepers. The scene on the Longstone during a storm must indeed be grand and awful in the extreme; great seas hurl themselves over the rocks, strike the lighthouse, leap up its sides, and throw vast clouds of spray, even up to the lantern, for the time hiding from view the hundred other columns of water which shoot up into the air amongst the other islands. Seaward nothing is to be Naturalist, T. H. NELSON: A RAMBLE ON THE FARNE ISLANDS. 125 seen but a vast tract of angry waters, and to the landward side the waves are beaten into sheets of foam, seeming as though in their rage they would tear the rocky islands from their foundations. In the channeis the seas rush through with mighty force and speed, and it is sheer madness to venture with a boat into the raging vortex of angry waters. J remember on one occasion going to the Staples to shoot in August when the sea was so calm that we had to row the coble in going out, but during our stay on the island an easterly wind sprang up, and blowing against a strong flood-tide, raised a very awkward sea, so that when we set off on our return journey towards evening, although the ballast was piled to one side and we sat well up to windward, the boat shipped so many seas that we were all wet through before we had gone half a mile across the channel towards the Inner Farne. A narrow channel separates the Inner Farne from the Wide-opens, and after crossing this we landed on slippery boulders, covered with seaweed, over which we scrambled till we got a safer footing on the grass. There we found Arctic Terns breeding in great numbers, the nests being placed on a small plateau near the centre of the island ; sO numerous were they in places we had to exercise great care in walking for fear of breaking the eggs. I have frequently heard that the Common Tern was to be found on the Farnes—Mr. Hancock says it was very abundant there at the time of his visits—and we accordingly carefully watched the parent birds, as well on the Wide- opens as on the Longstone and Brownsman, but could not satisfac- torily identify any of the smaller Terns with Sterna fluviatilis, and, as it is impossible to discriminate between the eggs of the two species without seeing the birds, we were unable to satisfy ourselves that any of the eggs we saw belonged to the Common Tern. I had also been led to believe that the Roseate Tern (Sterna dougalli) bred on the islands; not only our boatman, but other people on the mainland with whom I conversed on the subject, told me they were certain this species was still to be seen on the Farnes. No doubt it did breed there at one time, and possibly still may do so, but I am quite con- vinced that my informants do not know the difference between a Roseate and a Sandwich Tern, and of this I had abundant evidence on three separate occasions. While watching the birds flying about us, our attention was. attracted by the excited clamour of alarm-notes amongst some Sand- wich Terns fishing out at sea, and we perceived a dark-plumaged bird, Richardson’s Skua (Stercorarius crepidatus) in close pursuit of one of the Terns ; the latter was screaming with terror, twisting and turning, doubling and darting about, in its endeavours to evade its. April 1887. 126 T. H. NELSON : A RAMBLE ON THE FARNE ISLANDS. enemy, which followed the poor bird in all its movements with the persistence of a weasel on the track of a hare. The pursuer and pursued had gone far out to sea at one time, but they eventually made direct for the island where we were, and we had a fine view of the chase. The Skua was pressing the Tern very hard, and when nearly over the Wide-opens the poor Sea-Swallow, thoroughly exhausted, and unable any longer to keep up the flight, disgorged a newly-caught fish. This was all the Skua wanted, and, leaving the pursuit, he pounced down upon the fish, catching it before it reached the water, and flew off to an adjoining rock, there to sit and keep a look-out for another opportunity of pursuing his piratical profession. I thought it rather unusual to see a Skua so far south in June; on the Yorkshire coast we do not asa rule observe them until August or September, when the Terns and smaller Gulls are following the herring-shoals. Near to, but apart from, the Arctic Terns’ colony on the Wide- opens were about a dozen nests of the Sandwich Terns; the old birds of both species loudly resented our intrusion on their domains, flying screaming excitedly over our heads during the time we remained near their nests. Every now and again one would dart down and fly past with a swish, nearly touching our hats, then, gracefully rising, rejoined the screeching throng overhead. ‘The harsh, grating cry of the Sandwich Tern, when once heard, is never likely to be forgotten, and can be distinguished at a very great distance ; I have frequently heard it at the Tees’ mouth in the autumn, although the birds were not within sight, and I knew they must be at least a mile away from where Iwas standing. Two or three pairs of Eiders had their nests amongst the rough grass on the Wide-opens, as also several Lesser Black- backed Gulls, and we heard the whistling of an Oystercatcher and the shrill piping of a pair of Ringed Dotterels, causing us to make a diligent search for their nests, in which we were rewarded by finding the Oystercatcher’s with three eggs, on a bed of shingle near high- water mark. We next walked across the rocks to the Knoxes, where there is a large colony of Sandwich Terns, consisting of some fifty or sixty pairs, one of the most interesting sights of the Farnes. The nests were arranged within a very small circumference, and contained eggs of great diversity of colour, varying from white, with small brown spots, to light brown, blotched with darker brown and black. Like the Terns on the adjacent island, the owners of the nests hovered screaming in the air above our heads, seemingly in a state of great excitement. We were requested not to remain near the nests longer than was necessary, as the Sandwich Terns desert their eggs on a very Naturalist, T. H. NELSON: A RAMBLE ON THE FARNE ISLANDS. 127 slight provocation, so, after impressing the scene on our memories, we took boat for the Megstone or Cormorant Island, lying to the northward. As we drew near we could see the old Cormorants ( Phalacrocorax carbo) sitting on the top of the rock like sentinels, and they all flew off in a body when we got within about two hundred yards of the place. The position of the Megstone, which is simply a high barren rock, renders it a difficult place to land on if any sea is running, but we, fortunately, had comparatively calm weather, and disembarked at the foot of the rock without any trouble. The higher portion of the island, where the nests are placed, is completely whitened over with accumulations of excreta from the birds, and the odour arising from this cause, together with putrid and half-digested fish, disgorged by the birds while feeding their young, combined with the decom- posing sea-weed of which the nests are made, may be better imagined than described. We made a hurried survey of the rock, where there were about forty or fifty nests, large clumsy conical structures, about two feet high, made of sea-weed, containing young birds in every stage of growth and hideousness, from those newly hatched to others almost ready to fly. Only three nests had eggs, for the Cor- morant is an early breeder, and probably the eggs we saw were laid by birds whose nests had been robbed of the first or second laying. I think one clutch belonged to a Green Cormorant (Phalacrocorax graculus), of which there are one or two pairs supposed to nest on the Megstone. We were all glad to turn our backs on the Cormorant Island, and ran back to have another look at the Pinnacles. When we arrived there we found most of the Guillemots on the water, very few birds being on the rocks, and, on going over to the Brownsman, the keeper told us he had been taking the eggs that morning, thus accounting for the rocks being deserted. The keeper showed us three large baskets full of Guillemots’ eggs, fresh from the Pinnacles, and we therefore took advantage of the Opportunity to select as many as we required of the best marked specimens. There were also a few examples of Razor-bills’ eggs, but they bore a very small proportion to the number of the Guillemots’. On going up to the house we obtained some very fine specimens of both kinds in various shades of colour, which were promptly produced from a drawer where a selection of the best specimens was kept. There were all kinds and varieties of Guillemots’ eggs, from light green to dark chocolate ; one was of a most curious shape, somewhat like a small soda-water bottle, and of a uniform April 1887. ee eee 128 T. H, NELSON: A RAMBLE ON THE FARNE ISLANDS. shade of light green. I wished to purchase it, but the keeper refused to sell, even at a high price, although I managed to secure an almost pure white egg of the Guillemot. We had noticed two or three Ringed Dotterel (@gzalitis hiaticula) near the water’s edge, and on asking if he had any eggs, the keeper took one from a small box. He evidently prized it very highly, but I was scarcely prepared to pay the price he demanded—half-a-crown ! Three Turnstones (Strepsilas interpres) were sitting on the edge of the island facing the Staples, as we walked down to the boat, but I hardly think they would be nesting there, although Mr. J. E. Harting once showed me an egg, almost undisputably that of a Turnstone, which had been taken on the Farnes. Our visit being now at an end we re-embarked and set sail for North Sunderland, where we arrived with our treasures after half-an- hour’s pleasant sail. It may be as well to remind intending visitors that it is necessary to obtain permission to land on the islands, and I believe the rules of the association are very strict and rigidly enforced. For the purposes of easy reference I will append a list of the birds found breeding there at the time of our visit. These comprised:— Sandwich Tern (Sterna cantiaca). Kittiwake (R7ssa trzdactyla), Arctic Tern (Sterna macrura). Eider Duck (Somateria mollissima). Common Tern (Steraa fluviatilis) Oystercatcher (Hematopus ostra- (probably). legus). Guillemot (Lomwvza trozle). Ringed Dotterel (Qegtalitis hiatz- Razor-Bill (Alca torda). cula). Puffin (Fratercula arctica). Common Cormorant (Phalacro- Lesser Blackbacked Gull (Zaris corax carbo). Suscus). Green Cormorant (Phalacrocora.x Herring Gull (Larus argentatus). eraculus) (very probably). There are also a few Rock Pipits’ (Anthus obscurus) nests to be found in the crevices of the rocks, and occasionally one or two pairs of Shelducks (Zadorna cornuta) \ay their eggs in the burrows on one of the islands. A very fine series of Imperial size photographs of the Farnes and the birds breeding there, and also of the Chillingham Cattle, has been taken by Mr. Wm. Green, of Berwick-on-Tweed, and I can heartily recommend these to the notice of any persons desirous of possessing faithful pictures of the islands. It would be difficult to say which of the series is best, but the Guillemots on the Pinnacles, Cormorants on the Megstone, Eider on the nest, Gull’s nest, and Sandwich and Arctic Terns’ nests are excellent ; while the groups of the Wild White Cattle are, adgmimable-reproductions of the animals, and well worth seeing. Naturalist, Now ready, 8vv, cloth, price 6/- post free. LIST of YORKSHIRE LEPIDOPTERA, Contains copious records of the localities, &c., of the 1,340 species of macro- and micro-lepidoptera known to inhabit the county; particulars of local variation in species ; with all other necessary information on the subject. To be had only from the Hon. Secretaries of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, WM. DENISON ROEBUCK, Sunny Bank, eedsi; WM. EAGLE CLARKE, 18, Claremont Road, Headingley, Leeds. NOW READY, 224 PAGES, 125 ILLUSTRATIONS, DEMY 8vo. PRICE 7s. 6d. Meee Ste LTURE AND LIRE-AISTORY OF "exe COCHKROACEE: Aw dntroduction to ah Study of Ansects. Eo MIALL AND “ALERED DENNY. LONDON: LOVELL REEVE & CO. LEEDS: RICHARD JACKSON. On Monday, February Ist, 1886, was Published. No. I, Price 4d. Monthly, THE SCIENTIFIC ENQUIRER. Affords a medium through which information on every Scientific Subject may be obtained. 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All specimens, &c., sent out ‘on approval.’ J. & W. DAVIS (Naturalists), DARTFORD, Kent. » alee 129 NOTES ON THE BLACK-HEADED GULL NEAR GARSTANG. J. A- JACKSON, Warrington. (Read before the Warrington Field Club, February 18th, 1887. THE district my remarks refer to is mainly comprised within a radius of six or seven miles of the little town of Garstang in North Lan- cashire. Taking the town as a centre, you will observe on the map that the sea-coast is not very far away, say five miles, to the north- west, and about the same distance to the east runs a range of hills, rising on the Yorkshire border to a height of 1,700 feet. These hills, unfortunately, do not show up on an ordinary map, but form a most important feature in the appearance of the country. The land near the hills is mainly stiff heavy soil, most of it ‘green side up,’ as generally expressed, or in other words, used for grazing purposes, for which it is well suited. More towards the west and the sea-coast extends the Fylde district, which is mostly reclaimed moss-land, and a great part of it used for potato-growing, for which the light black soil seems admirably adapted. When flying, the head of the Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) appears quite black, and has earned for it the title of ‘petch’ (or ‘patch ’) in the district I refer to. I will now proceed to put before you a few remarks as to the habits, etc., of this Gull as seen near Garstang, where for a part of the year it is a regular and welcome visitor. It first makes its appearance with us about the middle of February, a few pairs appearing flying over the ploughed fields. At this period the plumage is as follows—head and neck, white; all the under-plumage, white slightly tinged with rose; upper plumage, bluish ash; primaries white, edged with ash, and broadly tipped with black. About three weeks later, the dark brown colour on the head and upper part of the neck is fully developed, and it is about this time they first make their appearance in quantity at the breeding-ground. The birds are now much more plentiful, and follow the plough on the low-lying peaty lands most assiduously, evidently searching eagerly for food in the newly-turned furrows. As the spring advances, the birds are not to be seen so plentifully, except in an evening, when they often come into the grass fields in large flocks. At times some of them ascend high into the air, and judging from their rapid evolutions, are engaged in pursuing some insect prey. The birds are now busy at the great business of their lives, namely, making their nests and rearing their May 1887. K 130 J. A. JACKSON: NOTES ON THE BLACK-HEADED GULL. young, which they do in thousands at a place near Cockerham, known for miles around as the ‘Gull Moss,’ of which, possibly, a short account may be of interest. I may state here that for many years, at least fifteen, a large number of these birds bred regularly in a small tarn on the hills above Scorton. The expanse of water was not large, and the nests were made on the islands and around the edges of the tarn. Latterly, the number has grown less every year, and last summer I could only see a single pair frequenting this tarn during the breeding season. Iam unable to account for this decrease unless the colony near Cockerham has a more advantageous situation In some way, and the birds have migrated thither, perhaps, because it is some four miles nearer the shore. It is a rather striking fact that although this small tarn will be some 500 feet above the sea- level, the ground on one side of it is of a mossy character, and has growing on it ling, heath, and cranberry, just the same as are to be found on the ‘Gull Moss.’ I have also taken the moth Carséa imbutata there. The ‘ Gull Moss’ is situated some three miles from the coast, and the ground is very similar in character to Woolston Moss near Warrington. ‘There is still a large patch of the moss uncultivated, although a certain breadth is brought under the plough each year ; the horses used in the fields wearing wide boards on their feet to prevent them sinking in the soft soil. However, as the Gulls are now well looked after and preserved by the land-owners during the breeding season, no doubt enough space will be Jeft for them to breed on. When approaching the moss, the most noticeable feature is the flatness of the country, the fields being divided from each other by deep dykes or ditches, in place of walls or hedges. As we pro- ceed we pass long rows of turf or peat piled up to dry, after being cut for fuel, and round stacks of it are to be seen scattered about. As we get on to the real wild moss, we find (unless the weather has been very dry for a long time) that water soon flows into each of our footsteps, as from a wet sponge. On this part of the moss flourish the Round- and Oblong-leaved Sundews, also Cranberry, the beautiful Andromeda, and Bog Myrtle or Sweet Gale, which has such a strong scent when crushed in the hand, or when you walk through a clump of it. Ling covers most of the dryer parts of the moss, and the two common Heaths are plentiful. Often, too, if we walk far across the moss, 2 Viper may be seen neatly coiled round; but they usually make off as fast as possible. On the moss also, the following Butterflies and Moths are to be seen— Satyrus tithonus, Chortobius davis, Anarta myrtilli, Chelonia plantaginis, Carsta imbutata, Hyria auroraria, Crambus margaritellus, besides a host of other common species, both large and small. Naturalist, J. A. JACKSON: NOTES ON. THE: BLACK-HEADED GULL. I31 Red Grouse and a few Stonechats may be seen about here, as well as numerous other common birds. By the time we have pro- gressed so far, the keeper will have emerged from his hut and joined us; and we will now go forward with him, and inspect the nesting ground of the Gulls. The keeper estimates the number of birds at 20,000, and judging by the noise and general appearance, he does not overestimate them. At a little distance the ground looks white with birds, they are so closely gathered together. As we draw near, the birds nearest us rise from the ground and come screaming towards us, some of them diving down in angry menace at our heads, coming so close that the rush of their wings is almost alarming; and it requires some little faith to assure us that they will not dash against our faces, they come so fiercely to the attack. The ground actually used for nesting upon has become quite altered in appearance, from the effects of the guano deposited on it by the birds. In place of ling a coarse tussocky grass has sprung up, and amongst this the nests are formed, and the young may be seen running about, although they keep ‘squat,’ or hide if we come very near. The nest has no claim to our admiration, being simply a hollow scratched on the top of a tussock of grass, with sometimes a few straws laid round about. The eggs, of which the full complement appears to be three, vary a good deal in size, colour, and markings. The young, when first hatched, are covered with a gray down, mottled with darker mark- ings, and seem to leave the nest and run about and hide under the tufts of grass almost as soon as hatched. There are numerous remains of small crabs lying round the nests, so these evidently form part of the food brought by the old birds. The young are some time before they can fly, and when they do so, are easily distinguished from the old birds by their gray colour. From inquiries made at the ‘Gull Moss’ I find that the time of incubation is a little over three weeks. The old birds bring small fishes from the shore and grubs from the fields as the principal food for the young ones. These Gulls begin to lay eggs in the middle of April, and are about the breeding-ground till the middle of July. Numbers of them at times visit the fields during the summer, but after the middle of July we only see odd birds when driven inland by stress of weather until winter is over, and we can again enjoy the sight of their graceful flight over the fields. From information given by Seebohm and Yarrell this bird seems to have a wide geographical range, being found all over Europe, in Egypt, and on the shores of the Mediterranean. Seebohm says that the nests when placed in wet situations are large piles of material to keep the eggs above the water. ‘These birds probably breed when two May 1887. 132 RILEY FORTUNE: ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES. years old, and the plumage seems to vary a little until the third or fourth year. Yarrell says that this bird breeds in Sweden, Russias and Siberia. Another well-known breeding-place in Lancashire is Walney Island, near Barrow-in-Furness. These Gulls have had to move their nesting-ground more than once. Mitchell says that a colony once occupied the site of the present town of Fleetwood. In recent times, also, they were driven from Pilling Moss by its cultivation, to the locality they now occupy, and which it may be hoped they will not be obliged to leave for a long time to come. NOTES—ORNITHOLOG Y. Leach’s Petrel in Lincolnshire.—On the 6th January I received a male specimen of the above named bird (FProcellaria leucorrhoa) which had been captured near Skegness on the Lincolnshire ccast. Mr. Cordeaux, in his ‘ Birds of the Humber District,’ speaks of it as a rare bird.—F. B. WuHITLOcK, Bank, Nottingham. Barn Owl Feigning Death.—During the past winter I had a beautiful live specimen of the Barn Owl (S¢7z2x flammea) brought to me, which had been captured in a hollow tree near Harrogate. For several days it refused food, and being afraid of it dying, I forced some meat down its throat ; after swallowing several pieces, its claws clenched together, the legs and body stiffened, the eyes closed, the head fell back, and to all appearance it had suddenly died. At first I thought I had choked it, but upon giving a second glance at the stiff body in my hands I observed the breast heaving up and down with the regularity of a very much alive bird. It then struck me what the rogue was doing. I laid it down on its back, side, and belly alternately, and even hung it up by the legs, without making it move a muscle. I then put it down and made a pretence of departing. I shut the door with a noise, and looked round, when I saw the rascal’s eyes gently opening ; as soon as he observed me watching him he closed them again. I then went out altogether and returned in about three minutes, when Mr. Owl was as lively as ever. Several friends have witnessed this trick since. Although perfectly aware of the habit of Tits shamming death, I never yet heard of an Owl performing the same trick.—RILEY FORTUNE, Harrogate, April 5th, 1887. ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM DURING 1885. RILEY FORTUNE; Alston House, Harrogate. As a supplement to Mr. Alfred Chapman’s note on the Pied Fly- Catcher (Muscicapa atricapilla) nesting in Northumberland, perhaps a few instances of it nesting in Northumberland and Durham during 1885 will not be uninteresting. Naturalist, RILEY FORTUNE: ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES. 133 During 1885 I visited many parts of Northumberland and Durham, and one of the most noticeable events was the great influx of Pied Flycatchers ; we saw them in a great many parts, and found the nests at the following places in May and June: near Lucker, in Northumberland, where we saw the birds for the first time on May itoth. The nest we found on May 31st; also at Gosforth Park and Jesmond Dene (suburbs of Newcastle-on-Tyne), Shotley Bridge, and Winlaton were also favoured localities ; and we also found it nesting on the estate of Lord Ravensworth, near Gateshead-on-Tyne. The nests, with one exception, were built in holes in trees, the exception being at Lucker, where the nest was built in a hole in the wall of a cow-house. The nests were almost entirely built of grasses, and, as Mr. Chapman mentions, they appear to frequent the open parts in preference to the thickly covered places. Near Ravensworth I also found the nest of the Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus streperus) on june 8th. ‘The nest and eggs I have in my possession. The Redshank we also found nesting on the Hallington Moors in Northumberland, and we also obtained some eggs of the same bird, from a fisherman at North Sunderland ; they had been taken in the neighbourhood. At Gosforth Park, where there are a good number of Swans (Cygnus olor), a female Hooper (Cygnus musicus) mated with a male Mute Swan ; they built a nest, and either four or six eggs (the exact number I forget) were laid. One of these eggs, I believe, was obtained by Mr. John Hancock, and the others were taken by some person unknown. A fine male Pochard (Fuligula ferina) was also shot at Gosforth Park ; it is now in the possession of Mr. Hancock. A Woodcock’s nest with four young ones was found on the _ Ravensworth Estate, and another up the valley of the Derwent ; this latter nest was taken, and the young exhibited for some time in the rooms of the Literary and Philosophical Society at Newcastle. At Axwell Park, in the valley of the Derwent, the Hawfinch nested, as it has now done for some years. A fine specimen of the Honey Buzzard, a male, was shot in Northumberland during 1885, and sent to W. Charlton, of Newcastle, for preservation, where I saw it. The note, with exact ‘ data,’ I have unfortunately misplaced. | The Grasshopper Warbler nested at Burneside ; a friend of mine, a well-known Newcastle oologist, obtained two sets of eggs from that locality, and also a ‘clutch’ of Magpies’, containing the unusual number of nine eggs. 134 LAND AND FRESHWATER SHELLS IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF WHITBY. He) POLLARD! Late Secretary, Leeds Naturalists’ Clud. THE Whitby district affords an interesting and wide field of investi- gation to the conchologist. It consists of the valley of the Esk, a considerable amount of moorland, undercliff, beach and_ scaur. Of these the undercliffs have as yet yielded the largest number of species. In the valley of the Esk there appears to be a scarcity of moliuscan life, and in the Esk itself up to the present time, the only valuable species occurring is the Pearl Mussel (Unio margaritifer), and its variety s¢zuata. ‘The moorlands, also—and this is probably on account of their geological formation and physical features —seem to contain but a very limited number of species, and those of the commonest type and ordinary occurrence. ‘The undercliffs, on the contrary, are rich in conchological treasures. The species, however, are, as a rule, very small in character, and require much care and patience in the collection of them. Regarding the conchology of the beach and scaur, no comment is here made, the specimens being marine, and not conne within the range of the paper. The most important mollusc yet collected in the Whitby district is the variety a/ba of Bulimus obscurus, which was secured in 1879, amongst hedgerow type specimens, in the Factory Fields, which lie to the right in ascending Bagdale. ‘The record is but the second for Yorkshire, it having in the first instance been taken twelve years previously at Grimbald Crag, near Knaresborough, by Mr. Beevers. The occurrence of this variety so unexpectedly, and in such an unlikely locality, shows that no place should be despised or over- looked in collecting. The records of shells given in this list are all that have to date been made public, so if any collector is able to supplement them, his notes will be of much value and interest. To avoid the repetition of any record, the earliest known is inserted, all those subsequent being omitted. The initials Y.N.U. refer to an excursion of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, which took place on August 3rd, 1885, and in which the Rev. W. C. Hey, Messrs. Baker Hudson, William Coates, and W. Denison Roebuck represented the conchological section ; the excursion being reported in the Vaturadist for oe 1835, p. 348. : Natamice H. POLLARD: LAND AND FRESHWATER SHELLS. 135 Arion ater L. Yellow variety just outside of Whitby in 1879 (Henry Crowther) ; black examples at Mallyon Spout, Wheel- dale, 1880 (W. Denison Roebuck);. and Egton Bridge, August 1885 (Y.N.U.); and red specimens on West Cliff in 289s) (H.C). | Amalia marginata Miill. Plentiful, amongst grass at the base of a wall, a little beyond the North-Eastern Railway Station, in 1883 (H. Pollard). Limax flavus L. Abundant at Bagdale in 1878 (H.C.); and particularly common on walls at Bog Hole in 1883 (H.P.), many of the specimens varying in intensity of ground-colour, but not sufficiently so to warrant varietal names being given. Limax agrestis L. West Cliff, 1883 (H.P.), Egton Bridge, 1885 (Y.N.U.); and probably common throughout the district. Limax maximus lL. Very plentiful in Bagdale in 1879 (H.C.); in walls at Bog Hole, July 1883 (H.P.); and Egton Bridge, 1885 (¥eN-U-). Succinea putris 1. Common in a ditch in the Factory Fields, May 1877, and in another near the bottom of Fitz Steps, 1881 (H.P.); Ruswarp, 1878 (H.C.); and on the undercliffs, 1885 (Y.N.U.). Succinea putris var. drouetia. Common amongst type specimens in a ditch in the Factory Fields in 1883 (H.P.). Succinea putris var. limnoidea. Abundant in marshy places on slopes of the West Cliff in 1883 (H.P.). Vitrina pellucida Miill. One example found on the West Cliff in 1883 (H.P.). Zonites a Mill. West Cliff, May 1877, and Egton Bridge, 1879 (H.P.); Wheeldale, 1880 (W.D.R.); and about Whitby Abbey, 1885 (Y.N.U.). Zonites alliarius Miller. At Saltwick, in 1877, and on West Cliff, in 1878 (H.C.); a few specimens at Aislaby, in 1879 (H.P.); Mallyon Spout, 1880 (W.D.R.); and around Whitby Abbey, 1885 (Y.N.U.). Zonites nitidulus Drap. West Cliff and Saltwick, 1877 (H.P.); Egton Bridge, 1879 (H.P.); Wheeldale, 1880 (W.D.R.); and Whitby Abbey, 1885 (Y.N.U.). | Zonites purus Ald. Robin Hood’s Bay, 1878 (H.C.); and a few specimens on slopes of West Cliff, in 1883 (H.P.). Zonites crystallinus Mull. West Cliff, 1878 (H.C.); and Mallyon Spout, 1880 (W.D.R.). Helix aspersa Miill. Very common in lanes and hedgerows, 1877 (H.P.); and about Whitby Abbey and the underchte, 1885 WEN. .): May 1887. 136 H. POLLARD: LAND AND FRESHWATER SHELLS. Helix aspersa var. undulata Moq. Two specimens, approaching this variety, collected amongst type in 1883 (H.P.). Helix nemoralis L. Abundant on cliff slopes and in most hedge- rows and Janes, in 1877 (H.P.), the banding and ground-colour being extremely varied. Helix nemoralis var. hybrida Poiret. Several specimens taken with Helix nemoralis and H. hortensis.in the Factory Fields and Love Lane, in May 1877 (H.P.). Helix hortensis Miill. Common in hedgerows in the Factory Fields and Love Lane, May 1877 (H.P.), the banding, etc., being as varied as in 7. nemoralts. Helix arbustorum L. One specimen taken in a garden, amongst nettles, at Ruswarp, in 1877 (H.P.); and plentiful on the under- cliffs near Newholm Beck, in 1883 (H.P.). Helix concinna Jeffreys. Several obtained on slopes of West Cliff, in 1883 (H.P.); and about Whitby Abbey and the undercliffs, in 1885 (Y.N.U.). Helix hispida L. Common on West Cliff and in hedgerows, 1877 (H.P.) ; near Arncliffe Woods, 1878 (H.C.); and about Whitby Abbey, 1885 (Y.N.U.). Helix fusca Mont. In the woods at Cruckley Gill in 1879 CHE:). Helix sericea Mill. Two specimens taken on West Cliff in 1878 (HiC:): Helix virgata DaCosta. Slopes of West Cliff, 1878 (H.C.). Helix caperata Mont. West Cliff, 1878 (H.C.); and particularly common at Upgang, in 1883 (H.P.). Helix caperata var. bizonalis. One specimen collected with type at Upgang, in 1883 (H.P.). Helix caperata var. fulva Mog. Upgang, with type, 1883 (H.P.). Helix caperata var. ornata Picard. As abundant as type on West Chiff, im1878 (H-C:): Helix ericetorum Mull. Several obtained on West Cliff, near Upgang, in July, 1883 (H.P.). Helix ericetorum var. minor. Several found with type, on West ~. Chit, in July 1883 (HP). Helix ericetorum var. alba Charp. One with type on West Cliff, in 1853; (EE): Helix rotundata Mill. West Cliff, 1877 (H.P.); near Arncliffe Woods, 1878 (H.C.); Mallyon Spout, 1880 (W.D.R.); and Whitby Abbey, 1885 (Y.N.U.). Helix pulchella Mill. On slopes of West Cliff, 1878 (H.C.); and in 1983 (H.P.). Naturalist, H. POLLARD: LAND AND FRESHWATER SHELLS. T3 ~]I Helix pulchella var. costata Miill. West Cliff, with type, 1878 (Ene); and in’ 1883 °(Ht.P.). 7 Bulimus obscurus Mull. Common in hedgerows, in the Factory Fields, in May 1877 (H.P.). Bulimus obscurus var. alba. One specimen taken with type in hedgerow in the Factory Fields, 1879 (H.P.). This is only the second record for Yorkshire. Pupa umbilicata Drap. Plentiful near Ruswarp in 1878 (H.C.). Pupa marginata Drap. One specimen found on slopes of West Cliff, in 1883 (H.P.). Clausilia rugesa Drap. Collected rarely near Ruswarp, in 1878(H.C.); commonly a short distance from Sleights Station, in 1883 (H.P.); and in abundance near Sandsend, in August 1886 (H.P.). Clausilia laminata Mont. Reported by Mr. J. T. Sewell as occurring in beech-woods. Cochlicopa lubrica Mill. West Cliff and Saltwick, May 1877 (H.P.) ; and near Whitby Abbey, August 1885 (Y.N.U.). Cochlicopa lubrica var. lubricoides Fér. West Cliff, 1878 (H.C.) ; and in August 1883 (H.P.). Pisidium amnicum Mill. Amongst freshwater alge in a pond near Saltwick, in 1879 (H.C.). , Pisidium pusillum Gmelin. Ina pond near Saltwick in 1879 (H.C.); and Whitby, August 1885 (Y.N.U.). Unio margaritifer L. Abundant in the river Esk, near Lealholm Bridge, in 1878 (H.C.) ; and at Cruckley Gill, in 1879 (H.C). Unio margaritifer var. sinuata Lam. Sparingly, with type, in river Esk at Lealholm Bridge, in 1878, and at Cruckley Gill, in 1879 (H.C.). On collecting this mussel in the Esk, in 1885, Mr. Henry Crowther noticed that nearly every specimen had a parasitic worm in the oval portion of the digestive tract. Planorbis nitidus Mull. Reported by Mr. J. T. Sewell to occur in the Abbey Pond, but I have not yet searched there for it (H.P.). Messrs. Coates, Hudson, and Roebuck, when fishing the Abbey Pond in August 1885, found only the next species (Pl. nautileus). Planorbis nautileus L. Abundant in the Abbey Pond, it being apparently the only molluscan inhabitant, August 1885 (Y.N.U.); coast near Whitby (J.W. and G.R. in Part vii, Series C, 1885, Trans. Yorks. Nat. Union). Planorbis complanatus L. On the coast near Whitby, in 1875 (G. Roberts, in Trans. Yorks. Nat. Union, Part ix, Series C, 1886). 138 NOTES—ORNITHOLOGY. Limneea peregra Muli. In a pond at Saltwick ; a small horse-trough at Robin Hood’s Bay; and on specimens of Unio margaritifer taken from the Esk near Lealholm Bridge, in 1878 (H.C.); in a ditch near Ruswarp, the specimens being of peculiar shape; a pond at Bluebank, near Sleights; and a horse-trough at Goath- land, 1879 (H.P.); a pond near the Saloon, a horse-trough at Upgang, and a ditch near Dunsley, in 1883 (H.P.); in damp places on the underclifis, in 1885 (Y.N.U.); and at Egton Bridge, in 1885 (H.C.). Limnea peregra var. ovata Drap. In a large pond at Hawsker, being apparently the only occupant, 1878 (H.C.); two speci- mens in a ditch at Ruswarp, 1883 (H.P.); and several near Sleights, 1883 (H.P.). Limnea peregra monst. decollatum Jeft. In a horse-trough near Saltwick, in 1879 (H.C.). Limnea truncatula Miill. Near Ruswarp, 1878 (H.C.); abundant in a ditch near Larpool, in 1879 (H.P.), the specimens being very fine and elongated; and in a ditch at Lealholm Bridge, in 1879 (H.P.); common on slopes of West Cliff and roadside at Sneaton, 1883, and one specimen in Upgang Beck, 1883 (H.P.). Ancylus fluviatilis Mull. Plentiful on specimens of Unto margariti- jer taken in the river Esk, near Lealholm Bridge, in 1878 (H.C.); plentiful at Mallyon Spout in 1880 (W.D.R.). Ancylus lacustris L. Specimens are exhibited in Whitby Museum, which were secured in Mulgrave Park. NOTES ORNITHOL OGY. Pufiins in the Humber in February.—It may be interesting to record the fact of two Puffins (Frafercuda arctica) shot by myself on the Humber, near Hessle, and within half a mile of each other, one killed February 4th, the other NED 14th, in winter plumage. ace measurements are:—No. I: height, 103 ins.; tip to tip of wing, 22 ins.; length of beak, 14 ins.; depth of beak, 2in. No. 2: height, 102 ins.; tip to tip of § wing, 23 ins. Colour of beak, dusky, with one slight ridge thes lighter ; tarsus, pale "flesh colour. One female, by dissection shows that she has laid an egg, which proves it is not a young bird. The other was shot in the ovary, and the fact of its having laid egg cannot be proved. Both are females. The sides of face or head of both are ‘sooty,’ and eyelids without horny plates. Mr. Stuart, the bird-stuffer here, is setting them up for me, and he tells me in his experience he has never seen them in winter plumage before.—H. J. RoBINsON PEASE, St. Mary's House, Beverley, March 4th, 1887. Occurrence of Common Buzzards near Whitby.—I have lately got a pair of very fine Common Buzzards (Buteo vulgaris) (male and female); both were trapped in Mulgrave Woods this winter. —Watter H. S. Py MAN, Moss Brow, Whitby, March 15th, 1887. Redshank in Northumberland.—In May 1885, when on a visit to the Farne Islands, the fishermen showed me some eggs of the Redshank ( 7ofanus calidris), which they had obtained near North Sunderland a day or two previous (to May jist). Last year, 1886, I had at least ten sets of Redshanks’ eggs sent to me from Northumberland ; they had been taken near Hallington Reservoirs, at which place there is a small g INE, Harrogate, Mar. Sth, 1887. Naturalist, ' ee ee BALA NOPTERA MUSCULUS AT SKEGNESS. THOMAS SOUTHWELL, F.Z.S., Author of the ‘Seals and Whales of the British Seas’; etc. Ow Sunday, the 3rd April, at 6.30 a.m., a Whale was observed inside the Skegness middle sand, in such a position that there was little probability of its escaping out to sea; baffled in all directions in its attempts to regain the open waters, it made straight for the shore, and came into violent contact with the pier-head, thereby seriously injuring the side of its head and one of its flippers; after this its capture became comparatively easy, and it was driven ashore and secured. ‘Then followed the usual sickening scene of torture, and it was not till some hours after that the wretched animal’s life was clumsily brought to a close. It cannot be too often repeated that a well-directed shot or two in the region of the heart will speedily deprive even these giant creatures of life. On seeing the usual announcement in the papers of the stranding of a ‘Greenland Whale’ I wrote to Mr. Storr, of Skegness, who was chiefly instrumental in its capture, and he very kindly replied to my questions to the best of his ability, but as from some of his remarks and measurements I thought it possible the animal might prove to be Rudolphi’s Rorqual (2. borealis), I availed myself of the first opportunity of going over to Skegness in order to settle the question, and was not a little disappointed at seeing a young female of the Common Rorqual (4. musculus). It lay on the sands just below high-water mark and close to the town of Skegness, in a position very unfavourable for close examination, and from the wash of the water partly buried in the sand; but its attenuated appearance, the length of its exposed flipper, and the colour of its baleen at once indicated its species. The only remarkable feature was the unusually light colour of the baleen. The anterior third of the plates were very short and nearly white, the second third showed an increasing amount of slate-colour as the plates became longer, and the posterior third were of the normal dark slate, viewed with darker and lighter streaks of the same on the exterior, but the colour did not extend so far as usual towards the interior margin. The whole of the fringe which clothes the inner margin of the plates was very light in colour, in fact, nearly white, very little of the usual buff tinge being observable. Whether this want of colour was a mark of juvenility, or to be accounted for by individual variation, I cannot say, but as the animal was only 47 feet May 1887. T40 IN MEMORIAM-——-ALFRED ROBERTS. in length, and therefore not more than two-thirds grown, it could not have been a very aged individual. From the position in which it lay, as well as from its having been partially eviscerated, there was some excuse for the confused sketch of the ‘Greenland Whale’ which appeared in the /élustrated London News of the 16th inst. The last I heard of the Whale was that it had been sold by auction for thirty guineas, the purchasers being Messrs. Caley & Fulton, of Hull, who were at that time trying to get it afloat for removal to the metropolis of the Humber. NOTE—ORNITHOLOG Y. Great Grey Shrike near Harrogate.—On January 12th I saw a beautiful specimen of Lanzus excubitor on Harlow Heath, Harrogate. I watched the bird for a long time, it allowing a near approach, and I could easily have shot it had my gun been with me.—RILEY FORTUNE, Harrogate, March 8th, 1887. Obifuarp Wofice. ALFRED-ROBERTS. ‘On the 6th of February last, at King Street, Scarborough, ALFRED ROBERTS, in the 75th year of his age.’ This announcement was received by everyone whe knew him, with regret ; he was widely known in the scientific world as a first-rate naturalist. Born at Brigg, in Lincolnshire, where he began life as a cabinetmaker, by hard work he rose to be Curator of the Scar- borough Museum, which post he held for many years with great credit. He died after forty years of residence in Scarborough, leaving many friends but no enemies. Mr. Roberts was a true type of nature’s gentleman—upright, kindly-hearted, and ever ready to help or give instruction, which he always did in the most unassuming manner. He was a true lover of nature in all its branches, showing equal interest in the setting of a butterfly or mounting the lordly eagle. He was a first-class taxidermist, and one whom many and noted men were glad to call friend; in former days a constant visitor at Walton Hall, where he was always received by ‘ The Squire’ with every mark of friendship ; and many were the hours that Waterton spent in the little red house in King Street, talking on subjects which were dear to the hearts of both; and I don’t think anyone ever spent half an hour with him without coming away feeling that he had added to his knowledge of natural history. After three years of illness he has passed away, leaving in Scarborough a gap which will take some filling in- the hearts of his friends: a gap which never will be filled. As one of the latter I am proud to subscribe these few lines to his memory.—]J. WHITAKER, Rainworth, Notts. ) Naturalist, ee ee L4t THE YORKSHIRE BOULDER COMMITTEE’S SCHEDULE. [| WE have pleasure in reprinting the directions given in the Schedules which are furnished by the Yorkshire Boulder Committee, in order that they may be on permanent record as an indication of thé nature of the work which the Committee is instituted to perform. The Committee for 1887 consists of the following gentlemen :—Prof. A. H. Green, M.A., F.R.S., Leeds, Chairman; Mr. C. D. Hardcastle, Leeds, Vice-Chairman ; Prof. L. C. Miall, F.G.S., Leeds; Rev. E. Maule Cole, M.A., Wetwang ; Mr. J. E. Bedford, Leeds ; Mr. C. Brownridge, Assoc. M.Inst.C.E., F.G.S., Horsforth; Mr. S. Chadwick, Malton; Mr. J. W. Davis, F.G.S., Halifax ; Mr. Ald. John Hill, Morley; Mr. B. Holgate, F.G.S., Hunslet; Mr. Wm. Horne, Leyburn ; Mr. James Spencer, Halifax ; and Mr. Thomas Tate, F.G.S., Leeds ; with Mr. S. A. Adamson, F.G.S., Leeds, as Hon. Sec. | MORNKSHERES NATURALISTS UNION. YORKSHIRE BOULDER COMMITTEE (In connection with the BouLDER COMMITTEE of the BRITISH ASSOCIATION). If there are in your district any (A) IsoLaTeD Erratic BLOCKS or BouLpeErs, or (B) Groups or BoULDERS—z.e., Masses of Rock, evidently transported by natural agency from some locality more or less remote—please return this paper, with answers to the following queries, and also, where possible, a hand-specimen of the rock reported upon, to SamL. A. ADAMSON, F.G.S., Secretary to the Yorkshire Boulder Committee, 52, Wellclose Terrace, Leeds. (A) IsoLatED BOULDERs. Queries.—1. What is name of the parish, estate, and farm, on which Boulder is situated, adding nearest town and county, and any particular enabling its position to be marked on the Ordnance map ? 2. What are dimensions of Boulder, in length, breadth, and height above ground ? 3. Is the Boulder rounded, subangular, or angular ? 4. If the Boulder is long-shaped, and has not been moved by man, what is direction by compass of its longest axis ? 5. If there are any natural ruts, groovings, or striations on Boulder, state— (2) Their length, depth, and number. (0) The part of Boulder striated, viz., whether top or sides. (c) Whether the striations are in the direction of the longer axis, or at what angle to it? | 6. What is the nature of the rock composing the Boulder? If it is of a species of rock differing from any rocks adjoining it, state locality where, from personal observation, you know that a rock of the same nature as the Boulder occurs, the distance of that locality. and its bearings by compass from the Boulder. May 1887. 142 THE YORKSHIRE BOULDER COMMITTEES SCHEDULE. >. If Boulder is known by any popular name, or has any legend connected with it, mention it. S. What is the height of Boulder above the sea? g. Is the Boulder indicated on any map, or does it make any boundary of a county, parish, or estate. to. If there is any photograph or sketch of the Boulder, please say how Committee can obtain it? | tr. Is the Boulder connected with any long ridges of gravel or sand, or is it isolated ? 12. Upon what does the Boulder rest ? (B) Groups oF BOULDERS. Though there may be no one Boulder in your district so remark- able as to deserve description, there may be groups of Boulders. OQueries.—1. What is the name of the parish, estate, or farm on which they are situated, adding the nearest town, and county, and any particular enabling their position to be marked on the Ordnance map? 2. What are the dimensions of the smallest and largest Boulders of the group ? 3. Are the Boulders rounded, subangular, or angular ? 4. If any large Boulder of the group (which has not been moved by man) is long-shaped, what is direction by compass of its longest axis? 5. If there are any natural ruts, groovings, or striations on any Boulder, state— (z) ‘Their lengths, depth, and number. () ‘The parts of the Boulder striated, viz., whether top or sides. (c) Whether the striations are in the direction of the longer axis, or at what angle to it. 6. State (a) localities where rocks undoubtedly of the same nature as the Boulders occur. [Be careful to ascertain that none of the Boulders have been brought from a distance by human agency. | (6) ‘The distances of those localities and their bearings by compass from the Boulders. >. What is the nature of the rocks composing the Boulders ; and in what proportions do the Boulders of the various rocks represented in the group occur ? | 8. What is the height of the group above the sea? g. Over what area does the group extend, and what number of Boulders are there in the group or per acre? to. Are the Boulders exposed on the surface, or are they sur- rounded by any deposit? Add any observations explanatory of the position in which the Boulders are found. Naturalist, 143 THE YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS’ UNION: ANNUAL MEETING AT DEWSBURY. THE twenty-fifth annual meeting, held this year at Dewsbury, on Monday, the 14th March, was a most successful one, thanks to the exertions of the members of the Dewsbury Society. ‘There was a very large attendance of the Members and Associates from all parts of the county. By kind permission of the Committee of the Dewsbury Co-operative Society, rooms in their buildings were placed at the disposal of the Union. ‘The proceedings commenced at 3.30 p.m., when the General Committee met in the Library for the transaction of the Union’s business. The chair was occupied by the President, the Rev. W. H. Dallinger, LL.D., F.R.S., etc., and in addition to the official representatives of thirteen societies, there were present a large proportion of the officers of the Union and the permanent members of the Committee. ‘The minutes of the preceding annual meeting having been read and confirmed, two societies which had made application—the Ackworth School N. H.S., and the Leeds Y. M.C. A. Nat. Club —were unanimously admitted into the Union. The election (also unanimous) as new Members of the Union, of Sie. W. Booth (Leeds); Mr. John HH. Bromley (Leeds), Rey. Canon J. Ingham Brooke, M.A. (Rector of Thornhill), Mr. William Cash, F.G.S. (Halifax), Rev. Robert Fisher, M.A. (Vicar of Sewerby), Mr. F. R. Fitzgerald (Harrogate), Mr. Riley Fortune (Harrogate), Mr. John Gerrard (Wakefield), Mr. Thomas Grant (Pocklington), Mr. Percy H. Grimshaw (Burley-in-Wharfedale), Mr. T. S. Hall (Wetherby), Mr. C. D. Hardcastle (Leeds), Mr. T. H. meson, 1, B-O: Ui. (Redcar), Mr. R. Reynolds, F-C.S. (Leeds), Rev. C. Fullerton (Vicar of Lund), and Mr. Samuel Walker (York)— then took place. It is the privilege of the General Committee to add to its own number ten permanent members, and this privilege was utilised, Messrs. S. H. Bennett (Rotherham), John Braim (Pickering), KE. P. P. Butterfield (Wilsden), John Grassham (Leeds), Percy Lund (Bradford), H. M. Platnauer, B.Sc., A.R.S.M. (York), John Stears (Hull), M. H. Stiles (Doncaster), Edward ‘Vindall (Knapton Hall), and William Whitwell (London), all of them gentlemen to whom the Union has been indebted from time to time—being chosen. The Annual Report was then read, as follows :— 25th ANNUAL REPORT.—The Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union has now existed for a quarter of a century, and it is matter for congratulation that the success which has marked its operations during the past decade still continues unabated, and that the Union—the oldest of its kind in the kingdom—-is at the present time in a flourishing and vigorous condition. Much of this success is attributable to the fact that its executive and its officers have never failed to bear in mind that the May 1887. 144 YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS UNION AT DEWSBURY. primary object of the Union is systematic and persistent investigation directed towards a sound and accurate knowledge of the natural history and the physical features of the county. To the results of these investigations are the transactions exclusively devoted, and to the furtherance of this end the excursions are planned. The Meetings held during the year have been four in number; the places visited being:— Askern, Thursday, 20th May; Flamborough, Whit-Monday, 14th June; Pateley Bridge, Saturday, 17th July; and Pickering, Bank Holiday Monday, 2nd August. [We omit the detailed description of the excursions, which have all been reported in our pages.] On each of these occasions the Union was placed under great obligation to the landed gentry of the county for the kind and generous manner in which its investigations were facilitated and encouraged, and in this connection it is a source of gratification to record that during the whole series of about sixty excursions which have been made during the past decade, there has been but one solitary instance of a refusal to grant the permission applied for. A fifth meeting had been planned for the end of September, to take the form of a Fungus Foray, but an unfortunate clashing of dates with those arranged by the Scottish Cryptogamic Society, and other unforeseen circumstances, rendered it desirable to postpone it for another year, when your Executive have every confidence in its proving a more than ordinarily successful gathering. The Societies which constitute the Union now number 32, being a decrease of two from last year. Two societies—the Rastrick and Brighouse Naturalists’ Society and the Scholes Botanical Society—have severed their connection with the Union by resignation, and two others—the Scarborough Scientific Society and the Selby Naturalists’ Society—are reported as having practically ceased to exist. On the other hand, two strong societies—the Cleveland Naturalists’ Club with 61, and the Harrogate Naturalists’ Society with 54 members—have been admitted, and it may be observed that applications have been received from two other societies for admission for the coming year. The statistics which the secretaries of the various local societies have been good enough to furnish in accordance with precedent show that the number of associates 1s now 1,915, which, added to the members, makes a total for the Union of 2,290 members and associates. The Membership of the Union, as distinguished from that of the local societies it includes, stands at about the same figure as last year, 375. With the view of facilitating an increase, a nomination-form has been printed on the blank page of the circular of the present annual meeting, and it is hoped that this will be extensively used. The number of members is not as large as it ought to be for so important a county or as the utility of the researches undertaken by the Union demands, and the Executive would be glad to have assistance from all who feel interested in promoting the work for which the Union exists, in raising the qyumber of members to a considerably higher figure than that at which it now stands. Finance.—The financial statement will show that the position of the Union is in a sound and healthy condition. The Local Treasurers have proved themselves to be, as in former years, a much valued help to the Central Executive, in giving members a convenient method of discharging their obligations to the Union, and the best thanks of the Union are due to these gentlemen. The Publications of the Union have been as heretofore. The Transactions.—Part 9, referred to in the last report, has been issued to the members, and Part Io is in the printer’s hands. It will contain some instalments of the lists of Yorkshire Birds, Coleoptera, and Mollusca, of more than usual interest and value. Lees’ West Riding Flora.—In accordance with agreement, the manuscript and copyright of the West Riding. Flora were placed in the hands of the Union by its author last April. The manuscript was immediately put in the printer's hands. The work of correcting the proofs has been actively proceeded with during the year, and is now drawing near a conclusion. Circulars asking for subscriptions to the book will shortly be issued, and it is expected that the Flora itself—which will extend to more that 600 pages, and which includes lists, Naturalist YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS’ UNION AT DEWSBURY. 145 not only of the flowering plants, but of all the cryptogams, and chapters on lithology and climatology, with a map, will be published during the course of the spring or early summer. Sections.—The work of the various sections has been carried on during the year with the same amount of energy and success as heretofore, and the Union is indebted to its sectional officers for much of the success of the various meetings. A new section has been added to the list, for the investigation of forms of life, both animal and vegetable, which need the use of the microscope as an adjunct to their study. Relief will thus be afforded to the Botanical section (by whom much good work has always been done in this direction) and to the various zoological sections under whose cognizance these lower forms formerly came. Committees of Research.—During the past few months steps have been taken for stimulating systematic research into specific subjects, with the result that proposals will be brought before the General Committee this day for the appoint- ment of a Yorkshire Boulder Committee and a Yorkshire Marine Zoology Com- mittee. The former is intended to co-operate with and assist the committee appointed by the British Association for the purpose of recording the distribution and occurrence of boulders and erratic blocks; while the latter will have for its object the organisation of means for ascertaining the forms of animal life which inhabit the Yorkshire coast and neighbouring seas, a vast field of inquiry in which so far there is but little on record. Both subjects are such as cannot be dealt with at the excursions, and which need special attention. British Association.—At the meeting of the British Association.the Union was officially represented, the delegate being this year the Rev. E. Ponsonby Knubley. The Library of the Union has been very largely increased by donations, some of them of very considerable importance. Particular mention should be made of a valuable donation from Mr. Basil T. Woodd, of Conyngham Hall near Knares- borough, of a set of 27 volumes of the ‘ Zoologist,’ and to him the thanks of the Union have been presented. The growing extent of the Union’s Library has engaged the attention of your Executive, who have had pleasure in appointing Mr. Charles Brownridge to act as Librarian, and it will be proposed that the General Committee henceforth add to the list of general officers an honorary librarian, with a seat on the executive. The books and other property of the Union are deposited in a room at the Leeds Mechanics’ Institute, by the kindness of the Committee of the Institute, to whom the Union are also under great obligation for allowing Executive meetings to be held in their Board-room free of charge. The Executive will be pleased to receive donations of suitable books, especially such as bear upon the objects and investigations which the Union exists to facilitate ; and particularly of copies of works and papers published or written by its members. The Secretariate.— Your Executive have had under consideration the considerable amount of labour which has of late fallen upon your Honorary Secretaries in respect of the management of the Union’s business and the editorial supervision of its publications, and have decided to recommend to the General Committee the appointment of two Assistant Secretaries, for which posts two occupants have been found in the persons of Messrs. Percy H. Grimshaw and W. Cecil Scott, both of Leeds. The Presidency.— Your Executive have offered the Presidency for the coming year to Sir Ralph Payne-Gallwey, Bart., of Thirkleby Park, near Thirsk, a resident in the county and well known through his publications as a keen and highly-accomplished field-naturalist. The post has been accepted by him, and the Union is thus again fortunate in securing for its President a gentleman in whose hands the dignity of the office will be as worthily maintained as it has been by his distinguished predecessors. ‘The audited Balance Sheet was then presented, and showed the | Union to be in a very satisfactory condition. After discussion the report and balance sheet were adopted, on the motion of Dr. H. C. Sorby, F.R.S., seconded by Mr. John Emmet, F.L.S. - May 1887. L 146 YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS’ UNION AT DEWSBURY. The Excursion programme for 1887 was then resolved upon, as follows :— Saltburn ; Whit-Monday, 3oth May. Thirkleby Park, for Gormire Lake (by invitation of the new President) ; July (date to be afterwards arranged). Sedbergh ; Bank Holiday Monday, Ist August. Welton Vale; Saturday, 27th August. Fungus Foray ; at Leeds, in September. Proceeding to the election of officers for 1887, it was first resolved to create the office of Hon. Librarian, with an ex-officio seat on the Executive. It was then announced that Sir R. Payne-Gallwey, Bart., M.B.O.U., etc., had accepted the offer of the presidency which had been made to him. The two retiring Hon. Secretaries (Messrs. W. Denison Roebuck, F.L.S., and W. Eagle Clarke, F.L.S., both of Leeds), were re-elected ; and Messrs. Percy H. Grimshaw (Burley-in- Wharfedale) and W. Cecil Scott (Leeds) were chosen as Hon. Assistant Secretaries ; and Mr. Charles Brownridge, Assoc.M. Inst.C.E., F.G.S., as Hon. Librarian. The Rev. W. Fowler, M.A. (Liversedge), and Messrs. J. W. Davis, F.S.A. (Halifax), G. C. Dennis (York), John Emmet, F.L.S. (Boston Spa), C. P. Hobkirk, F.L.S. (Dewsbury), B. Holgate, F.G.S. (Leeds), H. T. Soppitt (Bradford), and J. J. Stead ( Heckmondwike), retiring members of the Executive, were re-elected, and Messrs. S. A. Adamson, F.G.S. (Leeds), and W.:Cash, F.G:S. (Halifax), were chosen for the two remaining seats on the Executive. Messrs. J. E. Bedford and C. D. Hardcastle were chosen Auditors. It was then resolved to appoint a Yorkshire Boulder Committee, to co-operate with and assist the Boulder Committee of the British Association, “with ~Prof. .A:.H, Green, M.A; FoOR-S7(iceeds),sas Chairman, and Mr. S. A. Adamson, F.G.S. (Leeds), as Secretary. It was also resolved to appoint a Committee to promote investi- gations into the Marine Zoology of the Yorkshire coast, with Dr. H. C. Sorby, F.R.S. (Sheffield), as Chairman, and Mr. W. Eagle Clarke, F.L.S. (Leeds), as Secretary. A resolution was then proposed by Mr. J. W. Addyman, B.A. (Leeds), requesting the Executive to consider the constitution of the <;eneral Committee, with a view of securing the due representation of all classes of members of the Union thereon. ‘This was accepted on behalf of the Executive and voted. The General Committee then adjourned. The sections thereupon met and elected their officers as follows :— Vertebrate Zoology.— Rev. E. Ponsonby Knubley, M.A., M. Bb. Staveley Rectory, president; Mr. James Backhouse, junr., M.B York, secretary (re-elected). Conchology.—kRev. W. C. Hey, M.A., York, president ; Messrs. J. D. Butterell, Beverley, and John Emmet, I°.L.S., Boston Spa, secretaries (all re-elected). Olu 5 5O-e Naturalist, NOTES AND NEWS. 147 Entomology.— Mr. F. N. Dobrée, Beverley, president (re-elected); Messrs. G. C. Dennis (re-elected) and S. Walker, both of York, secretaries. Botany.— Mr. F. Arnold Lees, Heckmondwike, president; Mr. P. F. Lee, Dewsbury, and M. B. Slater, Malton, secretaries (both re-elected), Geology.—Rev. E. Maule Cole, M.A., Wetwang, president; Messrs. S. A. Adamson, F.G.S., Leeds, and S. Chadwick, Malton, secretaries (all re- elected). Micro-Zoology and Botany.—Dr. H.C. Sorby, F.R.S., Sheffield, president ; Mr. J. M. Kirk, Doncaster, secretary (both re-elected). Afterwards tea was served in the Wesleyan School-room in Wellington Road, and at 7 p.m. the Annual Public Meeting of the Members and Associates was held in the Industrial Hall, when there was a very large attendance. ‘The chair was taken by the president, Dr. Dallinger, who, after the annual report had been read and the excursion programme announced for the benefit of the members generally, delivered the annual address. He took for his subject, ‘ My latest Lenses, and their most recent Work,’ and the lecture was illustrated by a large number of lantern-slides. During the delivery of the address the chair was occupied by Mr. C. P. Hobkirk, F.L.S., president of the Dewsbury Naturalists’ Society. A vote to the president was adopted on the motion of Dr. Sorby, seconded by the Mayor of Dewsbury (Mr. Ald. ‘T. B, Fox); and afterwards a similar compliment to Mr. Hobkirk and the Dewsbury Society, on the proposition of Dr. Dallinger and the Rev. W. Fowler. | : In connection with the visit of the Union to Dewsbury, the local society had organized an excellent conversazione, which engaged the attention of the members and friends for the remainder of the evening. ‘This included a grand display of more than fifty microscopes, numerous stereoscopes, collections of agates, plants, shells, minerals, coins, birds’ eggs, photographs, etc. Among the more special exhibits, Dr. Sorby showed a series of his own drawings of river and coast scenery in East Anglia, and a fine series of some of the most exquisite drawings of lepidopterous larve by the late William Buckler, which are to be published by the Ray Society. NOTES AND NEWS. We are very pleased to see the evidence of scientific vigour in Thirsk, as evidenced firstly by the successful establishment of the Thirsk and District Naturalists’ Field Club, which held its first annual meeting on the 4th of April, and secondly by the appearance of Zhe Falcon, a well-written and eminently useful monthly periodical of local information of all kinds. We note that local natural history and the proceedings of the natural history societies in the North Riding of Yorkshire occupy a fair share of the attention of the conductor of Zhe Falcon, which thoroughly deserves appreciation and success. May 1887. 148 BOOK NOTICES. The Coleoptera of the British Isles. By the Rev. W. W Fowler, M.A., F.L.S. Vol. I: Adephaga — Hydrophilide. Svo. London L..Reeve & Co. 18387. Probably no branch of entomology has a better claim to popu- larity than the study of British Beetles; for Beetles possess, in a marked degree, three characteristics dear to every collector. They possess great beauty of form and colouring (be not incredulous, ye haters of all creeping things!) ; they are easily preserved, and that without losing their graceful shapes or bright colours ; and they may be collected at all seasons of the year, and in all kinds of localities. Break the ice of the pond in January and put in your net, and you will find Beetles in it; beat the leafing trees and blooming hedges in spring, and Beetles fall from them; sweep the densé-grown banks or the clover fields in midsummer, and Beetles will swarm in your net ; shake the mosses and fallen leaves and damp fungi in autumn, and Beetles will come tumbling out, often in myriads. On the dry, sandy shore, in the crevices of the sea-cliffs, under almost every stone, in seaweed, rotten stump, fresh dung, dead sheep, decaying hedgehog (magnificent climax !), beetles, beetles everywhere ! And yet, with all these advantages to recommend the study of Beetles, British coleopterists have hitherto remained few in number. And this melancholy state of affairs is in a great measure to be explained by the fact that whereas good books in most branches of sclence swarm, no manual on British Beetles—at once handy, com- plete, and scientific—has hitherto existed. Stephens has long been obsolete ; Rye’s little book, charming in its way, is no more than a mere introductory treatise on the subject; while Cox’s ‘ Handbook of Coleoptera’ (welcome as it has been for lack of something better) is a disappointing production. | His system of description appears easy, but in practice too often utterly breaks down, while the almost total lack of habitats and localities creates one of those vacuums which both nature and her true votaries alike abhor. Hence the first instalment of Mr. Fowler’s new work on the British Coleoptera will certainly be received with open arms by every entomologist, for it supplies a crying want, and promises, moreover, to supply it exceedingly well. | | The general system of the book is excellent. A short synopsis of each genus is first given, to facilitate the naming of specimens, but the danger of relying too much on such an artificial system is fully Naturalist, BOOK NOTICES. 149 recognised, and a complete description of each species follows. The ‘dichotomous’ system will never prove a success in such a branch of science as the Coleoptera, though in dealing with some genera it is very useful. The author has given great attention to those two most important subjects—habitats and localities. Since the distribution of species has at last begun to receive the attention it demands, all scientific entomologists have come to regard specimens without localities as only a degree removed from specimens without legs; and no work which did not pay due regard to distribution could in these days expect or deserve a favourable reception. For our own part, we should not have been sorry if a slight hint as to the extra-British distribution of each species had also been given—as is done, for example, in Hooker's ‘ Student's Flora’: but no doubt the author was frightened of swelling the bulk of his volumes, while it is also doubtful how far sufficient materials are at hand to give such an addition a very high value. The study of the distribution of species has thrown such great light upon some of the greatest problems of science that it is really impossible to overrate its importance or exaggerate its interest. Mr. Fowler has given, it is clear, very close attention to the question of classification—a most vexed one—in this particular branch of entomology. It is not probable that any system finally acceptable to the scientific world can be put forward with our present materials. Our author seems to have acted with great judgment both in this matter of classification and also in that of nomen- clature, accepting such changes as were clearly improvements or corrections, and rejecting all such as had less cogent recommenda- tions. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, and those who come fresh to the study of the Coleoptera will perhaps be the best judges of the value of Mr. Fowler’s book as an aid to their work ; but they must not find fault with it if they are often puzzled and mistaken in the identification of their specimens. The book does not call itself ‘the Study of the Coleoptera made Easy; or a Simple Guide to Naming Beetles”—-no book bearing such a title ever will, or ever can, be published. We hope these volumes will encourage very many to take up a most delightful and most neglected study, but let them obtain their first general ideas, if possible, from sight of a good collection, or, at any rate, get their first captures named by a com- petent entomologist. Then they may find themselves in a position to use with profit this much needed and admirable work upon the British Coleoptera.—W. C. Hey. May 1887. 150 BOOK NOTICES. The Origin of Mountain Ranges, considered Experimentally, Struc- turally, Dynamically, and in Relation to their Geological History. By T. Mellard Reade, C.E., F.G.S., F.R.I.B.A. 1886, London. 8vo, xviii and 359 pp. and xlii plates. The well-known ex-President of the Liverpool Geological Society must be congratulated on the boldness of conception and thorough- ness of treatment evinced in this his latest contribution to dynamical geology. He brings to bear upon this much-vexed problem, or series of problems, the experience of a civil engineer as well as the observation of a geologist, and applies the test of numbers to his speculations whenever such a check is possible. The author does not enter very fully into the theories held by most writers on the subject of mountain ranges. For a good historical review of the question we may consult Professor Heim’s great work Mechanismus der Gebirgsbildung, which is also the best exponent of the current theory ascribing the phenomena of mountain-building to lateral crushing of the earth’s crust, caused by the secular contraction of the interior. The inner portion of the globe is constantly losing heat and therefore contracting, while the exterior probably suffers little or no diminution of temperature. Accordingly the interior of the earth must shrink away from the crust, and the weight of the latter will produce in it enormous tangential or lateral thrusts, resulting in local yielding by compression, folding, and upheaval. Mr. Mellard Reade regards this theory as inadequate to explain the appearances seen in mountain ranges, and offers an entirely different hypothesis. He begins by pointing out the variability of temperature actually observed in the earth’s crust. The rise of temperature with increasing depth varies from 1° F. in 28:1 feet to 1° in 157°2 feet, and there is every reason to suppose that the rate at any given spot is subject to variation. Assuming an average rise of 1 F. for every 60 feet, the temperature at a depth of 30 miles would probably be approaching the melting point of surface rocks; but owing to the immense pressure the rocks would not be fused. In supposing the globe to be solid throughout, the author is in accord with the physicists and, perhaps, the majority of geologists. He, however, allows to the rocks at this and greater depths that power of slowly changing form or ‘flowing’ under unequal strains which has been so much discussed under the name of ‘ plasticity.’ After some experiments on sheets of metal and blocks of stone, showing that variations of temperature may produce permanent deformations, we come, in Chapters V and VI, to a consideration of the principal geological phenomena associated with mountain ranges. Naturalist, BOOK NOTICES. 151 Here, as elsewhere in the volume, the illustrations are drawn largely from the valuable publications of the United States Government, but the mountain systems of the Old World and of South America are also discussed. ‘The point chiefly urged is that the upheaval of a mountain range has always been preceded by the deposition of a great thickness of sediment over the area in question. This is the starting point of the author’s theory. Babbage, in 1834, showed that the addition of sediment to any part of the earth’s crust must cause a rising of the isogeotherms in the portion of the crust immediately below, or, in other words, must raise the tempera- ture of the subjacent rocks and cause them to expand. The author points out that since lateral expansion would be impossible, folding would ensue, and the whole of the expansion would take effect up- wards. ‘The vertical expansion of the mass would therefore be about three times that due to a mere linear expansion as calculated by Babbage. ‘The author develops this theory, showing how the deep- seated rocks would ‘flow’ laterally and vertically, being forced up- ward by their expansion, and lifting the newer rocks above them: These latter would undergo but little vicissitude of temperature, and would be subjected to a stretching action owing to the thrust from below. This force would take effect along lines of weakness, the axes of anticlinals, and the arched strata would be continually drawn out at the expense of their thickness as the lower rocks were forced up into the loops of the folds. According to this view, the calcula- tions that have been made to determine the amount of lateral com< pression undergone by such a district as the Alps would be fallacious, since they assume the original length of the strata to be the same as their present length measured over all the folds. Reversed faults are ascribed by the author to the same compressive forces as the folds and flexures ; normal faults to a subsequent contraction and _ partial settling of the district. In Chapter IX the author examines his theory with the help of numerical data, taking for the expansion of the rocks the mean result of his own experiments, viz., 2°77 feet fer mile for a rise Of 100° F. He then attempts to show that the ‘secular contraction’ theory breaks down under numerical tests. The author next proceeds to apply his hypothesis in detail to explain the characteristic features of mountain structure, beginning with the evidences of repeated compression in the Archean or Pre- Cambrian rocks. We note a leaning towards what may be called the Archzan heresy, when he expresses the opinion that the occurrence of gneiss and ‘true schist’ in great masses 1s przma facte evidence that they are older than the oldest Paleozoic rocks. May 1887. 152 BOOK NOTICES. Chapter XVI contains descriptions of some very interesting examples of contortions in bedded rocks, illustrated by numerous plates. These include the contorted Carboniferous Limestone of Draughton, Yorkshire, the folded Silurian beds of Wigtonshire and of Aberystwith, and the curiously contorted schists or ‘gnarled beds’ of Anglesey. The author inclines to regard these last as Archean, as claimed by Dr. Hicks and Dr. Callaway (the citation of Professor Hughes’ name in this connection must be an oversight); and he agrees with these geologists, in opposition to Sir A. Ramsay, in regarding the foliation as indicative of bedding. In any case these rocks afford striking instances of the various ways in which a rock- mass may yield to lateral pressure. The next succeeding chapters deal with the various types of mountain structure exhibited in the Western States of America, and so ably deciphered and described by the surveyors ; these confirm the author’s theory of the formation of folds by ‘compressive extension.’ The author goes on to consider the connection between vulcanism and mountain building. He finds the source of the volcanic ejecta- menta in the intensely heated and expanding plastic rocks, which on approaching sufficiently near to the surface, become fluid by relief of pressure, and may be forced out as lavas. ‘The author quotes the general conclusion arrived at by Captain Dutton from his extensive study of the volcanic rocks of the High Plateaux of Utah: ‘ Volcanic phenomena are brought about by a local increase of temperature within certain subterranean horizons.’ The larger bendings of the earth’s crust, involving the elevation and subsidence of extensive regions, are ascribed to fluctuations of temperature in portions of the deep-seated interior far below the thirty-mile zone; but it is not made very clear that any adequate cause exists for internal changes of temperature, other than the uniform secular cooling which is usually held to account for the movements in question. The author suggests chemical recombinations, and also the removal of matter from the interior by discharges of lava; but changes of level are now in progress in such countries as Scandinavia, where no volcanoes have existed for long periods. The author next shows that evidence of lateral movement is not con- fined to highly plicated rocks, quoting in illustration his own observa- tions on the Trias of Cheshire, etc., where approximately horizontal slickensides attest more or less movement in a lateral direction. Chapter XXIV deals with slaty cleavage and foliation. It was long ago shown by Mr. Sharpe that rocks which possess the charac- teristic structure of slaty cleavage have experienced a lateral com- pression of their mass, in the direction perpendicular to the cleavage Naturalist, BOOK NOTICES. 153 planes, with usually some expansion along the cleavage-planes in the direction of their dip. This compression has effected either a flattening of the individual fragments constituting the rock, or, as shown by Dr. Sorby, a re-arrangement of flat or elongated fragments into positions nearly perpendicular to the compression, z.¢., parallel to what are now cleavage-planes. This peculiarity of internal struc- ture gives the rocks their tendency to split into parallel plates quite independent of any original lamination. This simple theory of cleavage, which attributes it to the effect of lateral compression (not merely lateral pressure), explains the fact, originally noticed by Sedgwick, that the general strike of the cleavage-planes in a district is parallel to the main axes of disturbance. Mr. Mellard Reade, however, laying stress on the fact that the cleavage is found to be unaffected by, and therefore posterior to, the flexures of the rocks, seems inclined, like Mr. Fisher, to refer the structure to ‘a constantly- sustained pressure for long periods and an after-relief.’ To our mind the actual lateral compression of the rocks to a considerable extent is proved by the distortion of the included fossils, and Prof. Haughton has calculated the amount of compression in a number of cases from measurements of their distorted forms. The origin of foliation is a much more debatable question. The author apparently believes that foliation is superinduced in the rocks upon pre-existing structural planes—bedding, cleavage, or fluxion-surfaces due to pressure. He omits to notice the evidence obtained in recent years in Saxony. Norway, Austria, and America, besides Sutherland and Cornwall. that foliation may be produced in crystalline rocks by crushing or ‘flowing’ caused by mechanical forces. The next chapter treats of earthquakes, which are here supposed to be due to sudden horizontal expansion or contraction, or to deeper-seated cubical contraction to which the overlying rocks can adjust themselves only by subsidence. It is remarked that those countries suffer most from earthquakes in which the newest deposits are best developed. The remainder of the volume is devoted chiefly to working out the general theory already indicated. The author regards mountain- making as a slow process, accomplished by repeated expansions and contractions of the underlying rocks. We think he does not succeed in accounting very satisfactorily for the characteristic linear, or at least axial, structure of mountain ranges ; nor, again, in establishing their permanence, for we should expect as a logical complement to his theory, that denudation would have the effect of lowering the isogeotherms in the subjacent portion of the crust, and so causing contraction and subsidence. 154 NOTES AND NEWS. A chapter is devoted to speculations on the future of mountain building ; another traces concisely the physical and geological history of the British Isles as contained in the ‘record of the rocks’; and the book concludes with a short summary of the author’s theory. Whatever degree of adhesion one may be prepared to give to Mr. Mellard Reade’s propositions—and perhaps we should apologise for criticising them at all on the strength of so brief an abstract—the reader cannot fail to be interested in the great questions broached, and to admire the ingenuity with which the leading principles are followed into their various applications. The plates, both original and reproductions, are well chosen and well executed, and the explanations of them are clear.—A.H. <2 SE elo od Reviews of several books must perforce stand over, including one of Mr. Ridgway’s ‘ Colour,’ of which we shall have occasion to write in terms of high appreciation, a notice of the second edition of Mr. H. B. Woodward’s ‘ Geology of England and Wales,’ and of Mr. Saunders’ new ‘ List of British Birds.’ NOTES AND NEWS. With reference to the paragraph from the G/oée newspaper, as quoted in the April number of the Vaturalist, p. 115, it may amuse some of our readers to learn that the mysterious Lincolnshire bird was—as we hear from Mr. Cordeaux—- a young Gannet, in the dark and spotted plumage. poo —__— It will be of interest to many readers to know that the Folk-Lore Society include in their publications such works as one on the Folk-Lore and Provincial Names of Birds, from the pen of the Rev. C. Swainson, which appeared a year or two ago. poo The Elizabeth Thompson Science Fund, established by Mrs. Elizabeth Thomp- son, of Stamford, Connecticut, ‘ for the advancement and prosecution of scientific research in its broadest sense,’ now amounts to $25,000. As accumulated income is again available, the trustees desire to receive applications for appropriations in aid of scientific work. This endowment is not for the benefit of any one department of science, but it is the intention of the trustees to give the preference to those investigations which casnot otherwise be provided for, which have for their object the advancement of human knowledge or the benefit of mankind in general, rather than to researches directed to the solution of questions of merely local importance. Applications for assistance from this fund should be accompanied by a full state- ment of the nature of the investigation, of the conditions under which it is to be prosecuted, and of the manner in which the appropriation asked for is te be expended. The applications should be forwarded to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Dr. C. S. Minot, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass., U.S.A. The new grants will probably be made in May, 1887. The following grants have been made:—%200 to the New England Meteorological Society for the investi- gation of cyclonic movements in New England; S150 to Samuel Rideal, of University College, London, England, for investigations on the absorption of heat by odorous gases ; $75 to H. M. Howe, of Boston, Mass., for the investigation of fusible slags of copper and lead smelting ; $500 to Prof. J. Rosenthal, of Erlangen, Germany, for investigations on animal -heat in health and disease; 50 to Joseph Jastrow, of the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md., for investigations on the laws of psycho-physics. Naturalist, LANCASHIRE LAND AND FRESHWATER MOLLUSCA. Re STANDEN, M.C.S., Swerzton, near Manchester. I CORDIALLY agree with Mr. Geo. Roberts in his remarks in the number of this Journal for June 1886, as to the desirability of a fuller account of the Mollusca of the county being compiled than has hitherto been published. I feel sure if all our Lancashire conchologists would set to work with a will, and give us the results of their investigations, our knowledge of the Molluscan Fauna of this large county would be considerably increased. Mr. Dyson’s work on the ‘Shells of the Manchester District’ (published 1850) is a capital little manual in its way, but in relation to the whole of the county his details of local distribution are of necessity somewhat incomplete, and very many of the localities he gives have been blotted out by the encroach- ments of the builder and other causes. ‘The co-operation of con- chologists in working remote or little known localities is to be desired, and would certainly lead to tangible results. In conjunction with my friend, Mr. W. H. Heathcote, of Preston, we are endeavouring to become more fully acquainted with the Land and Freshwater Shells of North, South, and West Lancashire, and so far we have ascertained several localities, not given in Dyson’s List, for some of the rarer species and varieties. Mr. F. C. Long, of Burnley, has kindly placed in my hands his list of Shells collected in East Lancashire, and sent me specimens of the various species collected by him; while Messrs. R. D. Darbishire and T. Rogers, of Manchester, and others, have also very willingly placed their notes and observa- tions at my disposal, and I am indebted to these gentlemen for the valuable assistance they have rendered in helping to make the list more complete. Quotations and localities copied from their lists are indicated by their initials immediately following. I have also added extracts from Mr. David Dyson’s List of 1850, and from that com- piled by Mr. John Hardy in 1865. With one or two exceptions, every locality given—other than those copied from the above-named lists—has been visited by myself and Mr. Heathcote in company during the past three years, and we have to acknowledge the kind aid of Messrs. J. W. Taylor, T. D. A. and S. C. Cockerell, F. G. Fenn, and B. Tomlin, in determining varieties of which we were somewhat doubtful. May 1887. 156 R. STANDEN: LAND AND FRESHWATER MOLLUSCA. Spherium corneum L. More or less common in almost every sheet of water examined. Very fine in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Hesketh Bank, at Birch, Prestwich, Newsham, Goosnargh, and Farrington. Canal, Burnley (F.C.L.). ‘Pits in Moss-lane, Greenheys. ‘These are the only pits in the neighbourhood that I am acquainted with containing the true Cyclas cornea’ (Dyson's List, 1850). ‘ Pits, common ; very fine in pits at Seedley and Chorlton-cum- Hardy’ (Hardy’s List, 1865). I am sure that the occurrence in 1841-46 was never abundant (R.D.D.). var. flavescens Macgill. Occurs in ponds at. Newsham, Redscar, Penwortham, and in the canal at Burnley (1*.C.L.). var. nucleus Stud. Three specimens from pond at Worsley. var. pisidioides Gray. Pond at Clayton, near Manchester CIR): Spherium rivicola Leach. Remarkably fine, and locally abundant, in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at ‘Tarleton ; also in the same canal at Burnley (F.C.L.). ‘Bolton Canal. Canal at Reddish’ (Hardy’s List, 1865). ‘ Plentiful in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Burnley’ (Dyson’s List, 1850). It is curious that Dyson did not find this shell near Man- chester. I recollect exulting in finding it for the first time about 1860 in the Gorton Canal. I never saw it in 1841-46. At that time the canal at Warrington was our nearest locality (R.D.D.). Spherium lacustre Miill. Abundant in canai at Tarleton, in ponds at Birch, and less common at Goosnargh, Crossens, Newsham, and Drinkwater Park, Prestwich. Pond near Burnley (F.C.L..). ‘Canals, pits, etc., throughout the entire district: Very plentiful and variable’ (Hardy’s List, 1865). ‘Found a little above St. Luke’s Church, Cheetham Hill, in a pit in the hollow of Clarke’s Fields, on the right-hand side of the footpath leading to Blackley. It is also found in some pits behind the Bull and Punchbowl, on the Stretford Road, just below the Botanical Gardens ; and in the mud of the pits adjoining Ordsail Clough. ‘There are a few in the Nine Pits, Chorlton Fields, of a transparent bluish colour. These are among the rarest shells in this neighbourhood’ (Dyson’s List, 1850). | In 1841-46 this species was a scarce one, and a prize, though to be found over a good range south of the town, in pits amongst the rushes and grass roots (R.D.D.). Naturalist, R. STANDEN: LAND AND FRESHWATER MOLLUSCA. LS 7: Dyson also describes this species under the name of Cyclas calyculata Yenyns, and says it is ‘Found in almost every pit in this neighbourhood.’ He further adds, ‘ Gray places this species as a variety of C. /acustris; 1 have often found this shell with Cyclas cornea, in ponds where there has not been a single specimen of C. /acustris, when C. cornea has been in abundance, and C. calyculata the same ; therefore, I should think it is more likely to be a variety of C. cornea than C. lacustris, and am of opinion that there is sufficient reason to consider it a distinct species.’ var. brochoniana Bourg. Very abundant, fine, and beautifully clean in ponds at Penwortham, Farrington, and near Lumb Colhery, Clifton. Type absent in each locality, but Spr. corneum very abundant. 1866: Pond at Cheetwood (T.R.). Spherium ovale kér. Mr. F. C. Long has sent me fine ‘dead shells’ of this species, taken by him from mud thrown out by the dredger in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, near Burnley. Canal at Pendleton (T.R.). ‘Bolton Canal’ (Hardy’s List, 1865). ‘Found by Mr. T. Kelsall.’ Very fine in a lodge used for condensing steam near Gorton. My first find, May 1860, was considered a fine find, and new. The shell was soon found along the canal to Stockport and Hatherlow, and in other cotton canals (R.D.D.). Pisidium amnicum Miill. Plentiful in canal at Tarleton. A-VISIT TO CHILEINGHAM PARK. 233 os Mr. Hindmarsh, in 1838, says :— ‘No sight could be more beautiful than they were when we saw them retreating in regular order into their forest sanctuary. Their perfect, symmetry, pure white colour, and fine crescent horns, render them, when moving in a body, a very imposing object. When they calve they hide the young for a week or ten days, and if any person should happen to approach the hiding-place, the calves clap their heads close to the ground and lie in form like a hare.’ Lord Ossulton, in 1850, says :-— ‘It is not always safe to approach within sight or smell when the cows are rearing the calves, as they will then assume the offensive against an intruder without hesitation.’ In 1873 Mr. Chandos-Pole-Gell, and Mr. Booth of Warlaby, visited Chillingham ; the former gentleman remarks :— ‘As far as I could judge their form bore most resemblance to the unimproved Yorkshire Cow of former days, on a smaller scale; but this especially struck me in the shape of the hind-quarters, which I thought were long in proportion to the size of the animal. The hair also seemed somewhat similar to shorthorn cattle, and this opinion was further confirmed by Sir E. Landseer’s pictures at the Castle. I have sometimes seen Black Welsh Cattle not unlike the Chillingham breed, and the horns in this case were finished in the same way, but not set on the head in the same peculiar manner,— as if they were constantly expecting an attack from some enemy! In these opinions Mr. Booth concurred.’ Numerous stories are told of the fierce nature of the Cattle, and the hair-breadth escapes and accidents in connection with the shooting and trapping of the animals. On one occasion Lord Ossulton went on horseback to give the quietus to a Bull which had been shot at, and, it was supposed, mortally wounded. The animal charged furiously at him, and before the horse could be turned round, he was gored and disembowelled ; he galloped away for some distance, and then fell dead. Lord Ossulton himself was in great danger from the enraged Bull, but, fortunately, the attendants attracted the beast’s attention to themselves, and his lordship made good his escape. ‘The Death of the Bull,’ a picture painted by Sir E. Landseer, now in the dining-room of the Castle, represents an encounter which nearly proved fatal to one of the park-keepers, who had trapped a Bull which charged at the fence and nearly got _ through, when it was confronted by the man and his dog; the Bull rushed at them, tossed the keeper into the air, and commenced to gore him with its formidable horns; another keeper ran to the Castle for Lord Ossulton’s assistance, and he was soon on the scene Aug. 1887. 234 NOTES AND NEWS. with his dog ‘ Bran,” which immediately assailed the Bull and tore at his heels, thus drawing his attention from the wounded man, whom, meanwhile, his rescuers contrived to assist into a cart. The man had five ribs broken, and, when he had been taken to a place of safety, the rescuing party returned to the Bull, and fired at it from behind a fence, but it was not until six or seven bullets entered the animal’s head (one of them passing through his eye) that he fell dead. During the whole time it never flinched or changed its ground, merely shaking its head on receiving the shots. In addition to the foregoing incidents, Mitchie told us of several encounters and adventures with the Cattle, which occurred at various times during his keepership ; and he also gave us a graphic descrip- tion of the Prince of Wales’s visit to Chillingham in 1872, when His Royal Highness shot the ‘ King Bull’ from the cover of a hay cart. We left the park by the southern boundary, after a most enjoyable and memorable visit to this romantic spot, and returned to Bamborough well pleased with our excursion. The illustration is from a sketch made by my friend Mr. Wm. Woodhouse, of Morecambe, based upon some of Mr. Green’s fine photographs. RRR ee Obituary. Thomas Wilson.—Many readers will deeply regret to learn of the death of Thomas Wilson, of Holgate, York, which occurred on the 17th April, aged 51 years. He was one of the oldest of the York entomologists, having been a collector of lepidoptera for over thirty years. His attention, however, was chiefly given of late years to the Tenthredinidz, of which he leaves a good collection. His contributions to the Vatzralist were numerous, and he was engaged up toa short time of his death with a list of the Macro- and Micro-Lepidoptera of York and district. He leaves a widow and five children.—SAML. WALKER. NOTES AND (NEWS: At the annual meeting of the Leeds Geological Association held on the 16th June, the report showed that an eminently practical and successful year had been passed through. The roll of members had advanced in numbers most remarkably, being about 60 per cent. higher than at this period last year. This was accounted for in several ways. The excellence of the papers and lectures given by experienced geologists in the session just closed no doubt resulted in a vast. amount of practical knowledge being received ; the field excursions, ten in number, have been very popular, as shown by the large attendance, which has been more than double that of last session. These excursions in the field are the backbone of any geological association, and knowing this, the council have paid special attention to this branch of work. These excursions have all been under the careful direction of geologists well acquainted with the districts visited, and thus the information received and the experience gained has been of the utmost value. The second issue of the Transactions met with a good reception from kindred societies and geologists, and to this publication may be attributed much of the success the Association is achieving. The election of the Executive for the ensuing year resulted as follows :—President, C. D. Hardcastle (re-elected) ; Vice-Presidents, J. E. Bedford, T. W. Bell, Wm. Cheetham, and B. Holgate, F.G.S.; Treasurer, J. H. Bromley; Librarian, C. Brownridge, F.G.S.; Council, Professor Green, F-R.S., C. Brownridge, F.G.S.,-W. .-Gill, Ald. John Hull, and E> Hawkes= worth ; Auditors, W. Denison Roebuck, F.L.S., and A. E. Nichols; Secretary, S. A. Adamson, F.G.S., 52, Wellclose Terrace, Leeds (re-elected fourth time). Naturalist, 239 YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS AT GORMIRE LAKE AND THIRKLEBY PARK. THE second excursion of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union for the year 1887 was held, in response to the special invitation of the President, Sir Ralph Payne-Gallwey, Bart., at Gormire Lake and at his fine seat at Thirkleby Park. The weather throughout the day was of the brilliantly fine character which has prevailed throughout June and July, and the resultant very dry condition of the ground was unfavourable to some branches of research, and equally favourable to others. Nearly all the members and associates who had possessed themselves of the President’s invitation to dinner, about 120 in number, arrived at Thirsk Junction Station between nine and ten o’clock in the forenoon. Here conveyances were in readiness for all who had ordered seats beforehand from Mr. W. Gregson, who had kindly undertaken the charge of that part of the arrangements, and to whom the Union was accordingly highly indebted. The start was made about ten, and soon after eleven the whole party were at Gormire, having passed through Thirsk and Sutton-under- Whitestonecliffe on the way. The remarkably picturesque and beautiful situation of the Lake, one of the very few large sheets of water which the county of York possesses, was a surprise to most of the members, who had never anticipated being introduced to so lovely a spot. For about two or three hours the visitors scattered themselves over the whole of the little depression in which Gormire lies, visited the neighbouring woods, ascended the steep escarpments of the Hambleton Hills or the lower heights of the low hills which shut in the valley on its western side, and investigated its flora and fauna with more or less and varying success. Some who wished to investigate the Lake itself had a large boat pushed out into deep water, only to find, alas, that it leaked very rapidly, and the attempt had to be abandoned. At two o’clock the conveyances were again in requisition, and the party were driven to Thirkleby Park, the decoy being visited on the way. At half-past three dinner was served in the spacious riding-school, the President and host occupying the chair. His genial chair- manship, and the most kind and assiduous attentions paid to the members by Lady Gallwey, who assisted in seeing after their comforts personally, will not be forgotten by any who were present. In addition to Sir Ralph and Lady Gallwey, there were also present the Hon. G. E. and Lady Louisa Lascelles, Captain and Lady Cecilia. Turton, Mr. Abel Chapman, and other friends specially invited to meet the Union. At the close of dinner, the Rev. William Fowler, M.A., the senior vice-president of the Union, proposed the health of Aug. 1887. 236 YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS AT GORMIRE AND THIRKLEBY. the host, and in doing so referred to his attainments as a naturalist and sportsman, and also to his descent from Sir Thomas Frankland, distinguished for his botanical knowledge about the close of last century. The President, in reply, said it had afforded him the greatest pleasure to see the members of the Union there that day, and to take part in the instructive and delightful morning which they had had. He considered that observation and useful record were to the naturalist far more than mere talk. The field naturalists’ part of natural history was the practical foundation of all natural science. The scientific part came afterwards, but the one could not exist without the other, and they were mutually helpful to one another. The outdoor part was the pleasantest, especially in such glorious weather as they had had that day. Nothing could be more instruc- tive and enjoyable than the remarkable ramble they had had in that beautifully wild country round Gormire. He had never seen Gormire look more beautiful. Naturalists admired scenery as much as those who raved so much about it, but they recognised the fact that that admiration was not of much use unless they looked below the surface. They wanted to know what it consisted of—whether in regard to animals, plants, geological formations, or insect-life. They found in that scenery, every rock, every bird, every fish, every plant, every animal—in fact, everything animate or inanimate—had a history of its own, about which volumes had been written, and more might be with advantage. He honestly pitied the man who never looked below the surface, and who did not try to read the lessons of nature which lay at his feet. After the conclusion of the sectional meetings, which were appropriately and pleasantly held under the shadow of some of the noblest trees in the park, the general meeting was held, with the President in the chair. The minutes having been duly passed, eight new members were elected, in the persons of Mr. Abel Chapman, M.B.O.U., of Silksworth Hall, Sunderland, Mr. C. B. Crawshaw, of Dewsbury, Mrs. Emmet, of Boston Spa, Mr. John King, of Leeds, Mr. A. G. More, F.L.S., F.R.S.E., M.R.1.A., the eminent curator of the Museum of Science and Art at Dublin, the Rev. Annesley Powys, M.A., vicar of Meanwood, Mr. T. F. Ward, of Middlesbrough, secretary of the Cleveland Naturalists’ Club, and Dr. J. Mitchell Wilson, of Doncaster. Two Societies were next admitted into the Union by a unanimous vote, on the motion of Mr. W. N. Cheesman, seconded by Mr. T. F. Ward; these were the Middlesbrough Junior Naturalists’ Club and the Brighouse Friends’ Schools Botanical Society. The Rev. W. Fowler, M.A., then assumed the chair while Naturalist, YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS AT GORMIRE AND THIRKLEBY. 237 a vote of thanks to the President, proposed in characteristically felicitous language by the Rev. W. C. Hey, M.A., and seconded by the Rey. Annesley Powys, was unanimously and enthusiastically passed. The President briefly replied, after which Mr. A. Craig- Christie, F.L.S., of Edinburgh, proposed and Dr. Erskine Stuart, of Staincliffe, seconded a vote of thanks to Mr. C. H. F. Bolckow for permission to visit Gormire, to the leaders of parties, and to Mr. W. Gregson for taking charge of the conveyance arrangements. This was unanimously voted, and the reports of sections were then taken. For the Vertebrate Section, its secretary, Mr. James Backhouse, jun., of York, reported that comparatively few birds of special interest had been observed. In all, 48 species were noted, 32 being residents and 16 migrants. A Heron and a pair of Common Sandpipers were observed at Gormire Lake, and a Ring Ousel in the immediate neighbourhood, whilst Swifts in some considerable numbers might be seen flying in and out of holes in the scars above, indicating that they have nested there this year. Among mammals nothing of note was observed, except that one or two members had the pleasure of examining a young Badger at Thirsk, which had been caught a day or two before near Kirby Knowle, and is now in the possession of Mr. Lee, of Thirsk. Meanwhile, the Decoy which Sir Ralph has recently formed in a plantation near the Park had been visited. Here our host explained the structure and purposes of a decoy, and graphically described the mode of working it ; putting the decoy-dog through those evolutions before and behind the screens which are so strangely fascinating to all ducks, and leads them to their destruction. ‘This decoy and the one at Hornby Castle are now the only ones in use in Yorkshire. The president of the Conchological Section (the Rev. W. C. Hey, M.A., of York) reported that in Gormire Lake he had met with only four species, viz.—//lanorbis albus (rather fine), Planorbis nautileus, Physa fontinalis (very small), and Pestdium pusillum. Ina pond near Gormire Mr. Dennis found Limncaa glabra, L. peregra, and Spherium corneum. These are not the usual associates of L. glabra, which is rarely unaccompanied by Physa hypnorum in Yorkshire. The long-continued drought has driven land-shells far from the surface. In the wood above Gormire Mr. Hey had met with living specimens of Helix /apicida, Hl. rotundata, Zonites alliarius, Pupa umbilicata, and Clausilia rugosa, and dead specimens of Helix arbustorum, H. hortensis, and Hl. hispida. Mr. H. T Soppitt met with A. vufescens and Pistdium fontinale. H. aspersa- was also taken, by Mr. W. Cash, F.G.S.. The only slug seen was Limax agrestis. Aug. 1887. 228 YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS AT GORMIRE AND THIRKLEBY. For the Entomological Section its president, Mr. N. F. Dobrée, of Beverley, reported that the Lepidoptera seen at Gormire included a very good pale variety of Avgynnis aglaia and Polyommatus agestis ; FP. alsus was also pretty certainly seen, though not captured ; Macroglossa stellatarum was in some quantity; Authrocera filipendule, Guophos obscurata, Anaitis plagiata, Hydrocampa nympheatis, Pyrausia purpuralis, Eupithecia pulchellata, Leucania tmpura, and L. pallens were also taken. Great expectations were entertained on seeing the ground that JZ/ana expolita would be found, but the drought appeared to have burnt up its food-plant. A number of beetles were also found. The president of the Botanical Section (Dr. F. Arnold Lees, of Heckmondwike) presented a brief report on the work done during the day. Upwards of 1oo flowering plants were noticed in bloom, but the great heat militated alike against comfort and exertion ; whilst the brief time allowed for the sectional meeting (held under the trees in the park), together with the absence of the phanerogamic secretary, combined to frustrate a systematic roll-call of all the common as well as notable species observed. Most of the species named in the circular from stations long known, and already recorded in the pages of ‘ North Yorkshire,’ were gathered by one or other of the botanists, ably guided to their special localities by Mr. William Foggitt, through whom, too, was reported the only new vice-county record for North-east Yorkshire which the meeting brought forth. The plant was Potentilla argentea L., gathered on the new red sand- stone at Breckenbrough, east of the Wiske stream (the dividing line between vice-counties 62 and 65), and some three miles west of Thirsk. Next to this the most important observation made was that of the singular hair-clothed Veronica parmularia Tur. & Poit., from a - pool near Gormire ; and, singular to say, reported as found growing intermixed with the perfectly glabrous ‘type’-—V. scutellata—a fact that makes it difficult to account adequately for the very distinct aberration it presents, upon any theory of special conditions due to local environment; and, seeing that its special characters have remained constant under cultivation, lends probability to suggested specific distinctness. ‘The ‘Gormire bramble,’ recorded in ‘ North Yorkshire’ under the name of Auwdbus nitidus (= R. lindleianus Lees), was observed to be very abundant on the sandy stony soil of the slopes above the lake, and noted to have a peculiar facies, due to its neat habit of growth, small neat quinate leaflets, and racemose hairy panicle of flowers, with patent sepals and narrow lilac-gray petals. It certainly belongs to the rAamnifolius group as defined by Hooker in Student’s Flora (3); but it presents features linking it to Rubus Naturalist, ye YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS AT GORMIRE AND THIRKLEBY. 239 hemistemon Mill. and R. cordifolius W. & N. of the affinis section, and &. calvatus of the villicaules. No special name has been given it, although Mr. J. G. Baker himself says it is not quite like any form known to him; and further, A. /indlecanus (nitidus Bell Salt.) is said in Stud. Flo., 118, to be unknown on the continent, i.e., not correlat- able with any continental type. Under these circumstances it seems a pity that it has no scientific cognomen ; to remove which disability and connect the name of John Gilbert Baker by one more (and that a natural) link with his native county, for the botany of which he has done so much, it is proposed (by F. A. Lees) to name it Abus bakert (provisionally, at any rate, until shown to be identified with some form already named), and to give it this title, not as a distinct species, but as a variety of the Audus affinis of English authors (said by Mr. Baker to be essentially the same super-species as 2. montanus Wirtg.), intermediate between &. mztidus Weihe (of the suberecti section) and &. carpintfolius Weihe (and Bab. Man.), to which rather than to &. lindletanus its racemose narrow panicle and hairy rachis approximates it. The other plants noticed in stations #o¢ given in ‘ North Yorkshire’ were Chara fetida var. atrovirens (Decoy pond, Thirkleby), of which the wild and decoy ducks were said to be very fond; Zypha angusti- folia and Carex vestcarta (Decoy); Pyrus communis (hedge, bird- sown, near Whitestonecliff); Wypericum humifusum and Erythrea centaurium, in dry places ; and Scolopendrium vulgare, on Whitestone- cliff; whilst the colonising casual, Diplotaxis muralis, with its large branched state dabimgtuniz, was seen to be getting well established on waste ground by the sidings at Thirsk Station, on which for thirty years or more its near ally, D. tenuzfolza, has been known to exist. Among the moisture-loving mosses, as among shells, little could be done, since nearly everything was dried up. One Bog-moss (Sphagnum papillosum type) was found in the bog at Gormire (north end); and the remains of Seligeria recurvata, Brachyodus trichodes, with Grimmia trichophyla, by the Whitestonecliff, and one fungus, Lxtoloma sericea Bull., growing amid wet bog-moss—an unusual habitat for a pascual species. The report of the Geological Section was given by Mr. S. A. Adamson, F.G.S., one of the sectional secretaries, who stated that for a short distance from Thirsk the flat Keuper marls were passed over, then a long slightly undulating surface, gradually increasing in altitude, of the Lower Lias succeeded before reaching the secluded village of Sutton-under-Whitestonecliff. A more decided ascent was now made, and on the left a quarry was noted, showing a splendid section. ‘This is the Cleaves Quarry, and the Dogger has Aug. 1887. 240 YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS AT GORMIRE AND THIRKLEBY. been largely worked here. The top bed is a very ferruginous massive sandstone. The geologists now divided, one section proceeding to Gormire Lake, the other making a detour to the right in the direction of Hood Grange. A little distance from the ancient fish-pond is a small quarry, showing a good section of the Inferior Oolite. Had time permitted a good selection of typical fossils might have been secured. Mr. Chadwick, however, obtained a fine TZerebratula maxtllata, and Dr. Watts a small echinoderm, known as /Yolectypus depressus. ‘The limestone here has a bluish colour when freshly broken, but this, on exposure to the atmosphere, changes to a yellowish or orange tint. This quarry is capped by a covering of drift, from which smoothed and striated pebbles of basalt and other rocks were extracted. The remarkable and lofty outher of Hood Hall was now skirted. This hill is a veritable treasure-ground for geologists, as sections may be studied beginning with the Lower Calcareous Grit, which caps its summit, down through the Oxford Clay and Kellaways Rock, the Estuarine Series and the Dogger, to some laminated shales of the Upper Lias. In addition to its geological importance, it is a strikingly prominent feature in the landscape, standing out, as it were, like a sentinel before the mighty cliffs of Hambleton. The bold escarpment of Roulstone Scar was now ascended ; here the party again divided, and whilst some, in spite of the tropical heat, attained the top, others examined the base of the vertical cliff, and the talus. Roulstone Scar juts out sharply at the corner where the escarpment trends away to the south-east. The Hambleton Hills are, of course, well known as the western end of the great tabular range of hills which extends from the coast at Scarborough to this part. The ascent showed the same stratification as that of Hood Hill. Passing over the Estuarine shales and sand- stones, the hard Kellaways Rock was noted; then succeeded the slopes of the Oxford Clay, crowned by lofty precipices of the Lower Calcareous Grit. The overpowering heat occasioned many halts, which were utilised by viewing the magnificent landscape which was spread before the delighted eye. ‘To the west lay the broad central vale of York, bounded in the far distance by the familiar forms of Pen Hill in Wensleydale, and of Great Whernside in Coverdale. Over this wide expanse towns and villages could be seen dotted here and there, and the far off railway could be descried by the smoke of the rushing trains. Height succeeded height and hill followed hill as far as the horizon stretched until lost in the solar glare. The view southwards embraced the valley from Thirsk to Malton, closed in by the Howardian range of hills. This valley is remarkable, as it is due to two great east and west trough faults which have depressed the Naturalist, YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS AT GORMIRE AND THIRKLEBY. 241 beds. According to the Government Survey, the line of the northern fault is very clear to the south of Byland Abbey, where the soft sand- stones of the Estuarine series and the black Kimeridge shales are seen within a short distance of each other on either side. To the south of Kilburn the jet shales of the Lias are thrown against the Upper Calcareous Grit, and judging from the thickness of strata removed, the throw of the fault at this spot cannot be much less than 1,000 feet. At Thirkleby the Rheetic beds are on the same level as the Gray Limestone of the Lower Oolites. Another effect of these great faults has been to shift the outcrop of the various beds ; thus, for instance, the Rhcetic beds and Lower Lias which should be south of Thirkleby, are found some miles to the westward, on the west of Topcliffe. The time at disposal was too brief to allow of many fossils being found, but Mr. Chadwick secured good specimens of Lelemnites abbreviatus and Gryphea bilobata. The detachment which investigated Gormire Lake and its vicinity reported in similar terms on the strata they had seen. ‘The origin of this lake has been said by various writers to be due to a landslip, but this is a debatable point. As Mr. Addison remarked, the lake is underlaid by some soft shaly beds, and possibly, as he suggests, the subsidence, instead of slipping of the rocks, may have originated it. The lake is encom- passed by higher ground, so that it is a basin without any visible outlet for the water, but by means of swallow-holes on the side next to White Mare Cliff, the surplus water is supposed to be carried for several miles till it joins the river Rye. Still, it must be remembered that where harder rocks overlie clays or shales, landslips are common, and these occurrences have, from this cause, been numerous in the Oolitic and Chalk hills. Thus, when the solid rocks slipped over the shales or clays, the latter, being exposed, would present an imper- vious basin for the accumulation of water from the mountain springs, and the talus or débris on the sides would dam up any outlet. It should be stated that the geologists were much indebted to the Rey. Frederic Addison, M.A., of Thirsk, for the ample and valuable information he so readily supplied. It may be suggested that a practical investigation into the origin of Gormire Lake would be good and useful work for the Thirsk Natural History Society. For the Section for Micro-Zoology and Miuicro-Botany, its secretary, Mr. J. M. Kirk, of Doncaster, reported that /loscularia cornuta, Stentor mullert, Milnestum tardigrada, Actinophrys sol, and Ameba diffiluens (large) were found in Gormire Lake. After long examination, nothing else was found but such as occur in any pond at this time of the year. ‘The water was crowded with the commoner diatoms. Aug. 1887. R 242 YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS AT GORMIRE AND THIRKLEBY. At the conclusion of the sectional reports, the Rev. W. Fowler called attention to the publication of Dr. F. Arnold Lees’ new ‘Flora of West Yorkshire,’ and urged its claims for support from the members of the Union. Mr. W. Denison Roebuck, F.L.S., followed on the same subject, quoting the encomiums passed upon the work by Mr. J. Gilbert Baker, F.R.S., the eminent botanist, himself a native of Thirsk, and an ex-president of the Union, and stating that the executive relied upon the public spirit of members and of Yorkshiremen to make the issue of the ‘Flora’ a complete SuCCESS. The ordinary meeting having broken up, Sir Ralph invited his visitors to witness the flight of one of his trained falcons. After a few elegant gyrations—neglecting for the moment the attraction afforded by the lure—the Peregrine dashed into the centre of a party of rooks some little distance off, scattering them in an amusing manner, and having singled out her quarry, killed it in fine style, much to the satisfaction of the members, who had a fine view of the chase. The members now dispersed—some to inspect the house and the collections of preserved specimens, of which Sir Ralph has a fine series, containing many varieties of his own obtaining ; others to see the lake and the wild-fowl enclosures. Regarding the wild-fowl, it has never been our lot to examine such an interesting living collection. ‘There were Wigeon in full summer plumage— a phase in which they can be but rarely seen in Britain ; Wigeon, chicks and half-grown ; Gadwall, half-grown ; Tufted Ducks, a brood ; Pochards, half-grown ; and a pair of Shell-ducks. These proved extremely interesting to the ornithologists of the party, who devoted not a little attention to their examination. The botanists found much to admire in the grounds, among other objects being two very fine Cedar-trees, planted in the time of Sir Thomas Frankland (Sir Ralph’s grandfather) by the celebrated naturalist, Sir Joseph Banks, who, along with Sir W. J. Hooker and others, was a visitor in the days when the talented botanist, Sir Thomas, was master of Thirkleby. A fine old oak close to the house was also much appreciated for its symmetrical proportions, and for its great size, its foliage diameter—if we may so term fe SERIES about thirty-six yards. Concerning the wild-fowl that breed at Thirkleby, Sir Ralph kindly gave the following interesting information :— The Wigeon, of which there are now about forty, are the result of two sittings of eight eggs each obtained from the north of Scotland in 1885. From these eggs ten birds were hatched and brought up in Naturalist, YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS AT GORMIRE AND THIRKLEBY. 243 a yard with tame ducks. They were subsequently turned down on a small lake of one and a half acres in the park, which together with some wood and high brushwood is enclosed by a four-feet wire netting, giving a space of four acres in all. The first year the Wigeon made three nests in the brushwood and as far from the water as they could get. Each nest contained seven eggs, which, as soon as the hen bird commenced to line her nest with down, were taken and put under bantams. These hatched out at the rate of five apiece, and within a day of the regulation three weeks from date of setting. This spring the Wigeon laid twenty-four eggs, and there are now at Thirkleby twenty young ones, so tame that they will feed from the hand, though almost full grown. We are not aware of any other part of England where Wigeon are successfully reared except at Thirkleby, especially in considerable numbers. Besides Wigeon we saw about a score of young Gadwall, hatched from eggs obtained from Lord Walsingham’s meres in Norfolk, very fine young birds, but with few distinctive marks at present, except their extremely long and light- coloured bills and cheeks. Some of the most interesting among the young water-fowl were a fine brood of Tufted Duck, nor should we omit to mention some young Pochards. One pair of old Pochard laid no less than twenty-eight eggs on an island in the lake at Thirkleby this spring. Nearly all these eggs had birds in them, but unfortunately several were unable to chip the shell owing to the upper mandible being half-an-inch shorter than the lower one, an imperfection which would have prevented the birds from feeding had they even hatched out, and which deformity Sir Ralph attributes to their parents having belonged to one nest. It is curious that the Pochard only laid in their third year. The Wigeon commence laying _ the last week in May, the Pochard a fortnight earlier. Tufted Duck are the latest of all ducks to lay at Thirkleby, and do not commence to do so till the middle of June. Suitable food is a great necessity, Sir Ralph tells us, in the matter of laying when Wigeon are concerned. | The Wigeon on the lake never having laid more than seven eggs to | a nest, though in the Decoy on another piece of water, one duck _ Wigeon made two nests last June, one nest containing ten eggs all . | with birds in them, eight of which are now alive. This fecundity is, | we are informed, miobe bly attributable to the weed (Chara fetida | var. atrovirens) which grows so profusely in the Decoy, and which | the Wigeon are never tired of pulling and eating. Shell Duck have | not done well at Thirkleby, and have never nested. In 1885, _ Sir Ralph obtained from North Holland eighty eggs of this duck, but | though he succeeded in rearing fifty per cent. of them, only two are now alive. To return to the Wigeon, we must say we take great i Aug. x 1887. i 244 NOTE—GEOLOGY. interest in Sir Ralph’s efforts to domesticate this beautiful duck. He now has nearly twenty couple of them, all either old birds which have nested, or else young ones, which are pretty sure to do so. Sir Ralph has been at great trouble to domesticate Teal and Pintail in the same way, but without any success, and he assures us that he considers it perfectly useless attempting to induce wild caught water- fowl (excepting the common Wild Duck) to nest in confinement. Sir Ralph has some capital instantaneous photographs at Thirkleby of his wild-fowl, and has even done a tame Falcon soaring overhead with such accuracy that even a broken feather in one of her wings is distinctly visible, and he hopes in due course to obtain one of a Falcon in the act of stooping at a Pheasant or Rook—a by no means impossible feat when we consider what wonderful command Sir Ralph had established over the Hawk which he flew before the members. About seven o'clock the members drove to Thirsk Junction, highly pleased with their day’s enjoyment. NOTE—GEOLOGY. Dedication of a Boulder Stone.—The Queen, as is locally well- known, is Countess of Sadberge, and the inhabitants of this interesting village determined that one part of their jubilee proceedings should be the dedication of a large boulder. A short and impressive service was held at the village church, from whence Mr. Wooler, J.P., of Sadberge Hall, escorted by the local yeomanry, proceeded to the village green, where the boulder has been placed. The Rev. J. W. Baron, rector of Sadberge, gave a short sketch of the history of Sadberge, saying that in former days it was a place of much importance ; Richard Coeur de Lion was Count of Sadberge, and being inspired with a religious furore to join the Crusades, sold the countships and lordships of Sadberge, with the King’s Castle, to Bishop Pudsey of Durham for £14,000. From thenceforth till 1836 the countships of Sadberge attached to the Bishops of Durham, when in that year, by the property of this See being taken from the ecclesiastics, the countship reverted to the Crown. Thus William LV became Count of Sadberge, the title of Countess being now held by Her Majesty. Mr. Wooler then unveiled the stone, and gave a very interesting outline of the glacial period, by which means the block was now at Sadberge. The following song, ‘ All Round the Boulder Stone,’ composed by the Rev. R. M. Moorsom, formerly rector of Sadberge, was then heartily sung. We have not space for more than one stanza, which runs as follows :— Hail to the stone that in triumph advances Forth from his bed in the sand and the clay; Gather around him with song and with dances, Welcome the monster to light and to day. Hail to our mighty stone ! Fit for a monarch’s throne! Ages and ages he’s lived all alone. The Hussars fired a feu-de-joze over the stone, thus completing the ceremony. Upon the stone a brass plate is affixed, with an inscription relating to the circum- stances of its discovery and dedication. Details of the above boulder have been furnished by Dr. R. Taylor Manson, of Darlington, to the Yorkshire Boulder Committee, by whom they have been passed, and already forwarded to the Secretary of the Boulder Committee of the British Association, who has warmly acknowledged the same. These particulars will shortly appear in the Vaturalist. Naturalist, 245 MATERIALS TOWARDS A LIST OF THE LAND AND FRESHWATER MOLLUSCA OF LINCOLNSHIRE. Wo DENISON ROE BUICK. §:L.S. FivE years ago all that was known of the terrestrial and fluviatile mollusca of the great county of Lincoln might have been summed up in a brief enumeration of fifteen specific names. We are now able to give—as the result of work done in 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886, and 1887—a goodly list of no less than eighty-eight distinct species, besides numerous varieties, and the outcome of the investigations made, notwithstanding the smallness of the area from which they come, shows that the county of Lincoln is one of the richest and most prolific in animal life of the English shires. The area which alone has been at all thoroughly and systemat- ically searched is a small parallelogram between the coast and the wolds which extends from Saltfleetby to Anderby and from Louth to Claxby. These two, the long sides of the parallelogram, measure no more than about twelve miles each, while the other two, the short sides (Saltfleetby to Louth and Anderby to Claxby), measure about eight miles and six miles respectively. Within this limited area occur a very large proportion of the species recorded in this paper. Outside of it, records are few and scanty, investigations have been but inter- mittent and seldom. The pioneer of conchological research in Lincolnshire was Dr. Martin Lister, who was himself most probably of Lincolnshire relationship, allied to the Listers of Burwell Park, near Louth, as may most reasonably be surmised from the fact that the two Lincolnshire records given in his treatise of English shells, published in 1678, are for Cyclostoma and Zonites fulvus as occurring in Burwell Woods, a locality in which they have both been re-discovered of late years by Mr. H. W. Kew. . The next published record dates one hundred and seventy-five years later. Mr. E. J. Lowe, in 1853, published an account of the “Conchology of Nottinghamshire,’ in which he recorded four species from Grantham, Lincolnshire—Helix aspersa, H. nemoralis, H. pul- chella, and Carychium. Five years subsequently Mr. Bellars, in his Illustrated Catalogue of British Shells (1858), added Helix hortenszs (from Croyland) to the Lincolnshire fauna. The next addition was felix hispida var. subglobosa from Brocklesby, recorded by Dr. Jeffreys in the first volume of his “British Conchology’ (1862). Aug. 1887. 246 W. D. ROEBUCK : LINCOLNSHIRE MOLLUSCA. The ninth addition to the list was Anodonta cygnea, recorded for Bottesford by Mr. R. Tate, in his work on British Mollusks (1866). In 1868, in a note in ‘Science Gossip,’ Mr. Thomas Ball, a well- known conchologist (pity he never published a list !), recorded Physa hypnorum, Planorbts nitidus, and Paludina contecta, all from Brigg. The thirteenth addition was that of He/zx virgata in its sinistrorse form, recorded by Dr. Jeffreys in his fifth volume (1869), as found by Mr. Ball at New Holland. | In the ‘Field’ for 1874, Mr. Hawkins recorded Helix cantiana for Honington in an interesting note, afterwards reproduced by Harting in his ‘ Rambles in Search of Shells’ (1875). The fifteenth (and last of the pre-1883 records) was that of ffelix arbustorum var. alpestris, recorded for Lincoln by Mr. J. T. Lightwood (in ‘ Nat. Hist. Notes,’ 1882). So much for printed records: the subsequent investigations, of which for the most part the results are here published for the first time, will be more conveniently treated according to the various districts in which they were made. The Louth and Alford parallelogram—the best worked area in the county—naturally demands priority of attention. I had the good fortune to spend the 14th, 15th, and 16th of April, 1886, with my friend Mr. J. E. Mason, of Alford, in active investigation of the neighbour- hood of Louth, Alford, Tothby, Rigsby, Ailby, and Well Vale, the Burwell, Muckton, Maltby, and Haugham Woods, and the coast sand- hills at Huttoft, Anderby, and Sutton-in-the-Marsh. During the years following, Mr. Mason has collected for me at Sloothby, Chapel, Green- field, Claxby, Bilsby, Farlesthorpe, Well, Rigsby, and other places near Alford, with great success; and Mr. H. W. Kew bas. devoted him- self with great assiduity and remarkable results to the work of investigation about Louth, Saltfleetby, Saltfleet, Raithby, Maltby, Haugham, Burwell, Welton Vale, North Somercotes, South Elking- ton, Grimoldby, Theddlethorpe, Grainthorpe, Hallington, Bracken- borough, Belleau Springs, Authorpe, Acthorpe, Tathwell, Swaby Vale, Fenney Wood, Hubbard’s Valley, Sutton, and Mable- thorpe. Outside of this area he has collected at Cleethorpes, at Benniworth Haven, and at Donington-on-Bain. No one else seems to have worked this area, except that a number of drift-shells have been collected at Sutton-in-the-Marsh by Mr. B. Sturges Dodd. The records for all other parts of the county are but scanty. Mr. W. Eagle Clarke was my companion on the 14th of April, 1883, in working the marsh-drains about Wroot, at the junction of the three counties of Lincoln, York, and Nottingham, when a number of fresh- - water forms were collected in the Gravel and Black Bank Drains. Naturalist, W. D. ROEBUCK: LINCOLNSHIRE MOLLUSCA. 247 In Mr. W. Nelson’s collection there are specimens from Haxey, from Owston, and from Scotton Common, and in Mr. Taylor’s collection are several specimens collected by Mr. T. Beaulah, the able and well- known conchologist of Brigg. For New Holland there is but a solitary book-record, and the same is to be said of Bottesford. There is a single Scawby shell in Mr. Thomas Rogers’ collection, and several Brigg records figure to the credit of Mr. Ball. For Brocklesby there is but one, a book- record. Grimsby, Great Cotes, and Cleethorpes are represented by a very few records set to the credit of Mr. W. Eagle Clarke, Mr. Kew, and the late James Hardy of Manchester. For Caistor I have a single record from Mr. W. Eagle Clarke, and for Gainsborough one from Mr. P. F. Lee. We know nothing for the Market Rasen district beyond a few large Helices brought for me from Glentham by Mr. C. H. Bothamley. For Lincoln city and environs we have a few records from various naturalists, including the Rev. W. W. Fowler. For Skegness there are one or two records from Mr. C. T. Musson, and fromWainfleet a single species was sent by the Rev. A. H. Cooke. All these localities are in the Northern Division of Lincolnshire. The Southern Division has scarcely received attention at all. I myself paid a flying visit of a few hours to Ancaster (near Sleaford) on the 17th April, 1886, and there is a single book-record for the neighbouring village of Honington; and on the 7th March, 1887, Mr. C. T. Musson paid a similar visit to Anwick, a village about as far to the East of Sleaford as Ancaster is to the West; at both places several species were met with. Grantham is represented— in addition to the book-records—by a single record made by Mr. R. Walker, of Leeds. In the extreme southern angle of the county Mr. Edward Collier has collected several species at Uffington (close to Stamford), and in July 1886, Mr. Thomas W. Bell brought various water-shells from Crowland Wash. Between Lincoln City and Bracebridge Mr. C. T. Musson collected a number of fresh-water species from rejectamenta, in December 1884; and on the 8th September of the same year Mr. Geo. Wingate and I spent a day in collecting in the vicinity of Boston and Skirbeck, on both banks of the Witham, and therefore in both divisions of the county. The present list is (so far as the small-type portion of it goes) an ‘authenticated’ list. That is to say, it is an exact and literal transcript from the record-books of the Conchological Society, and all the records with the mark ! affixed have been authenticated or verified as to specific determination by Mr. J. W. Taylor, one of the Referees of the Society. The large-type matter is the genera- lization based upon the small-type records which follow. In the Aug. 1887. 248 W. D. ROEBUCK : LINCOLNSHIRE MOLLUSCA. case of a list for a county like Lincolnshire, which has so long lain waste for want of workers, I hold it to be of high importance to draw a clear distinction between what is known and what is sur- mised, hence the distinctive types used. Some time in the future, whenall Lincolnshirehas been investigated as welland as systematically as Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire have been, a resident conchologist can write a large-type list of its fauna, without giving in small type the evidence upon which he founds it ; but that time has not arrived yet. The distinction between ‘ North’ and ‘South’ Lincolnshire is necessitated by our conforming to the Conchological Society’s system of ‘vice-counties,’ adopted bodily from Mr. Watson’s well- known botanical system. The dividing-line is the River Witham from Boston up to Lincoln, continued by the Foss Dyke from Lincoln city to the western or Nottinghamshire border of the county. The number of species recorded for the county is 88, of which 81 are recorded for North Lincolnshire, and 54 for South Lincoln- shire. ‘The number of species common to both divisions is 47, while 34 North Lincolnshire species are not yet recorded for the South, and only seven South Lincolnshire species still remain for discovery in the North. The 88 species include 11 slugs, 39 land and 38 fresh-water shells. We need not enumerate all the British species which are as yet unrecorded for Lincolnshire, but it will certainly be well to direct attention to some of those more likely than most to be found. No species of Zestacella has yet turned up, and there is no other slug which may be expected to occur, unless an example of the very rare imax cinereo-niger should perchance be found. It is possible to - expect Helix fusca, while Succinea elegans, Helix aculeata, Vertigo ante- vertigo, Azeca, Achatina, and Acme will almost certainly reward careful research in suitable habitats. Of fresh-water species it is surprising that Dreissena has not been found in the canals, and Valvata cristata in numerous localities, and it is quite within the bounds of possibility that Limnea glulinosa may some day reward the careful searcher. Beyond these any additional species will be of the nature of a great good fortune, and the principal work that now remains to be done for Lincolnshire conchology is to investigate other districts as closely as Louth and Alford have been, and to place the results of all investigations on permanent record. The nomenclature of this list is in conformity to the Concho- logical Society’s List of British Mollusca; the arrangement accords more with older systems, and with my own idea of the sequence of the genera. Naturalist, W. D. ROEBUCK : LINCOLNSHIRE MOLLUSCA. 249 Arion ater (L.). Common in the neighbourhood of Louth, Alford, and Grimsby. Not yet on record for the Southern division of the county. North Lincolnshire.—Sloothby, one, half-grown, type, August 4th, 1886! (J. E. Mason). Farlesthorpe, several, not quite adult, May 25th, 1887! (J. E. Mason). Great Cotes, October 5th, 1883! one brought (W. E. Clarke). Arion ater var. brunnea Roeb. A common yariety, recorded for one or two localities near Louth. North Lincolnshire.—Grisel Bottom, Burwell Woods, common, September 4th, 1886! (H. W. Kew). Sub-var. brunneo-pallescens (ms. var., very pale brown), Louth, adult, August 31st, 1886! (H. W. Kew). Arion ater var. nigrescens Moq. A not uncommon form, though only once recorded. North Lincolnshire.—Louth, one, approaching albolateralis, October 5th, 1886 ! (H. W. Kew). Arion subfuseus Fer. Not by any means so frequent in its occurrence as the other species of the genus. Recorded from the Louth and Alford districts only. North Lincolnshire.—-Maltby Wood, near Louth, one, April 24th, 1886! (H. W. Kew). Farlesthorpe, one, May 25th, 1887 ! (J.-E. Mason). Arion hortensis Fér. Abundant and widely distributed about Louth, Alford, and near Ancaster. North Lincolnshire.—Rigsby Farm, near Alford, common, April 14th, 1886! (ONEIDA) -Aalby, a few, April 14th, 1886!"(WD.R.) Well, Vale, near Alford, a few, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Tothby Farm, near Alford, a few, juv., April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Burwell Wood, near Louth, one, very juv., April 15th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Haugham Wood, near Louth, one, adult, April 15th, 1886! (W.D.R.), Sloothby, several, imma- ture, August 4th, 1886! (J. E. Mason). The Park, Bilsby, near Alford, two juv., May 5, 1886! (J. E. Mason). Greenfield Wood, Aby parish, several juv., June 8, 1887! (J. E. Mason). South Lincolnshire.—Ermine Street, north of Ancaster Railway Station, a few, April 17th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Arion hortensis var. subfusca C. Pfr. North Lincolnshire.—Sloothby, one, adult, foot deep-orange, August 4th, 1886! (J. E. Mason). Arion hortensis var. pallida. North Lincolnshire.—Farlesthorpe, several, juv., May 25th, 1887! (J. E. Mason). Arion bourguignati Mab. This is abundant and well-distributed in the neighbourhood of Louth, Alford, and Boston. In South Lincolnshire it has been noted near Boston and Ancaster. Frequents open country more than 4. hortensis, which is partial to cultivated and rich land. 250 W. D. ROEBUCK : LINCOLNSHIRE MOLLUSCA. North Lincolnshire.—Tothby Farm, one, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). — Ailby, a few, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Well Vale, a few, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Sutton-in-the-Marsh, one, April 16th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Burwell, one, April 15th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Muckton Chalk-pit, one, April 15th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Skirbeck, near Boston, one, very small, September 8th, 1884! (W.D.R.). South Lincolnshire.—Ermine Street, north of Ancaster Railway Station, a few, April 17th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Near Boston. one, small, September 8th, 1884! (W.D.R.). Amalia gagates (Drap.). Very common at Alford, where the majority of the specimens are referable to the variety, only one example of the type having as yet occurred. Not reported from any other district, though it will probably be eventually found all along the sea-board of the county. North Lincolnshire.— Parsons Lane, Alford, one nearly black, may be considered type, May 16th, 1886! (J. E. Mason). Amalia gagates var. plumbea Moa. North Lincolnshire.—Alford, one adult and one juy., September 4th; several, September 8th, 1885! (J. E. Mason). Garden, Sycamores, Alford, one, September 8th, 1885! (E. N. and H. F. Mason).’ Amalia marginata (Miill.). This species has occurred singly on two occasions—in North Lincolnshire at Louth, and in South Lincolnshire near Boston. North Lincolnshire.—Louth, one, May 21st, 1886! (H. W. Kew). South Lincolnshire.—Near Boston, one, small, September 8th, 1884! (W.D.R.). Limax arborum B.-Ch. Found sparingly in a few places in the vicinity of Louth. Not yet reported elsewhere in the county. North Lincolnshire.— Maltby Wood, near Louth, typical, a few under a log, April 15, 1886! (W.D.R.). Lincoln Road, Louth, one, small, at foot of a wall, April 24th, 1886! (H. W. Kew). Limax flavus L. We have as yet only one record for this species, which may, however, be eventually expected to occur plentifully elsewhere in cellars and outhouses. North Lincolnshire.—Wall, Lincoln Road, Louth, two, pale-lemon colour, April 24th, 1886! (H. W. Kew). Limax agrestis L. This—the common or gray field-slug—is a pest everywhere in the neighbourhood of Grimsby, Louth, Alford, and Sutton. In South Lincolnshire it is on record for Boston and Ancaster districts. North Lincolnshire.—Maltby Wood, near Louth, several, April 15th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Huttoft, near Alford, a few, April 15th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Muckton Wood, near Louth, a few, April 15th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Great Cotes, one, October 5th, 1883!(W. E. Clarke). Tothby Farm. near Alford, common, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Well Vale, near Alford, several, April 14, 1886 !(W.D.R.). Farlesthorpe, several, May 25th, 1887! (J. E. Naturalist, W. D. ROEBUCK : LINCOLNSHIRE MOLLUSCA. 251 Mason). Ailby, near Alford, common, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Sutton- in-the-Marsh, near Alford, numerous, April 16, 1886! (W.D.R.). Rigsby Farm, near ‘Alford, abamduias. April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). The Park, Bilsby, near Alford, numerous, May 5, 1886! (J. E. Mason). Claythorpe, plentiful, July 6th, 1887 ! (J. E. Mason). South Lincolnshire.—Ermine Street, north of Ancaster Railway Station, a few, April 17th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Near Boston, a few, September 8th, 1884! (W.D.R.). Limax agrestis var. sylvatica Mogq. non Drap. As abundant and widely distributed as is the typical form. North Lincolnshire.—Alford, one, September 4th, 1885! (J. E. Mason). Tothby Farm, common, April rath, 1886! (W.D.R.). The Park, Bilsby, one, very light in colour of markings, May 5th, 1886! (J. E. Mason). Rigsby Farm. very abundant, April 14th, 1886! Ailby Farm, common, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Well Vale, near Alford, several, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Muckton Wood, near Louth,a few, April 15th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Claythorpe, two, July 6th, 1887 ! (J. E. Mason). South Lincolnshire.—Ermine Street, near Ancaster Railway Station, a few, April 17th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Limax agrestis var. tristis Moq. North Lincolnshire.—Tothby Farm, near Alford, a few, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Limax agrestis var. albida Pic. North Lincolnshire.—Claythorpe, one, juv., pure snow-white, July 6th, 1887! (J. E. Mason). Limax levis Miill. This active and pretty little slug has occurred once or twice near Louth, and at Sutton-in-the-Marsh. North Lincolnshire.—Muckton, chalk-pit, one, April 15th, 1886! Haugham Wood, near Louth, one, April 15th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Sutton-in-the-Marsh, one, April 16th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Limax maximus L. The records for this species and its varieties are not as yet very numerous, and they refer so far to the Louth and Alford districts only, and in South Lincolnshire to those of Boston and Ancaster. North Lincolnshire.—Well Vale, one, typical, juv., April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). W. N. Mason, farmer, of Rigsby, had noticed this species in his cellar in winter (W.D.R., 4, 86). South Lincolnshire.—Near Boston, one, small, length 43 mm., September 8th, 1884! (W.D.R.). Limax maximus var. cinerea Mog. North Lincolnshire.—Alford, one, adult, 112 mm. long, with a few light-coloured ~ spots on shield, September 4th, 1886! (J. E. Mason) Louth, September 18th, 1886 ! (H. W. Kew). Limax maximus var. fasciata Mog. North Lincolnshire.—Haugham Wood, near Louth, one, April 15th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Wall, Lincoln Road, Louth, several, immature, April 24th, 1886! (H. W. Kew). Parson’s Lane, Alford, one, adult, April 16th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Aug. 1887. 252 W. D. ROEBUCK : LINCOLNSHIRE MOLLUSCA. Limax maximus var. cellaria D’ Arg. North Lincolnshire.—-Alford, gardens at the Sycamores, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Wall, Crow Tree Lane, Louth, one, 54 inches, April 24th, 1886 ! (H. W. Kew). South Lincolnshire.— Ancaster village, two, nearly adult, April 17th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Succinea putris (L.). Not uncommon in various localities near Louth, Alford, Sutton- in-the-Marsh, and Boston. Not yet recorded for the Southern division of the county. North Lincolnshire.—Tothby, near Alford, plentiful and small on the vegetation in acattle-pond, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Skirbeck, near Boston, one, September 8th, 1884! (W.D.R.). Louth Canal, a few, April 15th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Sutton-in-the-Marsh, numerous by the pools at foot of the sand- hills, April 16th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Sutton, a few! (H. W. Kew, 16, iv, 87). Theddlethorpe, small, a few! (H. W. Kew, 16, iv, 87). Farlesthorpe, one, May 25th, 1887! (J. E. Mason). Vitrina pellucida Mull. A common species, recorded for one South Lincolnshire locality, and in the North for various places round Louth, Alford, and Sutton. North Lincolnshire.—Muckton Wood, near Louth, one, April 15th, 1886! (W-D.'R:); - -Gumoldby, cone! (Hs, Wi.niKew. 13, Vv, 257) aoutton-in-the- Marsh, a few at foot of sandhills, land-side, April 16th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Anderby, near Alford, plentiful, dead, by side of coast drains, April 16th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Well Footpath, near Alford, numerous, April 26th, 1886! (J; E.. Mason). Chapel, August 19th, 1886! (J. E. Mason). Well Vale Chalk-pit, one, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Well Vale, near Alford, numerous, April 14th, 1886 !(W.D.R.). Sandhills, Chapel, parish of Mumby Chapel, a few dead, July 5th, 1886! (J. E. Mason). The Park, Bilsby, near Alford, a few, May 5th, 1886! (J. E. Mason). Greenfield Wood, Aby parish, one, June 8th, 1887! (J. E. Mason). Hubbard’s Valley, near Louth, several !(H. W. Kew, 13, v, 87). South Lincolnshire.— Anwick, near Sleaford, two, March 7th, 1887! (C. T. Musson). Zonites cellarius (Mull.). Common and generally distributed about Louth, ‘Alford, and Boston, and in the Southern division at Ancaster, Anwick, and Uffington. Both the recorded varieties are from Ancaster. North Lincolnshire.— Among chalk débris at Claxby, near Alford, a few, Septem- ber 16th, 1885! (J. E. Mason). Well Vale Chalk-pit, a few, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Well Footpath, Alford, one, April 28th, 1886! (J. E. Mason). Well Vale, near Alford, numerous, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). © Muckton Wood, a few, April 15th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Skirbeck, near Boston, one, September 8th, 1884! (W.D.R.). Farlesthorpe, one, May 25th, 1887 ! (J. E. Mason). The Park, Bilsby, near Alford, one, May 5th, 1886! (J. E. Mason). Sloothby, near Alford, one, August 4th, 1886 ! (J. E. Mason). Chapel, one juv., dead, August 19th, 1886! (J. E. Mason). Claythorpe, two, July 6th, 1887! (J. E. Mason). Sandhills, Chapel, in parish of Mumby Chapel, July 5th, 1886! (J. E. Mason). Haugham Pasture, near Louth, one, (H. W. Kew, 13, v, 87). Grimoldby, one! (H. W. Kew, 13, v, 87). Welton Vale, near Louth ! (H.“W. Kew, 13;v, 87). Belleau; near Alford, one; juv.! (Id.). Tathwell,; near Louth ! (Id.). South Lincolnshire.— Ermine Street, north of Ancaster Railway Station, numerous, April 17th, 1886!(W.D.R.). Anwick, near Sleaford, a few, March 7th, 1887! (C. T. Musson). Ancaster village, numerous, April 17th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Uffington (E. Collier, 1884; specimens not seen). Naturalist, W. D. ROEBUCK: LINCOLNSHIRE MOLLUSCA. 253 Zonites cellarius var. albinos Mog. South Lincolnshire.—Ermine Street, north of Ancaster Railway Station, with type, numerous, April 17th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Zonites cellarius var. complanata Jeff. South Lincolnshire, — Ancaster village, one, with type, April 17th, 1886! CWeDOR:). Zonites alliarius (Mill.). Only one record. North Lincolnshire.—Sutton, a few! (H. W. Kew, 16, iv, 87). Zonites glaber (Stud.). A common species in various woods in the Louth district, and found also at Cleethorpes. North Lincolnshire.—Haugham, Burwell, and Maltby Woods, numerous, April PS5tieetooo!! (VW. .Ik), © Cleethorpes, three! (H. W. Kew, 16,- iv, 87). Haugham Pasture, near Louth, one! (H. W. Kew, 13, v, 87). Plantation near Fenney Wood, Louth ! (H. W. Kew, 13, v, 87). Zonites nitidulus (Drap.). Common and generally distributed near Louth and Alford. Found also at Cleethorpes, and in South Lincolnshire at Ancaster, Anwick, and Uffington. North Lincolnshire——Among chalk debris at Claxby, near Alford, a few, Septem- ber 16th, 1885! (J. E. Mason). Muckton Wood, two, April 15th, 1836! (W.D.R.). Haugham Wood, near Louth, two, April 15th, 1886 (W.D.R.). Tothby, near Alford, a few, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Burwell, and Burwell. Wood, one each, April 15th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Well Vale, near Alford, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.).. Muckton Chalk-pit, near Louth, a few, April 15th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Well Vale Chalk-pit, a few, April 14th, 1886 ! (W.D.R.). Well Footpath, Alford, one, April 26th, 1886! (J. E. Mason). The Park, Bilsby, near Alford, a few, May 5th, 1886 ! (J. E. Mason). Chapel, two, August 19th, 1886! (J. E. Mason). Sloothby, near Alford, August 4th, 1886, a few! (J. E. Mason). Claythorpe, one, July 6th, 1887 ! (J. E. Mason). Haugham Pasture, one!(H. W. Kew, 13, v, 87). Grimoldby, one! (H. W. Kew, 13, v, 87). Cleethorpes, one! (H. W. Kew, 16, iv, 87). Greenfield Wood, Aby parish, one, June 8th, 1887 ! (J. E. Mason). Hubbard’s Valley, near Louth, one ! (H. W. Kew, 13, v, 87). South Elkington brick-field, near Louth ! (Id.) South Lincolnshire.—Uffington, on fallen trees! (E. Collier, ix, 85). Ancaster village, numerous, April 17th, 1886! (W.D.R.) Anwick, near Sleaford, a few, March 7th, 1887! (C. T. Musson). Ermine Street, north of Ancaster Railway Station; a few, April 17th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Zonites purus (Ald.). Found in a few places near Alford. Not yet recorded for the Southern division. North Lincolnshire.—Tothby, near Alford, one, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Grmoldby,. one! (H.W. Kew; 13, v, 97): Well) Vale, near “Alford; April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Aug. 1887. W. D. ROEBUCK : LINCOLNSHIRE MOLLUSCA. lo On atts Zonites purus var. margaritacea Jeff. Commoner than the type. Occurs in a few places near Alford and Louth, but not yet reported for South Lincolnshire. North Lincolnshire —Well Vale, near Alford, a few, April 14th, 1886 !(W.D-R.). Haugham Pasture, near Louth, one! (H. W. Kew, 13, v, 87). Maltby Wood, near Louth, one, April 15th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Hubbard’s Valley, a few! (H. W. Kew, 13, v, 37). Zonites nitidus (Miill.). Only once recorded. North Lincolnshire.—Canal-banks near Louth, several, April 15th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Zonites radiatulus (Ald.). Has occurred several times about Brigg, Donington-on-Bain, Alford, and Louth, but has not so far been reported for other districts. : North Lincolnshire.—Brigg ! (T. Ball). Donington-on-Bain, common! (H. W. Kew, 19, viii, 86). Greenfield Wood, Aby parish, one, June 8th, 1887! (J. E. Mason). Banks of canal near Louth, one, April 15th, 1886 ! (W.D.R.). Plantation near Fenney Wood, Louth! (H. W. Kew, 13, v, 87). Welton Vale, near Louth, a few ! (Id.). Zonites crystallinus (Miill.). A common species. Has occurred in the Louth and Alford districts. No record as yet for the Southern division. North Lincolnshire.— Among chalk débris at Claxby, near Alford, one, Septem- ber 16th, 1885! (J. E. Mason). Hubbard’s Valley, near Louth, a few! (H. W. Kew, 13, v, 87). Well Vale, near Alford, numerous, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Welton Vale, near Louth, one! (H. W. Kew, 13, v, 87). Maltby Wood, near Louth, one ! (Id.) Zonites crystallinus var. complanata Jeff. North Lincolnshire.—Louth Park, near Louth, one! (H. W. Kew, 7, vi, 87). Zonites fulvus (Miull.). The first record of this pretty little shell as a Lincolnshire species is by Dr. Martin Lister, who, in 1678, stated that he had found it more than once in moss at the roots of large trees in Burwell Woods in Lincolnshire, yet the creature was very scarce. (In mufco ad grandium arborum radices in fylvis Burwellenfibus agri Lincolnienfis non femel eam inveni: eft tamen admodum rara beftiola). This interesting record was confirmed in 1886 by Mr. Kew finding it again in Burwell Wood. It is, however (as Dr. Lister expressed it), a ‘rara bestiola’ yet, both in Burwell Wood and Greenfield Wood, although plentiful enough in the beautifully wooded and picturesque dell called Well Vale, near Alford. Not recorded as yet for South Lincolnshire. Naturalist, W. D. ROEBUCK : LINCOLNSHIRE MOLLUSCA. 255 North Lincolnshire.— Martin Lister (Hist. Animalium Angliz, 1678, p. 123) says: —‘I have found it more than once in moss at the roots of large trees in Burwell Woods in Lincolnshire, yet the creature is very scarce.’ Greenfield Wood, Aby parish, one, June 8th, 1887! (J. E. Mason). Well Vale, near Alford, numerous, one specimen very fine, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Haugham Pasture, near Louth !(H. W. Kew, 13, v, 87). Plantation near Fenney Wood, Louth! (H. W. Kew, 13, v, 87). Maltby Wood, near Louth, one ! (Id.). Burwell Wood, one! (H. W. Kew, 7, vi, 87). Helix aspersa Mull. An abundant species and generally distributed in the Louth, Mablethorpe, Sutton, Alford, Boston, Lincoln, Caistor, and Gains- borough districts, as also in South Lincolnshire about Grantham, Ancaster, Boston, and Anwick. Only two noteworthy varieties have as yet been recorded. North Lincolnshire—Sand dunes, Skegness! (C. T. Musson, February 1884). The Sycamores, Alford, September 9th, 1885! (J. E. Mason). Tothby Road, Alford, numerous, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Farlesthorpe, one, May 25th, 1887! (J. E. Mason). Well Vale, near Alford, chalk-pit, one, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Lincoln, one! (C. T. Musson, February 1884). Skirbeck, near Boston, a few, September 8th, 1884! (W.D.R.). Rigsby, a few, juv., March 3rd, 1887! (Isabel Mason). Sloothby, near Alford, numerous, August 4th, 1886! (J. E. Mason). Skegness, plentiful, 1874! (C. T. Musson). Sandhilis, Chapel, parish of Mumby Chapel, July 5th, 1886! (J. E. Mason). Claythorpe, one, July 6th, 1887! (}. E. Mason). Rejectamenta of Main Drain, Chapel, one juv., August 2oth, 1886! (J. E. Mason). Mablethorpe, one! (H. W. Kew, April 1887). Sutton-in- the-Marsh, common, April 16th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Caistor, one juv., October 6th, 1883! (W. E. Clarke). Muckton, near Louth, one, April 15th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Rigsby farmyard, near Alford, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Greenfield Wood, Aby parish, two, June 8th, 1887! (J. E. Mason). Near Gainsborough, on Utica dioica, two juv., August 11th, 1883! (P. F. Lee). South Lincolnshire.—Grantham (E. J. Lowe, 1853). Grantham, one brought! (R. Walker, April, 1884). Ancaster village, plentiful, April 17th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Near Boston, one, September 8th, 1884! (W.D.R.). Ermine Street, north of Ancaster Railway Station, plentiful, April 17th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Anwick, near Sleaford, several, March 7th, 1887! (C.T. Musson). Helix aspersa var. exalbida Menk. North Lincolnshire.—Mablethorpe Sandhills, common; one denuded specimen sent ! (H. W. Kew, 19, viii, 86). Helix aspersa var. grisea Mog. North Lincolnshire.—Cleethorpes, specimens in the collection of the late J. Hardy, sen., September, 1885! Helix nemoralis L. Common and widely distributed about Louth, Alford, Market Rasen, and Owston Ferry, and in South Lincolnshire at Anwick. The earliest records are for Grantham (E. J. Lowe, 1853), and Croyland (Bellars, 1858), both in the South. The colour- and band- variations recorded are numerous, and one form-variation has been noted. Aug. 1887. 256 W. D. ROEBUCK: LINCOLNSHIRE MOLLUSCA, North Lincolnshire—Owston Ferry, J. Whitwham! (in coll. W. Nelson). Chapel, a few, August 19th, 1886!(J. E. Mason). Sandhills, Chapel, parish of Mumby Chapel, July 5th, 1886! (J. E. Mason). Glentham, near Market Rasen, August 1879!(C. H. Bothamley). Hallington, one! (H. W. Kew, April 1887). Somercotes, one, libellula 123,45 and one 02345! (H. W. Kew, 16, iv, 87). Hubbard’s Valley, one adult, libellula oo000! (H.W. Kew, May 1887). Rejectamenta of main drain, Chapel, August 20th, 1886 ! (J. E. Mason). Roadside near Acthorpe, Louth, libellula 12345, 00340, rubella oooo0, and carnea 02345 ! (H. W. Kew, 13, v, 87). Railway-bank, Donington-on- Bain, one, libellula ooo00 ! (H. W. Kew, 7, vi, 87). Scuth Lincolnshire.—Croyland (Bellars, 1858). Grantham (Lowe, 1853). An- wick, near Sleaford, libellula 02345, 12345, 12345, 02345 juv., 00300 juv., one each, March 7th, 1887! (C. T. Musson). Anwick, near Sleaford, one adult, dead, libellula 12345! March 7th, 1887! (C. T. Musson). Helix nemoralis var. conica Pasc. North Lincolnshire—Grisel Bottom, Louth, one, carnea 12345! (H. W. Kew, 19, vill, 86): one lutea 00000! (Id., April 1887). Helix hortensis Mill. A very scarce species in Lincolnshire, occurring only very sparingly in one or two woods near Louth. For South Lincolnshire it has long been on record as found at Croyland (Bellars, 1858). North Lincolnshire.—Grisel Bottom, Burwell Wood, one, lutea 12345! (H. W. Kew, 7, vi, 87). Haugham Pasture, near Louth, lutea 12045 and 00000, one each, broken !—none found alive yet (H. W. Kew, 19, viii, 86). South Lincolnshire.—Croyland (Bellars, 1858). Helix hortensis var. pallida T. D. A. Cockerell. North Lincolnshire.— Burwell and Haugham Wood (H. W. Kew, 19, viii, 86). Helix arbustorum L. Local, found in a few places near Louth, Alford, and Lincoln. All the specimens in the last-named locality are of the pale variety with band, the type not occurring there. The only record for the Southern division is a note of Mr. E. Collier’s that he has found it at Uffington near Stamford. North Lincolnshire.—Well Vale, near Alford, numerous, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Haugham Wood, near Louth, one, April 15th, 1886 ! (W.D.R.). Hubbard’s Valley, one, dead, distorted! (H. W. Kew, 13, v, 87). Roadside, Acthorpe, near Louth, one! (H. W. Kew, 13, v, 87). Grisel Bottom, Bur- well Wood ! (H. W. Kew, 7, vi, 87). South Lincolnshire.—Uffington, near Stamford (E. Collier, specimens not seen). Helix arbustorum var. flavescens Mog. North Lincolnshire.— Hubbard’s Valley, near Louth, one! (H. W. Kew, 19, vill, 86). Haugham Pasture, near Louth, one! (H. W. Kew, 13, v, 87). Helix arbustorum var. cincta Tayl. North Lincolnshire.—Well Vale, near Alford, with type, a few, April 14th, 1886! (W.D.R.). Wragby Road, Lincoln, very abundant! (W. W. 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Yorkshire Neuroptera and Orthoptera.—I am anxious during the present and several future seasons to work up the Neuroptera and Orthoptera of our county as much as possible, with a view to publishing a list of species, with their localities, etc., and shall be very grateful to all entomologists (or other naturalists) who, when out collecting their own particular groups of objects, will kindly kill and pin (of course they need not trouble to set them) one or two or three specimens of any species they may come across, and send them to me at the end of the season—or oftener if it be not too much trouble. The families in the Neuroptera wanted are the Lzdel/ulide (Dragon-flies), Perlide (Stone-flies), Szalide, Kaphidiide (Snake-flies), Osmylide, Hemerobide, Chrysopide (Lacewing-flies), Coniopterygihe, Panorpide (Scorpion-flies), and the Z7richoptere (Caddis-flies). — The two other British groups, Psocede and EAphemeride (May-flies), I do not © propose to touch at present. The Orthoptera include the Forjiculide (Earwigs), Blattide (Cockroaches), Acridide (Grasshopper and Locusts), and the Achelid@ (Crickets), all of which, with the exception of the several universally abundant — and distributed species, are wanted.—GEO. T. PoRRITT, Greenfield House, Huddersfield, May 18th, 1887. Improved Egg Drills (2 sizes) and Metal Blowpipe with instructions 1/3 free. ‘Hints on Egg Collecting and Nesting,’ illustrated, 33d. free. Birds’ Skins, 7 Eggs (side-blown and in clutches with date), Lepidoptera, Ova, Larve, and Pupx, Artificial Eyes, and all kinds of Naturalists’ Requisites. Lists, one stamp. All ~ specimens, &c., sent out ‘on approval.’ J. & W. DAVIS (Naturalists), DARTFORD, Kent. The cheapest dealer in Birds, Skins, Eggs, Butterflies, Moths, Foreign Shel etc , is John Eggleston, Park Place, Sunderland. Lists free. a, at Bi es, atid Ds av i . However, on looking over some old sketches during the past week, I find a very similar variety of D. truncatum which I propose to call D. ¢runcatum var. nov. vy emarginatum. In this the notched ends are quite as strongly developed as in the former case, and tend still further to show the close relationship between Zetme- morus and the non-verticillate Doctdia. The variety is Canadian in habitat ; and in the slide the normal form of D. ¢runcatum does not appear.—W. BARWELL TURNER, Leeds, September 6th, 1887. NOTES—ENTOMOLOG Y. Acronycta alni and other Moths near Scarborough.— On June 25th a fine specimen of Acronycta alni was captured in the neighbourhood of Seamer Beacon near Scarborough by Mr. J. Head. lusza cnterrogationzs has this season been fairly abundant on the moors, also Hepialus velleda on Oliver’s Mount.—J. H. RowNnTREE, Scarborough, August 27th, 1887. Coleophora obtusella in Lincolnshire.—At the end of August, Mr. J. Eardley Mason, of Alford, sent me larvee of this species, which he had found feeding commonly on seeds of rush near the sea-shore at Chapel, near Alford. It is only a recent addition to the British fauna, and as I believe it has hitherto only been found on the south coast, Mr. Mason’s discovery is most interesting. —GEo. T. PorRITT, Huddersfield, September 15th, 1887. Sirex juvencus near Harrogate.—At the end of August, Mr. Riley Fortune sent me for determination an exceedingly fine female specimen of Szrex juvencus which had just been found ‘on growing grain’ near Harrogate. Its commoner relative S77ex gigas is of not unfrequent occurrence, and I have re- peatedly had it brought to me as a ‘curious creature’ from this district; but I only remember seeing one previous specimen of -7zvezecas in the county, which was many years ago brought to me, I think from one of the streets of Huddersfield.— Gro. T. PorriT?T, Huddersfield, September 7th, 1887. Hemerobius concinnus at York.—I took a fine specimen of this good neuropteron, the largest European species in the genus, at Warthill, near York, on July 18th last. Mr. G. C. Dennis and I were returning from a very successful day’s collecting at Sandburn, when I found the specimen on a fir-trunk in the wood near Warthill railway station. Had time permitted of a more extended search probably more would have been secured.—GEO. T. PORRITT, Huddersfield, September 7th, 1887. Naturalist, 291 THE SOOTY SHEARWATER AT FLAMBOROUGH HEAD. JAMES BACKHOUSE, Jun., M.B.O.U., York; Secretary of the Vertebrate Section of the Vorkshire Naturalists Union; and Honorary Curator in Ornithology to the Vorkshire Philosophical Society's Mluseunt. I HAVE just examined a pair of undoubted Sooty Shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) which were captured on the 23rd of August of this year a mile and a half or so off Flamborough Head, and have been beautifully preserved by Mr. Edward Allen, Feasegate, York. They are adult male and female, and agree very well with the description given by Mr. Seebohm in his ‘ History of British Birds’ (Vol. iil, p. 427), only that in the above-named specimens the back and upper tail-coverts chiefly are marked with pale brown, and the webs of the feet are distinctly flesh-coloured. According to Mr. Seebohm, Yorkshire can already boast of nine specimens of this rare East Indian species, and how many more there are which have been considered as examples of the Greater Shearwater it is, of course, impossible to say. I notice that Mr. Saunders says (Yarrell, 4th edition, vol. iv, p. 17), that the first British specimen recorded was a Yorkshire one, shot at Boynton near Bridlington, in 1828, and exhibited four years later by Mr. Arthur Strickland, at a meeting of the Zoological Society of London. Mr. Saunders further remarks:—‘ This specimen, which was then identified with Pufinus fuliginosus Kuhl, was subsequently figured on the same plate with an example of the Great Shearwater (P. major) by Gould, in his ‘ Birds of Europe,’ under the impression that they belonged to the same species.’ In the ‘Strickland Collection’ of birds I found, the other day, a case containing a veritable Sooty Shearwater and a Greater Shear- water together—both under the one name of Greater Shearwater ! I naturally imagine that these specimens may be the identical birds figured by Gould, but as there is absolutely no record with the case, I have no means of discovering, and should, therefore, feel greatly obliged if any of your readers can enlighten me. Whilst writing about Shearwaters, I should like to draw attention to the numbers of Manx Shearwaters (Puffinus anglorum), which have been shot in the county during the past month. I have seen a pair from Bridlington ; have another myself (very old bird apparently) from Dunnington near York, and others also are reported from the coast. In the Dunnington bird, the legs are flesh-coloured on the inside and partly on the outside; inner and middie toes flesh-coloured ; irides very dark hazel. Oct. 1887. 292 GEOLOGICAL PAPERS RELATING TO THE NORTH OF ENGLAND, READ AT THE MANCHESTER MEETING OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION. AMONGST the papers read in the Geological Section bearing in some degree upon the Geology of the North of England may be cited the following: the Presidential Address by Dr. H. Woodward, F.R.S. (upon the present condition of geology, in his remarks upon palzon- tology, the value of the special work of Messrs. Davis and Vine being alluded to); Prof. Boyd Dawkins, on ‘The Geography of the British Isles in the Carboniferous Period,’ and on ‘ The Structure of the Millstone Grit in the Pennine Chain’ (in the latter paper expressing his opinion that the ancient land from which the Millstone Grit was denuded was composed mainly of granite, but not altogether so, for evidence was found of schists); Mark Stirrup, F.G.S., on ‘ Foreign Boulders in Coal Seams’ (on this paper a valuable discussion arose, joined in by Prof. Bonney, Dr. Crosskey, Dr. Blanford, Prof. Lebour, etc., when various opinions were expressed as to their presence in the coal, floating icebergs and mountain torrents being successively dwelt upon, whilst one speaker gravely alleged they were the ejectamenta of a volcano! A magnificent set of specimens accompanied this paper from various collieries in Lancashire, varying in weight from 166 lbs. downwards, the great majority being quartzites); Dr. G. J. Hinde, on ‘The Organic Origin of the Chert in the Carboniferous Limestone Series of Ireland, and its similarity to that in the corres- ponding strata of North Wales and Yorkshire’ (it was shown con- clusively that this rock, which has been generally regarded as an inorganic deposit of silica direct from the sea-water, is, in reality, made up of the microscopic detached spicules of siliceous sponges. Having stated that these accumulations of minute spicules formed in some cases solid beds of rock, reaching a thickness even of nearly 700 ft., he said that sponges were thus more important as rock formers in the Carboniferous than in any other subsequent geological epoch); Robert Law, F.G.S., and James Horsfall, on ‘The Discovery of Carboniferous Fossils in a Conglomerate at Moughton Fell, near Settle, Yorkshire’ (the paper described the well-known conglomerate at the base of the Mountain Limestone) ; Dr. H. W. Crosskey, ‘Report on the Erratic Blocks of England, Wales, and Ireland (the work of the Yorkshire Boulder Committee was duly reported and specially commended, being held up as an’ example to other counties) ; Prof. Carvell Lewis, on ‘The Terminal Moraines of the Great Glaciers of England,’ and on ‘Some important Extra-Morainic Lakes in Central England, North America, and else- where during the period of maximum glaciation,’ and on ‘The Origin Naturalist, GEOLOGICAL PAPERS AT THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 293 of Extra-Morainic Boulder Clay’ (these were, no doubt, the most original in idea and the boldest in theory of all the papers read before the section. The Professor, although from Philadelphia, had traversed and studied the whole of the North and East of England in detail for this paper. He argued that every glacier at the time of its greatest extension is bounded and limited by a terminal moraine. The glaciers which once covered Northern England were studied in detail, beginning with the East of England, and the North Sea glacier, the Wensleydale glacier, the Stainmoor glacier, the Aire glacier, and others were distinguished by characteristic loulders, and said to be defined by well-marked moraines. ‘The minuteness of detail respecting Yorkshire and Lancashire, and the information given, was surprisingly great. In the second paper the Professor advanced from one argument to another until he announced his conclusion that the glacial phenomena of England are due neither to a universal ice-cap nor to a marine submergence, but to a number of glaciers bordered by freshwater lakes—that is, the glacier wall dammed up the rivers from the great watersheds of the west, constituting thus great fresh- water lakes. These papers were stoutly controverted in discussion by numerous eminent English glacialists, one gentleman dogmatically denying any indication of a terminal moraine in the neighbourhood of Manchester, whereupon Prof. Lewis smilingly arranged forthwith an excursion to point it out!); J. W. Davis, on ‘An Ancient Sea-beach near Bridlington, containing Mammalian Remains’ (this valuable investi- gation, instituted by the Yorkshire Geological Society, received a grant of £20 from the British Association for the further examination of this section) ; Prof. Boyd Dawkins, on ‘The Schists of the Isle of Man’; Prof. Lebour, on ‘ Thinolite and Jarrowite’ (the latter, a new mineral found in the muds of the river Tyne); Thomas Ward, on “The History and Cause of the Subsidences at Northwich and its neighbourhood in the Salt Districts of Cheshire’ (after giving the geology of the district and the history and progress of the salt trade, he related the cause of the subsidences, the continual removal of the beds of rock salt by solution and pumping, when the overlying . strata suddenly fall into the cavities thus made); Prof. W. C. Williamson, F.R.S. (in the absence of Mr. Cash), ‘Report on the _ Carboniferous Flora of Halifax’ (it was stated that during the last year the researches had been less fruitful than usual in the neighbour- hood of Halifax, but had been more successful in the surrounding districts. ‘The most notable result had been in materially enabling them to determine with absolute certainty the fructification of the calamites) ; C. E. de Rance, ‘Report on the underground waters in the Permeable Formations of England’; Prof. J. F. Blake, ‘Description Oct. 1887. 294 NOTES—-BOTANY. of a new star-fish from the Yorkshire Lias’ (Prof. Williamson doubted if this was a new discovery, being inclined to think this fish was a perfect specimen of the class one of which, imperfect, was found in the same locality many years ago, and by him placed in the Scar- borough Museum); Prof. Otto Torell, on ‘The Extension of the Scandinavian Ice to Eastern England in the Glacial Period’; Prof. Carvell Lewis, on ‘The Terminal Moraine of the Irish Sea Glacier near Manchester’ (this consisted of special and explanatory remarks upon an excursion which was immediately setting off).—S.A.A. NOTES—LOTANY. Linaria minor in Northumberland.—In the September number, p- 280, Mr. F. Arnold Lees records this little species as ‘ plentzful amid the cinders of the railway track from Inegleton onwards.’ What is the connection between this Zzzazza and railway tracks? Two or three years ago it appeared, and still flourishes, on a similar place among cinders at Beal Station, eight miles south from this town; and last year I found it in exactly similar locations at Velvet Hall, on the Kelso Branch, and at Marshall Meadows, on the North British line, where the track had been broken up on the formation of a short deviation. There is only one recorded station in this neighbourhood, and there it cannot now be found.—P. W. MACLAGAN, Berwick-on-Tweed, Sept. 7th, 1887. Threatened extinction of Sisymbrium Irio at Berwick-on- T’'weed.—As I have my pen in hand, I may mention that Szsymbrium Lrio, found on the walls of this town by Mr. John Ray, in 1671, has been almost eradicated by the zeal of the authorities, who, three years ago, scraped and poznted the outer side of the ramparts. Last year I went with Prof. Babington to the spot where he and I gathered the plant in abundance half a century ago, but could not find a single specimen. This year there is one strong plant seeding as usual in profusion, so I hope to save it from extinction by scattering the seed in likely localities where it used to flourish.— P. W. MacLaGAN, Berwick-on-Tweed, September 7th, 1887. A Mythical Moss.—Correction of Error.—Though scarcely sur- prised, indeed prepared to find it to be so, I regret to have to state that the supposed discovery of Grimmia commutata Hueb. at Cautley (see Maturalist, September, p. 281) is alla mistake. The error, however, is not mine, and for reputation’s sake I am glad that I allowed dowbt to be read plainly ‘ between the lines’ in publishing the MS. record. The error must be set down to an inad- vertence—a lapsus calami of Mr. M. B. Slater’s. Mr. G. Stabler writes disclaiming any knowledge of the Grimmza; as, indeed, did Mr. West from the first. _ What makes the error more singular is that on receiving from Mr. Slater the list of the mosses found in the Sedbergh district, on August Ist—in which list the name Grimmia commutata Wueb. appears as ‘plain as a pikestafft’ following G. apocarpa —Mr. Slater replied that Mr. Stabler had given him the name as that of a moss gathered by Mr. West and his informant ; and although I feared some error even then, it did not strike me that that other Cautley moss, in a quite different genus —viz., Barbula curvirostris, VAR. commutata Braith. was what Mr. Stabler had intended to give to Mr. Slater. Mr. Slater did not venture to suggest to me the omission of the reported ‘find’ altogether from my list, and I dare not do so ‘on speculation ’ alone seeing that the authorities were in every way above suspicion. The matter carries a lesson with it, which must be my apology for detailing so minutely the facts of what must of course be held to be a simple but curious psychologic inadvertence. The error was not mine, and I did all I could to verify the record before publishing it. Having unfortunately appeared, a full explanation in the matter becomes imperative.—F. A. LEES, September roth, 1887. Naturalist 295 NOTES ON BRITISH LICHENS. JOSEPH A. MARTINDALE, Staveley, near Kendal, Westmorland. THERE can be no doubt that there is still some considerable amount of confusion among those who in England devote attention to lichens with respect to several species which, from the antiquity of their hames, might now be supposed to be well understood; and the writer of the report of the meeting of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union at Sedbergh, which was published at pages 277-284 of the Vaturalist, will have done good service if his remarks draw the attention of local collectors to the fact that under some ancient name, in several cases, three or four quite diverse plants are commonly united as a single species, and that, in some instances, the form regarded as typical is altogether different from that at first intended by the name. At the same time, the writer himself seems to labour under misconcep- tions, which may to some extent hinder the good he would other- wise do. It certainly is not the case, for instance, that there is any practical difference between Leighton’s conception of Cladina rangiferina (L.) and that of Dr. Nylander. There are, no doubt, some slight differences in their diagnoses of this plant and of its near ally C. sylvatica (L.), as appears from a comparison of the descriptions in Leighton’s ‘ Lichen Flora,’ pp. 66-67, and in Nylander’s Synopsis, Vol. 1, pp. 211-212, but these are, perhaps, more verbal than real. At all events, it is quite evident that Leighton not only accepts both plants as distinct forms, but that he agrees with Dr. Nylander in regarding their differences as specific, and such being the case, neither the one plant nor the other can by any means afford an example of a difference in the names adopted by these distinguished lichenologists. What confusion, therefore, exists at present in England with respect to these plants cannot proceed from the cause assigned by the writer of the report, but is chiefly due, I believe, to the fact that Hooker, in his ‘ English Flora,’ and Taylor, in Mackay’s ‘ Flora Hibernica, completely ignored C. sy/vatica, a plant which had been kept apart, at least as a variety, by almost every botanist but them- selves since the time of Linnzeus’s ‘Species Plantarum’ (to say nothing of the more dubious recognition of it by Ray and Dillenius), and which had been regarded as a species by at least one writer of eminence—Hepp, in his ‘ Lichenen Flora von Warzburg.’ Where Leighton has indeed erred is in stating that C. rangiferina is the more common in England of the two; and it is surely in- consistent to say of plants that they are ‘common,’ and yet be able Oct. 1887. 296 J. A. MARTINDALE: NOTES ON BRITISH LICHENS. to give such a very meagre number of stations as, in this instance, 1s recorded in his ‘Lichen Flora.’ So far, indeed, as this work is evidence, we might suppose both plants to be very uncommon, for he only notes two localities in England from which he had actually seen specimens of C. rangiferina, viz.,in Yorkshire and Shropshire, and only one for C. sylvatica, viz., Market Rasen in Lincolnshire. He records, indeed, in another writing on the Cladoniez, published in the ‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History,’ November 1866, the occurrence of both species in Leicestershire, from whence he had received speci- mens sent by Mr. Bloxam. This paucity of recorded stations may be taken as a proof how completely the form sy/vatica had been ignored by British botanists, and rangiferina recorded wherever either plant was observed. Nor can we supply our lack of information from any other trustworthy source. Mr. Crombie, in his paper on the Cladomzei (Grevillea, vol. xi, p. 115), enters into no details as to their distribution, merely saying of vangz- ferina, ‘ Probably general and common, but certainly less so than the following species,’ sy/vateca, of which he says, ‘General and abundant. No one has pointed out with any emphasis that there are districts in England where vangiferina appears to be absent, but such I believe to be the case. At any rate, I have not yet met with it in any part of Westmorland that I have searched ; and as the Rev. W. Johnson does not record it in his list of the Lichens of Cumberland, we may suppose it to be absent from certain parts of that county also. And now to turn to another plant, Parmelia olivacea (L.), men- tioned in the report above alluded to. It is a very prevalent opinion that the large increase in the number of lichen species enumerated in later British Floras over the earlier ones, is entirely due to the making use for diagnostic purposes of minute differences of structure revealed by the microscope, or from reactions obtained by the use of chemicals. Now, though both these auxiliaries have most properly been made use of in the study of lichens, and a considerable number of species have been more accurately limited by their means, which, of course, has led to the recognition of species previously confounded in some supposed polymorphous plant, yet the opinion above men- tioned is only partially true, especially as regards the foliaceous and fruticulose genera. ‘The species now recognised which make up the olivacea group of farmelia are a very fair illustration of this. Eight species of the group are now known and recorded as members of the British flora, along with a few varieties. But so far from it being the case that their distinction from each other is due either to the microscope or chemical tests, oniy two of them have been named since 1830, and all of them had been described - before Naturalist, J. A. MARTINDALE: NOTES ON BRITISH LICHENS. 297 the publication of the third edition of the Lichen Flora of Leighton. The case is somewhat different if we consider the nine or ten members of the group which, though occurring on the Continent, have not yet been discovered within the limits of the British Isles. Of these latter the majority are new species, though all but two had been named before the appearance of Leighton’s latest edition. The eight British species, and the dates of their first recognition, are 1753. Parmelia olivacea (Linn., Species Plantarum). - 1803. Parmelia prolixa (Ach., Methodus). 1810. Parmelia exasperata (Ach., Lich. Universalis). 1810. Parmelia sorediata (Ach., Lich. Universalis). 1829. Parmelia Delisei (Dub, Bot. Gall.). 1830. Parmelia fuliginosa (Fr., in Dub. Bot. Gall.). 1873. Parmelia subaurifera (Nyl., in Flora). 1875. Parmelia isidiotyla (Nyl., in Flora). Now, since 1830, by which year six of these plants had been described, there have been published in England, Hooker's ‘ English Flora’ (1833), Mackay’s ‘Flora Hibernica’ (1836), Mudd’s Manual (1851), and Crombie’s ‘Lichenes Britannici’ (1870). Yet in Hooker’s and Mackay’s Floras only one plant is described styled ‘ o/vacea,’ as if it was a homogeneous species, one and indivisible—not the slightest hint being given that it was made up of a number of very different forms. And it is to be observed that this apparent homogeneity of the species is not to be accounted for by the overwhelming prepon- derance of one form and the extreme rarity of the others, so that all or nearly all specimens collected belonged to that one form. Even as early as the time of Dillenius, four of the forms had been gathered, and were delineated in the ‘ Historia Muscorum’ (1741), nay, even divided into two species, the first consisting of three varieties. The plants drawn on Plate 24, f. 77, according to Mr. Crombie, who has critically examined the Dillenian Herbarium, are P. olzvacea, P. fuliginosa and P. subaurifera, while fig. 78 is P. exasperata. In Mudd’s Manual there was still only one species recognised, but to it were assigned two varieties — aguwiloides (= Deliset) and Surfuracea (=fuliginosa). In Crombie’s ‘Lich. Britannici,’ prolixa and exasperata are recorded, in addition to olivacea and fuliginosa, but De/zsez is omitted, probably being included in pvolzxa. When we - come to Leighton’s Flora, we find all the species except sovediata, subaurifera, and tszdzotyla. In this work the five forms recognised are grouped in three species, exasferata and prolixa being regarded as varieties of olivacea. It is probable that subaurifera lies hid under /uliginosa and its variety, and very likely British specimens of sorediata and istdiotyla had not been seen by the author. Oct. 1887. 298 J. A. MARTINDALE: NOTES ON BRITISH LICHENS. But now come the questions: What is the ‘o/zvacea’ of these different works ? and which of the species is intended by any record of ‘P. olivacea’ we may find in them or in local lists of plants? And in trying to answer these questions we must remember that all the writers mentioned speak of their particular ‘olzvacea’ as quite a common plant. Well, a little reflection shows that a different answer must be given to the first question for most of these authors, and may be required for the second according to the date of the record. If we restrict ourselves to English and probably Irish plants, ex- cluding Scotch ones altogether from consideration, we may safely say for all authors and records that true o/vacea was never intended ; for as Mr. Crombie has pointed out in his paper on ‘P. olzvacea and its allies’ (Grevillea, vol. x, p. 24) the true plant ‘is essentially a boreal species which is met with only very rarely in the Scottish Highlands.’ P. sorediata also has, so far as I know, not been gathered in South Britain, and P. zs#diotyla only recently detected in Cumberland and Westmorland. Both of these, or at all events the latter, may be found to have a wider range, but it is very unlikely that any specimen of them had been seen by the earlier English botanists. We may, then, in all probability consider Hooker’s and Taylor’s ‘ o/zvacea’ to be an aggregate species made up of exasperata, prolixa, Delisez, Juliginosa, and subaurifera. Mr. Crombie states that exasperata was chiefly intended by earlier authors, and it is the plant figured in English Botany, 2180; but though widely distributed it cannot be said to be common, and it has even been called rare by Mr. Crombie himself (Lich. Brit., p. 35). Very likely it was held to be the most perfect development of the species, but certainly we require the addition of the others to justify the supposed common occurrence of their ‘ olzvacea.’ Mudd’s ‘ o/zvacea’ is, of course, more restricted in consequence of his distinguishing De/isec and /fuliginosa under separate names ; and it seems to be probable that his type was made up of exasferata, subaurifera, and prolixa. The second of these plants is widely distributed and in some places very abundant, though frequently more or less atypical. Crombie’s ‘ Lichenes Britannici’ is merely a list of species believed to compose the British lichen-flora. It was the first attempt, after a lapse of nearly twenty years from the pub- lication of Mudd’s Manual, to enumerate the lichens native to Britain, and was of great value at the time when it appeared. The stations recorded for each plant were, of course, in great part gathered out of previous writers, and no doubt P. ofvacea was recorded in it as common in Britain on the faith of old statements, but these records, as we have seen, had reference to other plants. Naturalist, NOTE—FISHES. 299 It is more difficult to say what is the ‘o/vacea’ of Leighton’s ‘Lichen Flora,’ so far as English plants are concerned. The stations given for it on the testimony of others may be passed over; but he records its occurrence in several places in Shropshire on his own authority. Now, as all the other forms then gathered in Britain appear under separate names, with the exception of swbaurifera, which perhaps he referred to fu/zginosa on the strength of the reaction with Ca.Cl., there actually remains nothing to which it can have any reference. It is most likely, however, that these Shropshire plants are corticolous (?) forms of prolfizxa; and if this conjecture be true, it will perhaps account for the words ‘smooth : sometimes varnished’ in the diagnosis he gives (‘Lich. Flora’, prdeed...p-) 114). In endeavouring to utilise old records of ‘olzvacea,’ for the purpose of studying the distribution of the various species, regard must, of course, be paid to the date of the record and to the author followed by the person recording the plant. I am afraid, however, that in most instances it will be quite impossible to determine accurately the plant unless access can be got to specimens in some herbarium. Having thus somewhat cursorily considered the history of this group of plants, I would only further say that there is perhaps no group of lichens of which the species are more easily determinable, or which have so little tendency to run into one another. The question whether they should be considered distinct species or as varieties of one polymorphous plant, is one that each person will decide with reference to his own notions of the nature of species and varieties. We must remember, however, in respect to this, that not only have they each a fixed external character, but that the spores and spermatia differ in each, and to some extent the thalline structure. In fact except in colour they differ from each other in almost every character, and it seems to me that they are more distinct from each other than many species of moss genera, say Sphagnum or Andreea or Hypnum, or of genera of phanerogams, say Thalictrum or Pota- mogeton or Carex, not to mention Rosa, Rubus, or Salix. NOTE—FISHES. Whitby Fish-notes.—On the 22nd November, 1886, two Ballan Wrasse (Labrus maculatus Bl.) were brought into Whitby, the largest of a green colour, the smallest deep reddish brown. Yesterday (September 22nd), three of our fishermen caught a small specimen of the Short Sunfish (Orthagoriscus mola) on the top of the water outside the Rock Buoy off Whitby. I have not yet obtained its dimensions.—THOs. STEPHENSON, Whitby, 23rd September, 1887. Oct. 1887. BOOK NOTICES. The Geology of England and Wales: with Notes on the Physical Features of the Country. By Horace B. Woodward, F.G.S. 2nd ed., 8vo, 670 pages. London: Geo. Philip & Son, 1887. The handsome volume before us does not merely add one more to the numerous manuals of geology which so frequently appear: it hasa definite line of its own, being, as its title denotes, a geological guide to England and Wales. As such it is very complete, and comprises an enormous amount of material, including the most recent researches of local geologists. There is, however, a store of more general in- formation, both interspersed with the local details and in the intro- ductory and concluding chapters. A special feature is the insertion of brief historical and personal notes explaining the origin and appli- cation of our stratigraphical nomenclature, and summarising the con- flicting views of different authorities on such debated questions as the classification of the Cambrian and Silurian, the Devonian, and the New Red Sandstone. In all these points the present work shows considerable additions as compared with the first edition ; so that, despite the omission of the promised account of the geology of the principal railway lines, which many amateurs will regret, the new edition attains goodly proportions. After a section treating of introductory matters, the author begins with the Archzan system, which he includes under the Paleozoic group, and gives a succinct account of the pre-Cambrian rocks described by Dr. Hicks at St. David’s (with Dr. Geikie’s counter- statements), by Prof. Hughes in Carnarvonshire, by Dr. Callaway in Shropshire, etc. Next comes the Cambrian, the term being used in what we may call ‘a strictly Sedgwickian sense,’ 1.e., to include all the strata from the base of the Harlech to the top of the Bala series. The development of these formations is described for the districts of North Wales, Shropshire, Pembrokeshire, and the Lake District. The Silurian system receives hike treatment. The old Red Sand- stone is divided in what is now generally admitted to be the most natural manner, the lower portion being linked with the Silurian, the upper with the Carboniferous. The Devonians of North Devon, which have received much attention from local workers, are described in detail; and the rocks of Torquay, Plymouth, and Cornwall are also treated. The author is of opinion that the Devonian rocks represent the Upper and Lower Old Red Sandstone and the gap between them. The Carboniferous system is fully described under its various local types, and the coal-fields, including the culm-measures of Devonshire, Naturalist, BOOK NOTICES. 301 are separately treated. There is also a brief discussion of the possibility of coal occurring under the South-east of England, in the light of the information gained from deep borings. It may be remarked that, under the head of each system, a section is devoted to its most valuable economic and other products. The author classes the Permian or Dyas and the Tras as one system under their original name of New Red Sandstone, and remarks the universal discordance between them and the underlying rocks. At the same time, the palzontological similarity between the Carboniferous and the Magnesian Limestone is pointed out. Next we find the Jurassic strata fully treated. Tables are given to show the persistence of the ammonite-zones in the Lias, and the variations in the character of the Lower Oolites when traced from Dorset to Yorkshire. The author retains the divisions of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Lias, as used by most of the older geologists and by the Survey, in preference to that of Messrs. Tate and Blake. In the Middle and Upper Oolites the work of Messrs. Hudleston, Blake, and others is well summarised. Under the head of the Lower Cretaceous rocks we find both the Northern and Southern counties types of that division described in sufficient detail. Our author draws attention to the abuse of the term Neocomian, and indeed it would be well if this word, as well as many others, could be dropped out of English geological literature. In the Chalk the paleontological zones worked out by Barrois and others are given in a table. Many geologists will be of opinion that this is a case in which the use of zone-fossils has been rather unduly pushed. After the usual treatment of the Eocenes of the London and Hampshire basins, and the Crags, etc., of the Eastern counties, thirty pages are devoted to the glacial deposits and their attendant phenomena. The interpretation of these is similar to that given by Prof. James Geikie, in his Great Lee Age. The Pleistocene and Recent Alluvia come next, and then a section on Terrestrial Phenomena, such as Springs, Swallow-holes, Tufa, Caverns, Blown Sands, Soils and Beaches. The portion treating of Volcanic Phenomena has some petrological notes by Mr. Rutley, which are too brief to be of much service, and in a work which does not aim at being a text-book of general geology, might well have been omitted. There is also, however, a short but useful account of the chief localities of igneous rocks in England and Wales. It is, perhaps, vain to protest against the almost universal practice of writers of manuals, who, after describing the sedimentary rocks with due care in chronological order, group all the eruptive rocks together, Oct. 1887. 302 BOOK NOTICES. as if they were of no age at all. The geological date of even intru- sive masses can, in most cases, be made out, either with certainty or with a high degree of probability. A few pages are given to the subject of Mineral Veins, and an interesting discussion of Denudation and Scenery, with plentiful local examples, concludes the book. There are, however, two appendices, one being a synopsis of the Animal Kingdom, by Mr. E. T. Newton, and a very full index. 3 The hundred illustrations, gathered from a variety of sources, are judiciously chosen and well executed. There is also a folding geological map, prepared by Mr. Goodchild, which is clear, and seems fairly accurate. The accidental omission from this map of the South Yorkshire and Derbyshire coal-field has been remarked by another critic. Altogether, Mr. Woodward may be warmly con- gratulated on his work, which will prove useful alike to the local geologist, the teacher, and the traveller.—A.H. ———_ >< Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1886. By Mr. J. A. Harvie-Brown, Mr. J. Cordeaux, Mr. R. M. Barrington, Mr. A. G. More, and Mr. W. Eagle Clarke. Eighth Report (Vol. II, No. 3). Edinburgh: M‘Farlane & Erskine. 1887. 8vo, 174 pages and map. It is gratifying to notice the excellent work in course of accom- plishment by the keepers of our lighthouses and light-vessels, and the Committee appointed by the British Association to report on the migration of birds are to be congratulated upon the energy which they have brought to bear upon the large amount of materials furnished by their observers during 1886. It is to be regretted that the reports for East and West coasts appear to be compiled without any reference to one another. Mr. Eagle Clarke alone has made clear the seasonal movements of the species (104) observed upon the West coast, with due reference to sudden rushes of birds. Thus, while Mr. Cordeaux is content to state that in 1886, ‘ as in 1885, the main body of immigrants crossed in two great rushes, corresponding with the first and third weeks of October,’ these movements being ‘considerably earlier than the chief general move- ments of the preceding year,’ Mr. Clarke neatly summarises the spring and autumn movements wth due reference to meteorological conditions. The defect of all the reports, except that just mentioned, is that they leave the bewildered student to draw his own conclusions from the large mass of data referred to special species. What is really required is that a complete summary of the movements of Naturalist, BOOK NOTICES. 303 East and West coasts should be made, showing how the various movements opened, continued, and terminated over the whole of the British coasts. In this respect, geographical borders are highly mischievcus. The reports from Scotland are charming reading, and abound in personal touches from the hand of their genial compiler, but much unnecessary matter is included. The movements of Whales have nothing whatever to do with bird migration proper, nor indeed has the presence of a Bat at Fastnet chronicled by Mr. Barrington. Similarly, the breeding of common resident birds, such as the Sheldrake, should be mgidly excluded. We are far from despising the flotsam and jetsam of the reporters, but it should be published in other quarters than the Migration Report. Having thus noticed the defects of the report, we would draw attention to Mr. Cordeaux’s conciusions as to the arrival of birds ‘at the mouths of the chief mvers, considerable stretches of high coast-line presenting poor or negative returns’ (p. 51). Mr. Clarke’s remarks with reference to the Irish coast are also deserving of special study (p. 117). During the past season the reporters have succeeded in a marked degree in obtaining wings of birds from light-vessels, as a consequence of which we learn that the Nightjar, Swift, and other unlikely birds have been traced on migration. As to movements of individual species, the most remarkable appears to have been that of the Chaffinch, observed in October at twenty-one stations, covering the whole of the East coast between the Farne and the Channel Islands. No rare birds are reported from Ireland, but the presence of such uncommon visitors as the Wryneck, Pied Flycatcher, and Black Redstart, should increase the zeal of the naturalists of the sister isle. Mr. Clarke is similarly unfortunate as to rarities, only a hypothetical Red-winged Starling (Ageleus pheniceus) being reported from the Nash Lighthouse as having breakfasted a cat. From the East coast we find reported the presence of no less a prize than the first British specimen (authenticated) of the Mediter- ranean Black-headed Gull, as well as a Purple Heron, and three Harlequin Ducks at the Farnes. From Sumburgh Head, N.B., was forwarded to Mr. Harvie-Brown the first Scottish example of the Yellow-browed Warbler (Piylloscopus superciliosus). In conclusion, we would draw attention to the importance of every lighthouse and lightship on our coasts receiving personal visitations from the recorders or their deputies. In this respect a high standard of duty has been shown by Mr. Harvie-Brown, with excellent results —H.A.M. Oct. 1887. 304 NOTE—ORNITHOLOGY. The Fungus Hunter’s Guide. By W. Delisle Hay, F.R.G.S. (Swan, Sonnenschein, Lowrey and Co.) This little work is intended for the use of amateur mycologists to answer a similar purpose to Hayward’s ‘Botanists’ Pocket Book,’ that is, to act as a sort of remembrancer whilst out collecting. Beginners frequently experience no little difficulty in remember- ing the characters and even the names of the numerous Fungi which annually make their appearance. ‘The Fungus Hunter’s Guide’ will to a certain extent help them, as the names and brief characteristics are given of many common Hymenomycetous Fungi, and a few others, together with a list of about seventy esculent species. The author seems to have had considerable experience amongst edible Fungi, judging from the numerous species that are marked ‘E”’ (esculent) Many of these have hitherto been regarded as suspicious, and the properties of others were entirely unknown. We should imagine, however, that few will ever attempt to eat Bulgaria inguinans, Tremella mesenterica, and others that are mentioned. The author has gone out of his way in christening many of the species with new-fangled English names, the following of which are a few examples :—‘ The Sickener,’ ‘The Sickener’s Sister,’ ‘The Deadiy Angel,’ ‘The Slayer,’ ‘ Hen-of-the-Woods,’ &c. Such names as these can serve no earthly purpose, and would have been better left out. The work is illustrated with the woodcuts from Cooke’s ‘Handbook,’ but their source is not acknowledged, and an analytical key to the Agaricini is included, similar to if not identical with that of Mr. Worthington Smith’s. The book is also interleaved with blank pages, for noting localities, &c. Altogether the work should be of service to those for whom it is intended.—H.T.S. NOTE—ORNITHOLOGY. Brent Goose at Harrogate.—On March 31st I saw a specimen of the Brent Goose (Berzzicla brenta) near Harrogate. I was walking with a friend from Birk Crag, when suddenly I saw a large bird come off the reservoir at the bottom of Harlow Moor (it had evidently been frightened by some persons at the top side). Up went my glasses at once, and I had a splendid view, and as if to give me a still better opportunity for identifying it, the bird suddenly came right over our heads and not more than fifteen yards above us, so that we could easily distinguish it with the naked eye. After wheeliug about for a short time it dis- appeared in the direction of Beaver Dyke. Perhaps some reader could explain the reason why a single specimen of this marine species should be found so far inland at so late a date. The weather at the time was certainly very stormy, and an unusal number of Gulls had been observed in the neighbourhood. No doubt the Goose and the Gulls had been driven inland by the stormy winds.—RILEY FORTUNE, Alston House, Harrogate, April 5th, 1887. Naturalist, 395 BIRD-NOTES FROM HELIGOLAND FOR THE YEAR 1886. HEINRICH GATKE, C.M.Z.S., Honorary Member of the British Ornithologists Union, etc.; Secretary to the Government of Heligoland. [We have much pleasure in printing this most important contribution to European ornithology. Heligoland is well known to ornithologists as being the most important station in the Western Palearctic Region for observing the migratory movements of birds, and it has been fully established that the movements recorded for that island are most intimately associated with those observed on our own coasts, and especially so with those of the Northern Counties of England.—Ebs. |] 1886. January. Ist. —W., fresh ; fog the whole day. 2nd.—W.., fresh, misty ; evening clear. 3rd. —W.N.W., feeble, clear ; afternoon, fog; evening, misty, S.W., somewhat breaking through ; night, boisterous, S. 4th. —W., moderate, overcast ; early, rain. Many Larks over the sea, southerly-east. Larus minutus daily, very many. 5th. —W., boisterous ; snow, hail, rain, squalls, stormy, lightning, thunder! 6th. —N. 1°, pretty boisterous, clear, single clouds from N.; evening, N.E., stiller. Alauda arvensis and Otocorys alpestris, the first pretty many, the latter scattered; Plectrophanes nivalis, a few small flights ; Scolopax rusticula, three or four; Gallinago celestis and G. gallinula, a couple; Larus minutus, extraordinarily many between both islands. 7th. —Early, still clear ; later, W., feeble ; evening, still. Turdus merula, pretty many old cocks with yellow- beaks; Z: pilaris, some; Linota cannabina, a flight of fifteen or twenty ; Lzwota flavirostris and L. linaria, some; Plectrophanes nivalis, some. 8th. —S. by W., stormy, thick ; afternoon, snow shower ; evening, little stiller 3°. Nothing; a few Zurdus merula knocking about in the gardens. oth. —E., still cloudy, 2°; noon, N.E., boisterous. Nothing ; Zurdus merula still in the gardens; Larus glacialts [? L. glaucus]|, old bird obtained. -Ioth. —E., feeble, cloudy, 1°. Few Crows, stragglers; Alauda arvensis; Fringilla montifringilla, some; Linota flavirostris, few; Turdus merula, some old males. Oct. 1887. x 306 HEINRICH GATKE: BIRD-NOTES FROM HELIGOLAND. JANUARY (continued). IIth. 12th. 13th. 14th. 15th. 16th. 17th. 18th. 19th. 2oth. —5S.5.W., feeble, thick, cloudy, 1°; evening, snow shower. Few; Zurdus merula and 7. pilaris, Fringilla monti- Jringitla and Coccothraustes chlorts. —E., still, 1°, overcast. Some Zurdus merula and T. pilarts, eating hawthorn- berries in garden; Caccothraustes chloris; one or two Scolopax rusticula. —S.S.W., boisterous, thaw. Minimum Stv7x scandinavica ; nothing else. —E., feeble, 1°, light, cloudy. The above knocking about singly; Coccothraustes chloris, etc. —S.W., boisterous, thick ; fog at night till early, at 9 o’clock 1°. —W., violent; early, fog; later on, cloudy; afternoon, clear, cold. Llectrophanes nivalis, forty or fifty; Coccothraustes chloris, twenty or thirty, stragglers. —S.S.W., stormy ; early, snowstorm ; during day, thick ; evening, clearing up with moon, stiller. —S., very violent, overcast. —W. and W.N.; early, a little rain and snow; later on, sunny; evening, S.W., slight. Sturnus vulgaris,a few; Turdus pilaris, ten or twenty ; Alauda arvensis, some, migrating ; Coccothraustes chloris and FParus major, stragglers. —E., early, fog; later on, snow and rain, wind fresh. 2tst. —E., still, misty, snow. 22nd. 23rd. 24th. 25th. —E., still, thick, with snow ; afternoon, less. Very many Ofocorys alpestris migrating, also Linota cannabina. -—E. and E. by S., fresher, some more frost. Many Linota cannabina, L. linaria, L. flavirostris ; fewer Coccothraustes chloris; very many Carduelis elegans, Turdus pilaris, and 7. merula; few winter visitants. —E. by S., moderate, 2”, clear, fine. —S.E., fresh ; early and night, sharp frost, 3° and more ; noon, sudden thaw with damp coming down. 26th and 27th.—S.E., feeble till early, misty, fog, thaw. 28th and 29th.—S.W., feeble, thick. 30th. 31st. Very many Anthus obscurus; few Turdus pilaris and TL. merula. —-S.W., fresh, rain; afternoon, clear. Many Anthus obscurus. —S.S.W.—S., stormy, rain showers, snow. Alauda arvensis, pretty many, S.—N. Noes Ist. 2nd. 5th. 6th. 7th. 8th. oth. 10th. T1th. 12th. 13th. i4th. 15th. 16th. 17th. 23rd, 28th. ath. HEINRICH GATKE: BIRD-NOTES FROM HELIGOLAND. 307 February. —S.W., stormy; the whole night stormy, snow and hail, squalls. Nothing. , 3rd., and 4th.—Shifting wind, feeble, snow. —Shifting wind ; forenoon, snow, fog. ——Gledines= sash. and ho. h.. feeble: \ Nothing; night, three or four single Larks; Zurdus merula, T. pilaris, stragglers. Turdus merula, old, Alauda arvensis, N. Es both few. Turdus merula during night. —S.E.—S.W., feeble. Turdus merula, pretty many, old; Avingilla montifrin- gilla, Linota cannabina, and L. flavirostris, pretty many. aero. We, still, 2° —S.E., feeble, clear and fog interchanging ; mene strong hoar-frost, I to 2° —S.E., thick fog; hoar-frost. —Still shifting, 2 Many Larks on cliff. =, 9-., fresh, 2°. Many Larks, and 50 or 60 Starlings. The latter giving cause to believe that migration has already commenced. —S. and S. by W., feeble, thick, 1 —S.E., feeble, thick, overcast. Sturnus vulgaris, early, hundreds on the move; Alauda arvensis early, thousands migrating, W.—E., also during night. —Fog, 3°, S.E., moderate. —E.S.E., feeble, until 27th, E., moderate and slight, 1 to 3°, thick, overcast. 24th, and 25th. Many Larks, hundreds of thousands eastwards over- head and over sea. ‘The last day by evening many returning westward. On the 27th one Pratincola rubicola. —E. and S.E., very violent, clear, 5°. Nothing. March. . —E. and S.S.E., stormy, clear; early, 7° in evening ; night very stormy. .—S.E., very stormy, force 9; early, clear; 11 a.m., thick, with snow, 8°; afternoon, snow shower ; evening, still. : —E.N.E.; early, still, thick, 5°. Lrithacus rubecula, one with the fowls, many fights ; Fuligula marila; single F. ferina; Mergus serrator; and Cygnus musicus. —N.N.W.—W.N., fresh, cloudy, thaw. Oct. 1887. 3208 HEINRICH GATKE: BIRD-NOTES FROM HELIGOLAND. MARCH (coztinued). 5th. —N.N.W., feeble, clear, early ; later, the whole day still, quite clear, sunny, warm, but frost in shade. Twenty-two Geese (Azser segetum) overhead. 6th. —E., still; night and early, 2°; afternoon, S.W., feeble, quite clear; late afternoon, thick, some snow, above zero ; evening, clear. Tinnunculus alaudarius, three; Corvus frugilegus, fifteen or twenty; —F. W. DICKINSON, Rotherham, September 17th, 1887. Grey Plover and Greenshank in Northumberland.—I have just obtained a very fine specimen of the Grey Plover (Sguatarola helvetica), immature, shot on the Northumberland coast on the 7th September. This bird is sufficiently rare on the Northumbrian coast to be of interest to naturalists. An immature specimen of the Greenshank (7oftasus glottis) was also shot on this coast on the 16th August.—H. T. ARCHER, Newcastle-on-Tyne, 15th September, 1887. Kingfisher and Sparrowhawk.— Early this year I was standing by the Fell Beck, I heard a scream of a Sparrowhawk (Acc7piter nisus), which was in pursuit of a Kingfisher (A/cedo zspida), which on the Hawk nearing ‘ducked’ into the stream, to be re-pursued on appearing. ‘This occurred several times and no doubt would have ended badly for the Kingfisher had I not interfered to save ' it.—JoE Kirxsy, Brimham, August 1887. Extraordinary behaviour of a Kestrel.—On the roth of April a Kestrel (Ztxnunculus alaudarius) was observed in hot pursuit of a Pipit, which alighted close to a feeding horse for protection, whereupon the Kestrel perched upon the horse’s back for a few moments on look-out for its quarry.— W. STOREY, Pateley Bridge, August 1887. Naturalist, 349 LINCOLNSHIRE BOG AND MOORLAND PLANTS. Rev. WILLIAM FOWLER, M.A., Vicar of Liversedge, Vorkshire; Vice-President of the Yorkshire Naturalists Unton. In the WVaturalist for April 1878, I gave a list of Lincolnshire Coast Plants. Those, however, which are found in the bogs and moorland are of greater interest, for two reasons—firstly, because they are less common; and secondly, because they are far more likely than the sea-coast ones to become extinct. Drainage and cultivation have already exterminated several interesting species once known to occur, and there is no reason to doubt that, as the conversion of peat-bogs and warrens into arable land goes on, many others will be sought for in vain. In South Lincolnshire there is hardly a place remaining where bog-plants can thrive ; and some years ago I used to wonder how it was I never came across plants recorded for that division. But since then I have seen old maps representing the East Fen district (which is now one of fertile corn-fields) as abounding in pools, and have read of the thousands of wild ducks taken in decoys and sent to the London market, as well as of the peat-moss in the neighbourhood of Friskney, from which, in favourable seasons, as many as 4,000 pecks of cranberries were gathered. Most of the Southern division was at one time doubtless an immense swamp, on the sides of and through which any botanist might well love io wander. Malaxis paludosa is recorded for Lincolnshire, and may perhaps still be found, but Sevecio paludosus and S. palustris are almost certainly extinct. The best stations for bog and moorland plants are in the JVorthern division, the peat mosses and ‘commons’ that lie at the foot of the Oolitic and Liassic ranges of hills being most pro- ductive. In the following list, stations are only given for those plants which, in Lincolnshire, are not common; the plants for which no stations are given may, therefore, be considered as generally occurring in all places suitable to their growth. Viola palustris. (In a paper on ‘The Botany of Lincolnshire,’ in White’s Directory for 1872, V. /actea and V. stagnina are said to occur. ) Drosera rotundifolia, D. intermedia, and D. anglica all grow together on Scotton and Manton Commons, and the two former in many other peaty places. Hypericum elodes. Very fine about Laughton. Rhamnus Frangula. Tower Moor, Horncastle; Laughton Low Warren. Genista anglica. Field near Broughton Wood. Manton Common. Comarum palustre. Nov. 1887. 350 REV. W. FOWLER: BOG AND MOORLAND PLANTS. Epilobium palustre. Parnassia palustris. Hydrocotyle vulgaris. Hamp-dykes, Crosby. Bog near Little Coates. Ferry Flash. Peucedanum palustre. Laughton Low Warren. Sandtoft, in the Isle of Axholme. Valeriana dioica. Carduus pratensis. Laughton Low Warren. ‘Tower Moor, near Horncastle. Manton Common. Calluna vulgaris. Erica Tetralix and E. cinerea. Vaccinium oxycoccus. Gentiana Pneumonanthe. Frodingham and Scotton Commons. Menyanthes trifoliata. Myosotis repens. Pedicularis palustris and P. sylvatica. Veronica scutellata. Scutellaria. minor. Santon Warren. Pinguicula vulgaris. Manton and Scotton Commons. Anagallis tenella. Littorella lacustris. Scotton Common. Empetrum nigrum. Frodingham Common. Myrica Gale. Habenaria bifolia. Skier’s Flash, near Haxey. Epworth Turfery. Epipactis palustris. Ferry Flash, near Owston. Reported also by Mr. Cordeaux as occurring in a bog near Little Coates, Grimsby. Alisma ranunculoides. Narthecium ossifragum. Coningsby Pits. Manton Common. Laughton. Juncus supinus (Moench.), J. squarrosus, and J. bufonius. Luzula multiflora. Potamogeton polygonifolius (Pourr.). Scheenus nigricans. Coningsby Pits. Manton and Scotton Commons. Cladium Mariscus. Manton Warren. Peat bogs in the Isle of Axholme. Rhynchospora alba. Laughton High Warren. Kirkby Moor, near Horncastle. Blysmus compressus. By the side of a pond in Broughton Wood. Eriophorum vaginatum and E. polystachion. Carex pulicaris, C. stellulata, C. fulva, C. Cderi, C. binervis, C. ampullacea, and C. vesicaria, are all frequent. Carex paniculata. Coningsby Pits, and boggy wood in a glen near Nettleton, Caistor. Naturalist, NOTES—ENTOMOLOGY AND BOTANY. 351 Carex elongata and C. canescens. Laughton Low Warren. Carex filiformis. Pond near Laughton Warren. Nardus stricta. Calamagrostis lanceolata. Coningsby Pits. Molinia cerulea. Equisetum palustre, with varieties ‘polystachium’ and ‘nudum.’ Lastrea Thelypteris. Boggy wood in Nettleton Glen. Manton Common. Lastrea Oreopteris. About Laughton. Howsham. Scotton Common. Lastrzea spinulosa, Coningsby Pits, Santon Warren, etc. Boothby Wood. Blechnum boreale. Osmunda regalis. Santon Warren in 1876, but now, I fear, extinct, having been dug up and taken away to stock gardens! Lycopodium clavatum. Scotton Common. Lycopodium alpinum. Crosby Warren in 1857. Now almost certainly extinct, a fir-plantation occupying its former habitat. Lycopodium inundatum. Damp places on Crosby Warren and Scotton Common. Selaginella selaginoides. Manton Common. There seems little reason to doubt that Vaccinium myrtillus and Andromeda polifolia may yet be found in Lincolnshire, but as yet they are unrecorded. NOTES—ENTOMOLOG VY. Sphinx convolvuli in Lincolnshire.—On the 22nd September last, and again on the 29th of the same month, a specimen of S. convolvul: was brought me. Both were alive. One had been found in a field, and the other on the line of railway in Alford, both by persons quite ignorant of entomology.—R. GARFIT, Alford, 22nd October, 1887. Sphinx convolvuli in Nottinghamshire.—An example of this moth, in tolerable condition, was captured on the 23rd of August last. It was discovered on the ground, close to the base of a post supporting the gate leading into my yard. It is now in my possession. After setting, it measured exactly four inches across the forewings.—W. A. GAIN, Tuxford, October 23rd, 1887. NOTE—BOTANY. Twiggy Mullein (Verbascum virgatum) at Wetherby.— There is now (Sept. 21st, 1887) growing in a large gravel-pit, a single specimen of the above rare plant, with very handsome racemes of flowers and fruits, with its characteristic short fascicled flower-stalks, and purple-haired filaments, and flowering in a curiously intermittent way, i.e., fruit, flowers, flower-buds, then fruit, flowers, flower-buds. I have never seen this plant in the gardens here. The pit is dug in a bed of river-gravel (mountain limestone and grit), and the question forces itself to one’s mind, Have the seeds of the plant brought centuries ago from the higher reaches of the river been deposited and preserved in the dry gravel, ready to germinate when exposed ?—JOHN JACKSON, Wetherby. Nov. 1887. . 352 OCCURRENCE OF PAGELLUS ACARNE AT WHITBY. THOMAS STEPHENSON anv FRANCIS DAY, C.1.E., F.L.S., &c., Whitby, Cheltenham. [Mr. Stephenson writes :] I have great pleasure in communicating the capture off Whitby of a specimen of the Axillary Bream (Page//us acarne), the fact being the more interesting as I cannot find any recorded instance of the capture of this fish on the Yorkshire coast, and therefore conclude that this is another addition to our fauna. On the 23rd of January last, this Bream was taken off Whitby in the trawl-net of the steam-trawler ‘Challenger,’ and given to Mr. J. H. Wilson, who, after preserving it, kindly gave it to me to be placed in the Whitby Museum. Not having seen the fish in the flesh, and the colours of this preserved specimen having somewhat faded, I had (though certain it was of the family Sfarzd@) some doubt as to its identification. I therefore, at your suggestion, sent it to Dr. Day for determination ; he returned it saying that it was Pagellus acarne (Cuv.). This specimen, which was of a fine silvery colour, measures in length from the nose to the extreme point of the caudal fin 10#-in., in girth 8? in., has fourteen spinal rays in the dorsal fin, one at the anterior portion of each ventral fin, and two at the anterior portion of the anal fin, has no dark spot at the origin of the lateral line like P. centrodontus (several fine specimens of which have been landed here lately), and much smaller scales. [Dr. Day writes as follows :—] The stuffed specimen of Pagel/us acarne sent to me from Whitby was about 114 inches in length, and in fair condition. This species was first recognised by Rondeletius, and although Risso in his ‘Ichthyology of Nice, 1810, re-named it Sparus berda, he subse- quently, in his work, ‘ Histoire Naturelle de Europe Méridionale,’ 1826, reverted to Rondeletius’s synonymy, and called it Pagrus acarne. Cuvier and Valenciennes drew attention to its teething, etc., and removed it to its present genus, from which period it has been known as Pagellus acarne. Present in the Mediterranean, and so far south in the North Atlantic Ocean as the Canary Isles, it has been observed to visit the south coast of Great Britain; and one from Leach’s collection is still in the British Museum. It was obtained from Headstow, in Cornwall, and was the example from which Dr. Giinther first recognised the species as British. This species was not known as British to Couch or Yarrell, and though probably an occasional visitor, must still be considered as rare. This is the first example recorded from so far north. 27 Naas &@ NOV 1888 On Monday, February Ist, 1886, was Published, No. I, Price 4d. Monthly, THE SCIENTIFIC ENQUIRER. Affords a medium through which information on every Scientific Subject may be obtained. It contains Queries, Answers, Short Eapers and Notes, Extracts, Correspondence, Sale and Exchange Column. THE JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY AND NATURAL SCIENCE, PUBLISHED QUARTERLY, PRICE 1/6. The recognized organ of the POSTAL MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY, contains interesting articles in every department of Microscopy and the allied Sciences, written by experienced Microscopists and Specialists, and illustrated by Lithographic Plates. It is one of the largest, cheapest, and most widely circulated Journals of its class. 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Te co EP NATURALIST. The Editors hope to publish the Dae papers within the next few nonthsi— On a Little-known State of Plumage of the Arctic Tern.—Howarpb SAUNDERs, F.L.S., M.B.0.U. Botany of the Cumberland part of the Pennine Range.—J. Guserr Baker, F ped thes Pascal (ee List of the Flora of Wensleydale.—Joun Percivat, B.A. Leafing of the Oak and Ash.—J. HaGGer. List of Land and Freshwater “Mollusca of Airedale.—H. T. Soprittr and J. W. CARTER. Interesting Geological Discovery at Wortley, Leeds.—C. Brownrince, F.G.S. Coal-Dust and Explosions in Coal-Mines—Rev. Arruur Warts, F.G.S. Yorkshire Naturalists at Welton Vale, and on Hatfield Chace. Worth of England ogee i the ee Museum —T. D. A. CockErRELt. The Editors are open to receive suitable papers for insertion, particularly on Botany, Entomology, Ornithology, Geology, etc. Bibliography for 1885 (continuation) and 1886. Natural History of Lincolnshire.-—The next instalment of this is to be upon the Mammalia, by Joun Corpzaux. Schedules have been prepared for obtaining informa- tion: one will be sent to anyone willing to furnish notes. Short Not2s.—lt is the wish of the Editors to give in each number about a page of short notes in each of the various subjects of which the Naturalist takes cognisance. To this end they rely upon their friends keeping them well supplied. At present short notes on Botany, Entomology, Palzontology, Microscopy, Conchology, &c., are particularly desired. ORNITHOLOGICAL PAPERS Which have appeared in the * Naturalist.’ RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER IN NORTHUMBERLAND—Geo. Bota. WINTER VISIT TO THE FARNE ISLANDS—Revy. H. H. Srater, M.A., F.Z.S. ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM UPPER COQUETDALE—J. Corpzaux, M.B.O.U. MERLINS AND THEIR TRAINING—H. T. ArcHEr. ORNITHOLOGY OF UPPER COQUETDALE—AseEr CuHarman, M.B.O.U. BIRDS OF THE SOLWAY DISTRICT—J. J. ArmMisTEAD. AVIFAUNA OF UPPER TEESDALE—J. Backxuouse, Jun., M.B.O.U. ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM THE NORTHUMBERLAND COAST—A: C. Cuap- MAN. THE TWC SPOTTED EAGLES INHABITING THE EUROPEAN CONTINENT— J. H. Gurney, F.Z.S. THE RAVEN IN BOWLAND—F. S. Mircuetr, M.B.O.U. BIRDS OF THE DERBYSHIRE PEAK—F. B. WuITLock. LIST OF WENSLEYDALE BIRDS—E. Cuapman. AVIFAUNA OF UPPER NIDDERDALE—W. Eac.e Crarke, F.L.S., and W, STorey. MARFIELD POND, MASHAM, AND ITS BIRD-LIFE—Tuomas Carter. NOTES ON THE CUCKOO—A. CrawHALL CHAPMAN. A YORKSHIRE EXAMPLE OF STURNUS UNICOLOR—J. Backuouss, jun., M.B.O.U. THE PIED FLYCATCHER IN NORTHUMBERLAND—A. CrAWHALL CHAPMAN. NOTES ON THE EAGLES OF THE LAKE DISTRICT—Joun Watson. THE BIRDS OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE FENS AND WOLDS IN 1612—MicHaeL DRAvTON’S STANZAS, annotated by JOHN CorDEAUX, M.B.O.U. THE RIVER TEES: ITS MARSHES, AND THEIR FAUNA—Rocer LorrHouse. LITTLE GULLS AT FLAMBOROUGH HEAD—J. H. Gurney, jun., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. LOCAL SPECIMENS OF RARE BIRDS IN THE MUSEUM AT NEWCASTLE-ON- TYNE—Dr. J. T. T. Reep. ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM LINCOLNSHIRE AND NORFOLK—Otiver Y. APLIN. ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM REDCAR IN 1886—T. H. Netson, M.B.O.U. AN UNRECORDED OCCURRENCE OF THE GOLDEN EAGLE IN YORKSHIRE— HERBERT PRODHAM. A NATURALIST’S RAMBLE ON THE FARNE ISLANDS—T. H. Netson, M.B.O.U. NOTES ON THE BREEDING OF THE BLACK-HEADED GULL NEAR GARSTANG— J. A. JACKSON. ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM DURING 1885—RILEY FORTUNE. A VISIT TO RAINWORTH LODGE—Otiver V. ApLIN. No. 149. f VEG 1808 DECEMBER, 1887. Price 8d. each. eS TET MONTHLY JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND. EDITED BY Whi DENISON ROPEBUCK, -F.LS., AND MeV AG LE CLARE: FLL.Ss MEMBER OF THE BRITISH OKNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION. Confents: PAGE On a little-known State of Plumage of the Arctic Tern (Sterna macrura) —Howard Saunders, F.E.S., F.Z.S. ne ae = a Se ae 353 Fish-notes from Whitby—TZomas Stephenson 3 ON she as Fe PS 354 Notes on British Lichens: Lecanora murorum and its more immediate allies—Foseph A. Martindale .. - =f i S a oe .. 355 to 364 The Leafing of the Oak and Ash—7. eee, os . 305 & 366 Lepidopterous Fauna of Lancashire and Cheshire- Sohn T W. Ellis, 7 kes C. PS Tig Viol Capes SRM ey ee re 5 a mA ee + ~ S5 Jnie=3Gy £02974 motes Sarsitnoloy.-. : pi = a8 ace a -. 354 & 374 The Sooty Shearw ee Backbase, Jun., AT.B.O.U.; Pied Wagtail sitting on Wrens’ Eggs—F.. 8. Whitlock; Variety of the Grouse—¥. H. Gurney, jun., M._B.O.U., FLS. 1 Note—Botany ‘ se se Fe Se Be 364 Carex aka in erwbedagd 7” rade 25022, ea BES) E Notes—Mollusca vn 374 if Notes on Land and feet Shel Is, near Bridlideran= yeep W. C. Bey, M.A. - Notes and News i = a AS as a ee a Ba = 366 Title-page, Preface, and Index to the Volume. Will be ready first week in February, cloth cases for 1887, corresponding with those issued for 1886. LONDON: : LoOvVELL REEVE & Co., 5, HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN, E.C. ES McCorQuopaLe & Co. LIMITED, CARDINGTON STREET, E te AND ; : z Leeps: BasinGHaLL STREET. 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PRIGE:-“17s.; POs t= FREE: MAY BE HAD OF THE EDITORS OF THE ‘NATURALIST.’ LITTLE, BROWN & GO, BOSTON, MASS =U 5 4% Improved Egg Drills (2 sizes) and Metal Blowpipe with instructions 1/3 free. ‘Hints on Egg Collecting and Nesting,’ illustrated, 33d. free. Birds’ Skins, Eggs (side-blown and in clutches with date), Lepidoptera, Ova, Larvae, and Pupe, Artificial Eyes, and all kinds of Naturalists’ Requisites. Lists, one stamp. All specimens, &c., sent out ‘on approval.’ J. & W. DAVIS (Naturalists), DARTFORD, Kent. The cheapest dealer in Birds, Skins, Eggs, Butterflies, Moths, Foreign Shells, — . etc.. is John Eggleston, Park Place, Sunderland. Lists free. ¥. yh eee 4 = ~ Ee he ee ee Ne ee ES a, RE Ie eee Re a ef. gett ae ae eS ee nr Pee ee Rae ds = 353 ON A LITTLE-KNOWN STATE OF PLUMAGE OF THE ARCTIC TERN (STERNA MACRURA Naum.). HOWARD SAUNDERS, F.L.S., F.Z.S. Mr. W. EaGLe CrarkeE has kindly presented me with a specimen of the Arctic Tern (Sterna macrura Naum.) in a state of plumage not often obtained. It was shot at Spurn Head, Yorkshire, in July 1884, and is evidently a bird hatched in the summer of 1883. In their dried condition the bill, legs, and feet are nearly black (the webs of the latter livid); the forehead white, the crown streaked with black, and the nape almost entirely black. The upper parts are grey as in the adult, except for a dark mottled line indicative of immaturity along the lesser wing-coverts, and the darker tints of the tail feathers, especially on the outer webs; the entire under-parts are pure white. In this plumage a similar specimen, which I examined when in America, was described as a new species under the name of Sterna portlandica, by Mr. Ridgway, of Washington, (‘American Naturalist,’ vill, p. 433, 1874), but the author has long since relegated this name to the list of synonyms of the Arctic Tern. Incidentally it may be mentioned that American ornithologists have decided upon adopting the roth edition of Linnzeus’s ‘Systema Natur’ (1758), as their starting point, instead of the 12th (1766); the result being that they call the Arctic Tern S. paradisea Briinnich (1764); and as Keyserling and Blasius have applied the same name to the Roseate Tern, an element of confusion is thereby introduced in this case, as in a great many others. To return to the question of plumage: the mottled garb of the first autumn is well known, but after the young birds have left the immediate vicinity of our shores, very little is seen of them until they return in the second spring in breeding plumage. ‘This intermediate stage is, therefore, seldom observed, and I have only seen five or six. Another American Synonym for this species is S. pzkez. The winter range of the Arctic Tern is very extensive, reaching to Table Bay, and even to the south-east of Madagascar on the one side; and to Arica, in south-western America on the other. The former brings it within a measurable distance of the Islands of St. Paul and Amsterdam, in about 33° S. lat. in the Southern Ocean, the home of the very closely allied S. vztéata. ‘This species reaches westward to Tristan d’Acunha, and southward to Kerguelen, in about 50° S. lat., where it meets with a much darker species, S. wrgafa, confined, so far as we know at present, to that island. If any reader of the above will enable me to learn which of these two species is found on the more western Crozettes, Marion, and Prince Edward Islands, he will lay me under a great obligation. Dec. 1887. 2A 354 FISH-NOTES FROM WHITBY. THOMAS STEPHENSON. DuRING the past few months the following instances of the capture of uncommon fishes have occurred here to my knowledge :— Trachinus draco. Greater Weever. Five instances; two of these were caught in the roads off Whitby (August 26th), and are now in the Museum. Galeus canis. Common Tope. ‘wo instances. Mugil chelo. Thick-lipped Gray Mullet. One instance, caught in salmon nets, August 24th. Length, 204 in.; circumference, 11?in. Nowinthe Museum. Mr. Martin Simpson, the senior curator of the Whitby Museum, and I concur in thinking this to be MW. chelo; it has the longitudinal streaks, and very large scales. Lemargus borealis. Greenland Shark. One, 7 ft. 6 in. long, was caught in August, about twenty-five miles off Whitby, by the crew of the steam fishing-boat ‘Albatross,’ and brought into this port. Orthagoriscus mola. Short Sun-fish. One specimen, caught outside the Bell Buoy, floating on the surface of the sea, September 22nd, measuring from tip of dorsal to tip of anal fin, 274 in.; length from nose to outer edge of caudal fin, 19 in.; length of pectorals, 24 in.; length of dorsal fin, 9 in.; length of anal fin, 84 in.; caudal fin, from body to outer edge, 34 in.; gape, 14 in. The stomach contained nothing but a brown slimy substance, resembling digested sea-weed. [rom the sides of this fish I took two para- sites, which Dr. Day has pronounced to be 77tstoma coccineum. NOTE—ORNITHOLOGY. The Sooty Shearwater.—Since writing my note for your October issue upon the occurrence of a pair of Sooty Shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) on our York- shire coast, I have examined two more out of a collection of four examples of this uncommon bird, which were shot on the 26th of August at Filey. I have also had a newspaper sent to me containing an account of a Sooty Shearwater captured at Newbiggin-by-Sea (Northumberland), also during the month of August. This I omitted to mention before, as I had not actually seen the specimen in question myself, nor was it shot in my own county ; now, however, the capture of four more Sooty Shearwaters in Yorkshire makes the occurrence of the Newbiggin bird all the more likely to be correct, and I have therefore thought well to mention it, though by whom the account was written I know not. There have, therefore, now been recorded about half as many Sooty Shearwaters shot during a single month as have ever been met with so far as is known in Great Britain. The advent of such a number of a species so comparatively little known anywhere in the world is certainly remarkable and somewhat difficult to account for. It will be interesting to hear reports from Heligoland and other migration observatories, for it seems hardly probable that our English shores should be the only ones chosen for a visit from this rara avis of the antipodes. The Filey specimens may be seen at Mr. C. Helstrip’s, of St. Saviour’s Place, York.—J. BACKHOUSE, Jun. [ Mr. Backhouse is hardly correct in his estimate of the scarcity of this species ; I know that the Sooty Shearwater occurs almost annually on the Yorkshire coast, especially at Flamborough, and is very much more frequent in its occurrence than the Great Shearwater.—W.E.C. ] Naturalist, 355 NOTES ON BRITISH LICHENS: LECANORA MURORUM AND ITS MORE IMMEDIATE ALLIES. JOSEPH A. MARTINDALE, Staveley, near Kendal, Westuorland. Mucuw fresh light has recently been cast on the species allied to Lecanora murorum (Hoffm.) Nyl. (Placodium Leight. Lich. Flora), as well as on the limits of the species itself, by continental botanists, and more especially by Dr. Nylander in the pages of ‘ Flora,’ and it may, perhaps, be of some service to point out the characters of the British members of the group by the aid of information derived from those sources. Formerly too much reliance was placed on external appearance, as on colour, in determining the species, while the definite and trust- worthy characters to be derived from a careful examination of the apothecia and spermogonia were but little regarded. With respect to colour, Dr. Nylander has pointed out that all the yellow Placodia readily assume a more or less miniate hue when growing in dry and open situations. Nothing, certainly, can well present a greater contrast to the eye than a deep red ‘od/iterata’ set by the side of a pale yellow or vitelline /odu/ata, or than a ‘mzniata’ beside a pale greenish-yellow form of zegu/aris; but the fallaciousness of resting specific distinctions on such contrasts is readily seen when the identity of the apothecia and spores in these cases is proved by examination, more especially as plants of intermediate shades con- nect the two extremes. But if placing undue importance on colour has led to the making of bad species, the trusting too much to another external matter, the pulverulence which more or less covers certain species, has also led to false division, as where plants really belonging to symfagea are confounded with muvorum. Certainly the evidence afforded by the spores and spermatia as to specific relationship 1s much stronger than that of a variable suffusion of the thallus. If species are to be correctly recognised, the characters afforded by the apothecia and their con- tents, and by the spermatia, must be held to be of fundamental importance. Guided by these it will, I believe, be possible to refer, with a great deal of precision, to their proper species forms which would otherwise be most perplexing, or at best uncertain. The following descriptions are limited to the more immediate allies of Z. murorum, that is, those with a distinctly flavescent thallus Dec. 1887. 356 J. A. MARTINDALE : NOTES ON BRITISH LICHENS. and placodine, or polari-bilocular spores. Z. fudgens, on account of its simple spores, and ZL. ¢ezcholyta and L. Ladllavet, from their different aspect, are in no danger of being confounded with any of them. The Flacodium citrinum of Leighton’s Lichen Flora belongs to another group, that of Lecanora cerina. * Spermatia very minute, Spores ellipsoid or oblongo-ellipsoid, not swollen in the middle. Lecanora elegans (Link. in Ann. Bot., i, 37, a.D. 1794); Ach., Syn., p. 182; Nyl., Flora, 1883, p. 105. Placodium miniatum, pro parte, Leight... Lich.’ Flora, 3rd ed.,; p. 162. ixs.—-Moug. et Nestl..354;5-Schar., 339.545; clepps. nos. Mass:) 104 20 Anz,,. It.jo aaa. Thallus appressed, laciniate; laciniz radiating, discrete or sub- discrete, linear, -5-1°5 mm. broad, flexuose, convex, multifid, naked, generally dark orange red, but varying to rich orange yellow above, nearly white below. Apothecia concolorous; at first concave, afterwards nearly plane, surrounded by a generally perfectly entire border, though apothecia with crenulated borders are not unknown (Nyl., Scand., p. 137). farapfyses stoutish, articulated, free, slightly branched near the apex, two or three of the upper- most cells frequently much swollen. Spores ellipsoid, ‘orr-o16 mm. long and ‘o06-‘o09 mm. broad. Spermogonia very minute, dark red externally. Spermatia borne on arthrosterigmata, straight, ‘oo2--0025 mm. long and *0005-°0008 mm. broad. , 8 tenuis (Whinb., Lapp., p. 417, a.D. 1812); Ach., Syn., p. 183. Placodium elegans var. adiscreta Mudd, Man., p. tot. Flacodium elegans Leight., Lich. Flora, p. 163. Exs.=—schar., 4815) Hiepp., 906 >; Anz. lisse sc Differing from the type, which it graduates into, only in its smaller size and in its narrower subfiliform laciniz, which are about ‘25 mm. broad. On alpine and sub-alpine rocks. More particularly a plant of northern regions and high elevations, but descend- ing to lower latitudes and levels. Grampian Mountains in Scotland, somewhat rare. Var. tenuis on-Whimbold Rocks, New Radnor, Wales (Joshua), and Craig Guie in Scotland (Crombie). Leighton joins the miniate forms of ¢egu/aris to elegans to form his Placodium miniatum. At ali events such seems to be the case from the exsiccati he cites under that species. Naturalist, J. A. MARTINDALE: NOTES ON BRITISH LICHENS. 357 2. lLecanora dissidens Nyl. in Flora, 1875, p. 298; Leight., Lich. Flora, 3rd ed., p. 161 (as a form of L. murorum) ; Lichen yiaercans Witherme. Arr. yen ed., vol. iv, “p. 2a side Crombie in Grevillea, vol. xii, p. 61). Thallus appressed, laciniate ; laciniz radiating, discrete or sub- discrete, linear, *25-1-0 mm. broad, flat or slightly convex, torulose, multifid, shghtly rough on the upper surface, vitelline or sub-miniate. Apothecia having the disc deeper coloured than the thallus, plane almost from the first, surrounded by a paler border, which, at first entire, becomes crenulated or jagged when old. Paraphyses stoutish, articulate, often much branched from the middle upwards, upper cells swollen. Spores ellipsoid, ‘009-016 mm. long and ‘oo5-°007 mm. broad. Spermogonia very minute and difficult to detect. Spermatia borne on arthrosterigmata, straight, rod-like, ‘oo2--003 mm. long and ‘0005-0006 mm. broad. On rocks, walls, and tiled roofs. Distribution not made out, but probably widely diffused. Nylander founded the species on plants gathered near Cirencester by Mr. Joshua. Distributed through West- morland from Arnside in the south to Eamont Bridge in the north. In some places abundant on roofs of farm- buildings. 3. Lecanora scopularis Nyl. in Flora, 1883, p. 105. fixs:—— Norlin, i. 1: BF.) 23805>hmes and Stenh:,’301a. Thallus small, closely adnate, lobato -laciniate; segments radiating, hardly discrete, linear, -25 mm. broad, somewhat rigid, convex, naked, vitelline or subminiate. Apothecia concolorous with the thallus, border entire. Para- physes slender, branched, the upper cells gradually increasing in width, but not to such a degree as in the two preceding species or in murorum, apical cells oblong or subspherical, 003-005 mm. broad. Sfores ellipsoid, -oog--017 mm. long and ‘005-007 mm. broad. Spermogonia minute. Spermatia ‘:0o25 mm. long and "0005-0006 mm. broad,’ Nyl., l.c. On maritime rocks, Portlethen, Kincardineshire (Cromb.). I have only seen continental specimens gathered near Viborg by Wainio, and kindly sent me by Prof. Norrlin, of Helsingfors. These specimens, unfortunately, are without spermogonia. Dec. 1887. 358 J. A. MARTINDALE: NOTES ON BRITISH LICHENS. 4. Lecanora lobulata Smrft., Lapp., p. 87, a.D. 1826; Nyl., Flora, 1883, p. 105. lacodium murorum v. lobulatum Leight., Lich. Flora, p. 161, and P. mzntatum v. obliteratum bid., p:, £02, Iixs.—Hlepp.;,.71¢-Anz., Langsob., 27 5a.) keieht.. 207 > Mudd., 95 ; Larb., Lich. Herb., 295. Thallus areolate or subsquamuloso-lobulate, not radiating, areolz scattered or contiguous, effuse, imposed upon a pale hypothallus, which often forms a thin subfibrous margin round the plant, vitelline or intensely miniate. Apothecia with disc generally deeper in colour than the thallus, and having a paler entire border, sometimes becoming obsolete. Paraphyses stout, articulate, slightly branched, upper cells much swollen, apical cells subspherical, up to ‘oo7 mm. diam. Sores ellipsoid, ‘o1o-o14,mm. long and 005-006 mm. broad. Spermogonia comparatively large, easily found in the vitelline forms. Sfermatia oblong or subellipsoid, oo2-°003 mm. long and *0005-°0007 mm. broad. On maritime rocks. Very abundant in one or other of its forms all round the British Isles. In great profusion on the short piece of Westmorland coast (vitelline form), both forms occurring in the Isle of Man. Sometimes difficult, or almost impossible, to distinguish from degraded forms of Lecanora murorum, unless found accompanied by plants showing the gradual degradation from the type. 5. Lecanora murorum (Hoffm., En., p. 62, tab. ix, fig. 2); Nyl. in Flora, 1883, p. 106. Flacodium murorum Mudd, Man., Pp. 132;.prosparte;,-Leight.,. Lich ~Blora,.ardaede 3p: 160; pro parte. Exs.—Schar, 479; Hepp., 196, pro parte ; Mass., 97, 98. Thallus closely adnate, rimoso-areolate at the centre, shortly plicato-lobate at the circumference ; lobes crowded, short, sometimes linear, but more frequently broadening anteriorly, so as to assume a triangular outline, flat or slightly convex, thin or somewhat tumid, inciso-crenate at the apices which are often thickened and incurved, rareiy quite naked, most frequently albo-suffused, pale yellow to reddish yellow ; true colour often concealed beneath a thick white pul- ~ verulence. Afpothecia small, deeply coloured, surrounded by an entire paler margin of the same colour and consistence as the Naturalist, J. A. MARTINDALE: NOTES ON BRITISH LICHENS. 359 thallus. Pavaphyses stout, articulated, branched just below the apex, upper cells remarkably swollen, the apical cell ‘oo6-oTo in diameter. Sores ellipsoid, ‘oog--o15 mm. long and ‘oo4--oo7 mm. broad. In some plants the spores do not exceed ‘o13 mm. in length, but have the usual breadth. Spermogonia minute, reddish. .Sfermatia borne on arthrosterig- mata, straight, ‘0025-003 mm. long and ‘o005-‘o007 mm. broad. On limestone walls and on mortar. Distribution unknown, owing to the confusion between it, sympagea, and other species. I have recently gathered - a thin naked form of it at Heversham, Kendal, and Shap, but only sparingly at each place. From sympagea, which has often been called murorum, it may be known at once by its ellipsoid spores and shorter spermatia. All the ex- siccati quoted in Leighton’s 3rd edition, with the exception of Hepp., 196, are sympagea. In the 1st edition of the work he quoted Schar., 479, and Mass., 97, 98, which belong to the true murorum, but these he has omitted in his last edition. 6. *Lecanora decipiens (Arn. in Flora, 1866, p. 529); Nyl. in Flora, EOO3 Pp. fOO7 Leieht:, Licht Hora, p: 161. Exs.—Hepp., 196, pro parte; Rabh., 904; Arn., 222b, 445; Rabh., 850 (state). Thallus closely adnate, verrucose at the centre, shortly plicato- lobate at the circumference: central warts, turgid, rounded, crowded, often breaking up into pulverulent soredia ; peri- pheral lobes radiating, sub-imbricate, convex, thick, varying from *3 to 1 mm. broad, widening towards the front before branching, apices incurved, crenato-incised, surface very rough, yellow. Apothecia sunk among the centre verrucz, with a fulvous or reddish or sometimes white pruinose disc, surrounded by a rough entire border which is eventually somewhat granulato- crenate or sometimes obsolete. /Parvaphyses stout, articu- latea, shortly and sometimes crowdedly branched just below the apex, two or three upper cells enlarged, apical cell sub- spherical, 005-006 mm. diam. Sores oblong or oblongo- ellipsoid with blunt ends, ‘oro to ‘o17 mm. long and ‘oo4- ‘007 mm. broad. Spermogonia minute. Spermatia borne on arthrosterigmata, Dec. 1887. oblongo-bacilliform, ‘003-'0035 mm. long, ‘0007--o009 mm. broad, Nyl.,.l.c 3260 J. A. MARTINDALE: NOTES ON BRITISH LICHENS. i The preceding description is that of the form considered by | Dr. Arnold to be the type of the species. It is distinguished | from murorum by the larger and more turgid thallus, often - forming rounded verrucose swellings and breaking out into soredia, by the more oblong and larger spores, and by the somewhat larger spermatia. Dr. Nylander has expressed the belief that perhaps this is the true Zzchen murorum of Hoffman. States occur more or less different externally. In one the thallus becomes effuse, or nearly so, the peri- pheral lobes being very irregularly produced. In this state the plant has a softer look, and a smoother surface, covered slightly with a fine mealiness. In another state represented by Rabh., Exs. 850, the thallus is not so turgid, hardly verrucose, but breaking up into soredia here and there as in the typical form. ‘The spores are quite similar in all the forms, and are peculiarly liable to deformations, being often curved and sometimes narrower in the middle than at the ends. ‘The polar cells take on very irregular shapes, each being often nearly divided in two, and in extreme cases the spore resembles that of Lecanora tetrastricha Ny)l. They are also sometimes simply uniseptate. I do not know whether the type occurs in Britain or not. Leighton quotes Arnold, Exs., 382a, 382b as identical with the plant he refers to decipiens, but neither of these numbers is typical. He seems, furthermore, to have been guided entirely by external appearance, not mentioning, in his account of the species, the size of the spores nor describing their shape correctly. The plant, referred to by Leighton (l.c.), as gathered at Weston, in Oxfordshire, and presumably the same as published by Larbalestier, Lich. Herb., No. 51, is not decipiens at all, but tegularis. I have gathered at Shap, on limestone walls, a form which agrees fairly well with Rabh., Exs., 850, or is intermediate between that and the effuse state above mentioned. 47. Lecanora tegularis (Ehrh., Exs. 304; Hoffm., Flora Germ., p- 158); Nyl., Flora, 1883, p. 106. Placodium miniatum pro parte, Leight. Lich. Flora, p. 162. Lecanora pusilla Auctorum pro parte. Thallus closely adnate, orbicular or broken and somewhat dispersed, rimoso- or diffracto-areolate at the centre, plicato- lobate at the circumference ; lobes very short, convex, in- cised or crenate, naked or albo-suffused, pale yellow, vitellinous subminiate or miniate. Naturalist, J. A. MARTINDALE: NOTES ON BRITISH LICHENS. 36] Afpothecia often very numerous and crowded at the centre, which they then completely hide, concave at first, after- wards plane; disc deeper coloured than the thallus or con- colorous, surrounded by an entire margin. FParaphyses of irregular thickness, articulate, upper cells gradually widening, apical cell oblong or spherical, ‘oo5--o08 mm. in diameter. Spores ellipsoid or oblongo-ellipsoid, ‘oog--o1r mm. long and *0035-0045 (‘oo5) mm. broad (Nyl.). Spermogonia minute, slightly prominent, reddish. Spermatza borne on arthrosterigmata, straight, 0025-003 mm. long and ‘0005-'0007 mm. broad. On stones of all sorts, limestone, sandstone, slate. Distribution unknown, probably very common. I have gathered it in all parts of Westmorland. This species is little understood, and is often confounded with wurorum, and sometimes called mznzata, at others pusilla. Both pusilla and miniata of authors embrace a large number of heterogeneous things. The plants growing on hard rocks and in open and dry situations are often intensely miniate and naked; those, on the other hand, growing on limestone and in moist situations are most frequently vitelline and albo-suffused. The margins of the apothecia vary according to the varying thallus, being thick and mealy in the suffused states, and thin and shining in the naked. 8. *Lecanora obiiterascens Nyl. in Flora, 1883, p. go. Thallus closely adnate, minutely areolate, here and there minutely lobato-squamulose, resembling that of Lecanora lobulata, orange yellow or subminiate. Apothecia with a deeper coloured disc and thin margin, plane, eventually somewhat convex. Paraphyses stoutish, articu- late, sparingly branched, uppermost cell (or two upper) swollen, subspherical, 004-007 mm. diam. Sores ellipsoid, ‘008-‘o1r mm. long, ‘oo4--005 mm. broad. DPCITHAUAR ly Mu) On rocks of all kinds, limestone, granite, serpen- tine, sandstone. Rocks, Craig Tulloch, Blair Athole (Crombie). I have only seen one small specimen, which is without spermogones, gathered in the Haute Vienne by Mons. Lamy dela Chapelle. The thallus in this specimen is almost covered with the apothecia. Dec. 1887. 362 J. A. MARTINDALE: NOTES ON BRITISH LICHENS. 9. *Lecanora miniatula Nyl. in Flora, 1883, p. 98. Thallus closely adnate, very minutely areolate, here and there minutely squamuloso-lobate, subminiate, much resembling L. obliterascens and states of LZ. lobulata. Apothecia very minute, 2 to ‘4 mm. diameter, concolorous, at first plane with a thin entire border, afterwards slightly convex, the border becoming obsolete. Pavaphyses stoutish, articulate, sparingly branched, uppermost cells (or two upper) swollen, subspherical, -o04--007 mm. diam. Spores ellipsoid, ‘o07-‘oog mm. long, *oo4-"005 mm. broad. SPTMAIE TA Cue ae. . On quartzose rocks, Morrone, Braemar (Crombie). I have only seen one specimen, gathered by Mr. Crombie, which unfortunately is without spermogones. This differs from ZL. obliterascens only in the smaller size of the spores. to. Leeanera cirrochroa -Ach:; “Syn.,°p. 191, 4D roe. Niyl- Mapps.p126.;) leicht. Wicht Mlora, prom Thallus closely adnate, rimoso-areolate in the centre, laciniate at the circumference ; laciniz radiating, discrete, or sub- discrete, linear, “125 ‘to,-3 mm. -broad,, conyexs naked, or sometimes slightly suffused at the apices, which are incurved and entire or sub-incised, vitelline or orange-coloured ; both the central areolations and the peripheral lacinize breaking out into round citrine-coloured soredia, which sometimes become confluent. Apothecia ‘minuta, plana, aurantiaca,’ Fries, Lich. Scand., p. 171. Sores oblong, ‘012-016 mm. long, ‘o06-‘007 mm. broad, according to Dr. Nylander. Spermogonia ....? On limestone rocks, Arnbarrow, Milnthorpe, and Levens Park, Westmorland ; Brancombe Cliff, Leaton, Devonshire ; Alston, Cumberland, fide Rev. W. Johnson. It occurs also in Wales, I believe. This beautiful species is unfortunately almost barren, and no fruiting specimens have yet been found in Britain. The spermogonia have, I believe, never been observed. * * Sptermatia small (longer than in the preceding species) ; spores swoilen in the middle—‘ lemon-shaped’ (Leight.) ; ‘ subquadrangular’ (Malbranche). 11. Lecanora callopisma Ach., Lich. Univ., p.°437, a.p. 1810; Leight.,; Lich. Flora} 3rd ed, p. 102, (excluding: varieties). = Exs.——Schar., 237.; Elepp.; 907); Mass. 1903 aN yleon Arn., 488. Naturalist, J. A. MARTINDALE: NOTES ON BRITISH LICHENS. 363 Thallus very closely adnate, rimoso-areolate or continuous at the centre, lobate at the circumference ; lobes radiating, soft-looking, “5-1°5 mm. broad, very thin, flattened, con- tiguous, margins overlapping, becoming obsolete, leaving only very narrow rimze or shallow channels between the ~ contiguous lobes, apices rounded, pale yellow, bright orange, and sometimes almost red, more or less suffused, and frequently with a white zone just within the circum- ference. Apothecia often crowded at the centre ; disc plane, darker than the thallus, with a pale entire or slightly crenulated border, which sometimes becomes obsolete. Paraphyses lying in most abundant gelatinous matter, slender or stoutish, articulated, upper cells hardly dilated, apical cell -o02-"004 mm. broad. Sores swelling in the middle, spherical, sub- spherical, or subquadrangular, ‘oo8-‘o12 mm. long, ‘007-‘o10 mm. broad. Spermogonia scattered, more or less prominent, orange or dark brown. Spermatia on arthrosterigmata, straight, ‘004-005 mm. long, ‘0006-‘0008 mm. broad. 12. *Lecanora sympagea (Ach., Prod., p. 105, a.D. 1798); Nyl., Flora, 1883; p. 197. Physcia aurantia (Pers.), Arnold, Lich. Fr. Jura, p. 80. Flacodium murorum Leight., Lich. Flora, 3rd ed., p. 160, pro parte. P. callopismum v. plicatum and v. sympageum Leight., op. cit., p. 162. xs. epp-,. 107; °ZW.w5o> Weight.113 5-Nyl.; 119; Mass., 58, 93, 94, 95; Mudd, 94, 96; Anz., 134, 444a; AN GML. BX). Thallus closely adnate, rimoso-areolate or imbricato-squamulose in the centre, plicato-lobate or lobato-laciniate at the circum- ference ; lobes radiating, contiguous subimbricate or sub- discrete, varying in breadth, more or less convex, smooth and naked or suffused, becoming broader anteriorly and sometimes flattened, multifid, apices incurved and _ sub- crenate, bright yellow or dark orange coloured, sometimes white at the centre. Apothecia crowded or scattered, disc concolorous or rather Dec. 1887. darker than the thallus; at first plane with an entire border, afterwards convex with the border obsolete. araphyses conglutinated, stout, articulate, apical cells slightly swollen. Spores swollen in the middle, ‘oro--or5 mm. long and 007-011 mm. broad. 364 NOTE—-BOTANY. Spermogonia minute, prominent, reddish. Spervmatia borne on arthrosterigmata, straight, ‘oo4--oo5 mm. long and ‘0006-'0008 mm. broad. On limestone rocks, common and generally distributed ; especially abundant on seaside rocks. A comparison of the exsiccati quoted above with those cited by Leighton under P. mzvorum, will show that he con- sidered certain states of symfagea to belong to murorum. The spores of the two species ought, however, always to prevent confusion. The affinity of the present species with callopisma is very close, and states of the two approximate very much, though in general the stouter, firmer thallus of sympagea 1s very distinct from that of the other. Acharius, in all his works, marks the plant he describes under the name of sympagea as one that he had not seen ; but he cites as synonymous Persoon’s Lichen aurantius. Why, under the circumstances, he changed the name, I do not know. x * * Plant imperfectly developed. 13. Lecanora xantholyta Nyl., Flora, 1879,p. 361, and 1883, p. 107. Thallus spreading irregularly, quasi-efhgurate at the circum- ference, nearly continuous at the centre, soft, thin, minutely granuloso-leprose, citrine yellow. A pothecia and spermogonia unknown. On limestone rocks. Probably common in limestone districts, but disregarded. It has been found in the South of England, near Bangor in Wales, at several places in Westmorland, and in Yorkshire. Dr. Nylander considers it to have some affinity with Lecanora cirrochroa ; but on account of its leprose thallus, and, so far as known, imperfect development, he pro- visionally places it in a sub-genus, Leproplaca. NOTE—BOTANY. Carex pendula in Cumberland.—During a few days’ sojourn in the northern division of Cumberland, in July of the present year, I explored a part of the parishes of Scaleby, Kirklinton, Stapleton, Abbey Lanercost, and Arthuret. I found the Great Sedge growing luxuriantly in a wood near Shanks Castle, on the north bank of the river Lyne, below Racks Bridge, and above the junction of Solport Burn with the main river. A little lower down I remarked several fine’ examples of Carduus hetcrophyllus and Egutsetum maximum. This latter plant grows abundantly by the little river Cambeck, between Kirkcambeck hamlet and Solemain.—W. Hopeson, A.L.S., Flimby, near Maryport, Nov. 17th, 1887. Naturalist, 365 THE LEAFING OF THE OAK AND ASH. J. HAGGER, Repton School, Burton-on-Trent. For the last seven years I have, in my botanical and other rambles, paid considerable attention to the leafing of the oak and ash, chiefly with the view of ascertaining if any reliance could be placed on the tradition respecting these trees. J endeavoured also to ascertain from farmers, and others most likely to know, what reasons there were for supposing a wet summer might be expected if the ash was in leaf before the oak, or the opposite if the oak had the advantage. I was rather surprised at the many unsatisfactory answers | received ; but the gist of them may be thus expressed: the oak strikes its roots much deeper in the soil than the ash, consequently if it be raining, the moisture sooner reaches the ash and forces it more quickly forward; whilst on the other hand, if the weather be dry the ash is retarded, and the oak, obtaining its support from deeper and moister ground, will take precedence. Assuming this to be a correct statement, it seems but an equivalent to saying, a wet spring means a wet summer, and vice versa. Is this found to be the case? My observations do not lead to such a conclusion. I will only mention two instances, well remembered by me, that were quite the opposite. In the year 1860 the spring was very dry, and farmers were looking forward to very light hay crops, yet the summer—if it deserved the name—was the wettest and coldest of which I have any recollection. The year 1881 was very cold and wet during the chief part of July, the whole of August, and early part of September; yet in the spring the rainfall was considerably below the average. I may further mention that in the last-named year if either tree was in advance it was the oak, conse- quently the summer should have been dry and warm. The result of my observations leads me to believe that under equally favourable circumstances the oak in leafing never precedes the ash to an appreciable extent. I have come to this conclusion by carefully inspecting all the trees I met with in numerous walks, often covering several miles of country, and also from observations in neighbouring counties. I perfectly well remember the first ramble I took in which I paid special attention to this matter, and was at once convinced that observations to be of any value must embrace as large an area as possible, for in that round of about ten miles I found near home the oaks were a little in advance of their neigh- bouring ash trees, whilst around the furthest limit of my walk the ash was before the oak. Dec 1887. 366 NOTES AND NEWS. Subsequent observations showed that atmospheric influence could not be the sole agent, but that situation, and soil, too, had each a share in the general result. With respect to soil, both trees flourish best on good, rich land; but the ash seems more delicate than the oak, and does not thrive so well on poor land. Of the effect of situation I will give an instance. ‘There are two ash trees, equally vigorous, growing in a hedge so near together that a portion of their branches interlace. ‘Their position is such, they equally receive the sun’s rays from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, but one tree on its eastern aspect enjoys the sun for some time before he has southed sufficiently to touch the other tree. In consequence of this the tree which first catches the sun has always been in advance of the other for the three years I have had them under observation. I have noted that saplings, whether oak or ash, unless unfavourably placed, commence leafing first, young trees come next, and old ones last of all. In woods trees are not so forward as in open ground, unless it be a few favourably placed on the outskirts. In the process of leafing, the ash shows to considerable dis- advantage. An oak with leaves no further out than those of a neighbouring ash will be perceived at a far greater distance, owing to their much lighter colour, so that a close examination is requisite. If the leafing is to be considered an evidence of vigour, and a waking up from the dormant state of winter, it can scarcely be considered a fair test, for the ash flowers before leafing, which is not the case with the oak, whose flowers do not precede the leaf. It seems strange that two trees, differing so much in their manner of leafing, should have been chosen as indicators of the kind of weather to follow. In the country remarks on the subject may be heard every spring, and often, from very slight observation, sage predictions made; but I consider them worthless, because they are far oftener contradicted than verified by the subsequent weather. I may mention that this ‘year, 1887, on the 16th of May, neither oak nor ash were in leaf; but on the 30th of April and also 2nd of May I noticed several ash trees in full flower, whilst the buds on the oak trees had scarcely any appearance of swelling. On May 14th the oak here and there showed plainly-in the sun that the buds were swelling, and the flowers of the ash dying away and the samara beginning to form. NOTES SAIN DD, NEVES. It is gratifying to observe that four members of the Executive of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union were chosen upon various sectional committees of the British Association at the Manchester Meeting, viz., Messrs. J. W. Davis, Halifax (Geology and Anthropology); C. P. Hobkirk, Dewsbury (Biology) ; Wm. Cash, Halifax (Geology), and S. A. Adamson, Leeds (Geology). Naturalist, ct 3 367 LEPIDOPTEROUS FAUNA OF LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE. JJO@IEUN) WW, | TELUS), SILI RE Gals ESI ROS ariel dad hats Liverpool; Honorary Secretary to the Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society; and to the Liverpool Naturalists Field Club. PART VII.—PYRALIDINA. Fam. PYRALIDIDA. AGLOSSA, Latr. Aglossa pinguinalis, L. Common in the neighbourhood of stables. Aglossa cuprealis, Hubn. Recorded from one (Lancashire) locality only, Barton, by Mr. Chappell. ASOPIA, Tr. (PYRALIS, L.) Asopia glaucinalis, L. Scarce. Lane.--—-Barton (J.C.); Hale-bank, one specimen (C.S.G.) Ches.— Carrington (J.C.); Cheadle Hulme (H.H.C.); New Brighton, on one occasion only (J.C.M.). Asopia farinalis, L. Abundant about stables and granaries. SCOPAn IAS Haw. =(HUDOREA, “Curt.) Scoparia ambigualis, Tr. Apparently generally distributed through- out both counties. Scoparia cembre, Haw. Local, and not common. Lane.—Pendleton and Cheetham Hill, near Manchester (J.C.) ; Windermere, not common (J.B.H.). Ches.—Birkenhead, one specimen, and Denhall (A.O.W.); Neston and Woodchurch (C.5S.G.). Scoparia dubitalis, Hiibn. Recorded from one Lancashire locality, Silverdale, by Mr. Hodgkinson; and from Ledsham, Puddington, and East Cheshire by Mr. Walker. Scoparia conspicualis, Hodg. Not rare on the Lancashire side of Windermere (J.B.H.). Scoparia murana, Curt. Local. Lane.—Longridge, abundant at hght (J.B.H.); Manchester district (Stainton’s Manual). : Ches.—Prenton Hill, near Birkenhead (C.S.G.); the wall of Tatton Park (J.C.) ; Wirral and East Cheshire (A.O.W.). Dec. 1887. 368 Jj. W. ELLIS: LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE PYRALIDINA. Scoparia resinea, Haw. Recorded from Croxteth and Allerton Hall (both in Lancashire) by C. S. Gregson; and from the Birkenhead district in Stainton’s Manual. Scoparia truncicolella, Staint. Local. Lane.— Windermere, not rare (J.B.H.). Ches.—Dunham Park and Knutsford (J.C.); Prenton Wood (C.S.G.) ; Wirral, on Scotch fir (A.O.W.). | Scoparia crategella, Hiibn. Recorded only from Silverdale and Windermere in Lancashire (J.B.H.); and Bowdon and Buck- low Hill in Cheshire (J.C.). Scoparia frequentella, Sta. (=mercurella, L.). Not rare. Lanc.—Edge Lane and Green Bank, near Liverpool (C.S.G.) ; Preston district, common (J.B.H.). Ches.— Bidston Hill (C.S.G., A.O.W.); Ness, Puddington, and East Cheshire (A.O.W.). Scoparia angustea, Steph. Common and generally distributed. Scoparia atomalis, Doubl. Recorded from Longridge, near Preston, by Mr. Hodgkinson. Scoparia pallida, Steph. Local, but common where it does occur. Lane.—Chat Moss (J.C.) ; Simmonswood Moss and Crosby (C.S.G.) ; Penwortham, near Preston, and Pilling Moss (J.B.H.). Ches.—Bidston Marsh (C.S.G., J.F.B.); East Cheshire (A O:ING): EURRHYPARA, Hiibn. Eurrhypara (Botys) urticata, L. Common and generally dis- tributed. BOTY S,. Ix. Botys (Ennychia) octomaculata, Fab. Local, and recorded from Lancashire only, viz., Grange (J.B.H. in E.M.M., vu, 87), and Silverdale and Arnside (S.J.C., J.C.M.). Botys (Ennychia) cingulata, L. Local. Lanc.—Silverdale, among wild sage (J.B.H.). Ches.—Wallasey sandhills (J.F.B., C.S.G., G. A. Harker, F.N.P., J.W.E.). Botys aurata, Scop. =Pyrausta punicealis, Schiff. Recorded only from Lancashire, viz., Lydiate, scarce (C.S.G.), and Silverdale (J.C.M.). 3 Botys (Pyrausta) purpuralis, L. Local. Lane.— Ditton (C.S.G.) ; Silverdale (S.J.C., J.B.H., J.C.M.). Ches.—Bollin Valley and Knutsford (J.C.); Parkgate and Sutton -(C.S.G.); Ledsham and Wallasey (J.F.B.). Naturalist J. W. ELLIS: LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE PYRALIDINA. 369 Botys (Pyrausta) ostrinalis, Hubn. Local, but plentiful. Lane.—Kenyon (J.C.) and ‘Silverdale (J.C.M.). Ches.—Knutsford (J.C.); Wallasey sandhills (C.S.G., G. iftanker-W.|., KeNIP.). Botys (Rhodaria) sanguinalis, L. Plentiful among wild thyme on the Wallasey sandhills. Botys (Herbula) cespitalis, Schiff. Commen and generally distri- buted. Botys fuscalis, Schiff. Fairly common. Lane.—Manchester district, generally distributed (J.C.) ; Preston district, common among yellow-rattle (J.B.H.). Ches.— Bidston marsh, plentiful-(C.S.G.) ; Wirral (J.F.B.). Botys terrealis, Tr. Recorded only from Grange, Lancashire, by J. B. Hodgkinson; and from Puddington, Cheshire, a single specimen, by J. F. Brockholes. Botys (Ebulea) crocealis, Hubn. Local. Lane.—Grange (J.B.H. in E.M.M., x, 40); Preston, among flea-bane (Id., in litt.); Kirkby and Lydiate (C.S.G.); Man- chester district, common (Stainton’s Manual). Ches.—Bollin Valley (J.C.). Botys (Ebulea) sambucalis, Schiff. Common and generally distri- buted. Botys (Scopula) ferrugalis, Hiibn. Local, and not common. Lane.—Crosby, a single specimen (G. A. Harker) ; Lytham, occasionally (J.B.H.). Ches.—Bidston, Rock Ferry, Ness, Wallasey (J.F.B.); Saughall Massicn.C.S.G. ). Botys (Scopula) prunalis, Schiff. Common and generally distributed. Botys (Scopula) olivalis, Schiff. Common and generally distributed. Botys (Scopula) lutealis, Haw. Abundant. Botys pandalis, Hiibn. Recorded only from Castle Mill, Cheshire, by Mr. Chappell, though in Stainton’s Manual it is given as occurring in the Manchester district. EURVCREON, Led. (SPIEODES, Guen.) Eurycreon sticticalis, L. Rare. Lane. —Ashton-under-Lyne (J.C.); Chat Moss (W.]J.); Lytham (J.B.H.). Ches.—Wallasey sandhills, seven specimens recorded by C. S. Gregson, this locality being also referred to by J. F. Brock- holes and R. S. Edleston, Zool. 1845, p. 1220. Eurycreon palealis, Schiff. Very rare, and only recorded from Lancashire, viz., Barton Moss, a single specimen: (J.C.); a Dec. 1887. 2B 370 J. W. ELLIS : LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE PYRALIDINA. specimen ‘at Manchester’ (W. P. Weston, Ent., x,92); a specimen at Seaforth near Bootle, captured August 1876, by William Whitwick, and recorded by T. I. Roxburgh (Ent., ix, 278). Eurycreon (Botys) verticalis, L. Common, but local. Lane.—Liverpool district (probably Wirral is intended) (W.].). Ches.—Chester district (A.O.W.) ; Marple (J.C.); Wallasey (J.C.M.). NOMOPHILA, Hiibn. Nomopvhila noctuella, Schiff. = Stenopteryx hybridalis, Hiibn. Common and generally distributed. PSAMOTIS, Hiibn. (LEMIODES, Guen.) Psamotis pulveralis, Hitbn. ‘The only record of the occurrence of this species in either of the two counties is ‘Stockport, scarce’ (R. 5. Edleston; Zool., 1845, p: 1220). PIONEA, Guen. Pionea forficalis, L. Frequent wherever there are kitchen-gardens. HYDROCAMPA, Guen. Hydrocampa stagnata, Don. Fairly common and generally distri- buted. Hydrocampa nympheata, L. Common everywhere. PARAPONYX, Hiibn. Paraponyx stratiotata, L. Local. Lane.—Crosby (G. Harker); Old Trafford (J.C.); Preston Canal, near Salwick (J.B.H.); Silverdale (J.C.M.). Ches.—Bidston Marsh (C.S.G., J.F.B., F.N.P.); Chester and Ness" (A. OW.) Delamere (J.C). Dune Park « G. C2); near Liscard (C.S.G.). CATACLYSTA, Hiibn. Cataclysta lemnata, L. Abundant everywhere. Fam. CH/LONIDZ. SCHENOBIUS, Dup. Scheenobius forficellus, Thunb. Somewhat local. Lane.—Pits near Preston (J.B.H.); Pendleton and With- ington. Ches.—Bidston Marsh and Oxton, scarce ; commoner at Little Neston and Burton; Chester, by the canal, common (A.O.W.) ; on the canal bank between Macclesfield and Marple, also Cheadle Hulme (H.H.C.) ; most swampy places, especially at Liscard (C.S.G.). | Schenobius mucronellus, Schiff. Rare. Liverpool district, pro- bably Bidston marsh (C.S.G.); one specimen among sedges, taken by T. Cooper, on the canal, Preston (J.B.H.). Naturalist, J. W. ELLIS: LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE PYRALIDINA. 371 CHILO, Zinck. Chilo phragmitellus, Hiubn. Recorded from Crosby Marsh (G. A. Harker) and from Bidston Marsh (id., F.N.P., J.F.B.). Fam. CRAMBIDA. CRAMBUS, Fab. Crambus hamellus, Thunb. Local. Lane.—Chat Moss (J.C.). Ches.— Carrington Moss (J.B.H.); East Cheshire (A.O.W.) ; rough plantations beyond Eastham (C.S.G.); Lindow Common and Wilmslow (J.C.M.). Crambus pascuellus, L. Heaths and mosses, plentiful. Crambus pratellus, L. Abundant. Crambus dumetellus, Hibn. Local. Lane.—Chat Moss (J.C.). Ches.—Wallasey sandhills (J.F.B., C.S.G.). Crambus hortuellus, Hiibn. Common, but local. Lane.—Prestwich (J.C.M.) and the mosses of the Manchester district (J.C.) ; near Southport (J.B.H.). Ches.—Lindow Common and Cheadle, abundant but local _(H.H.C.) ; New Brighton (C.S.G.). Crambus falsellus, Schiff. Very local. Lane.—Wall at Hough End Hall, Withington (J.C.). Ches.—Moss-covered walls near Hooton (C.S.G.); Ness and East Cheshire (A.O.W.). Crambus pinellus, L.=pinetellus, L. Not common. Lane.— Barlow Moor and Withington (J.C.) ; Grange (J.B.H. in E.M.M., vii, p. 87); lanes round Didsbury (Id., in litt.) Ches.—Near Birkenhead (C.S.G.); Delamere Forest (J.C.M., F.N.P.); East Cheshire (A.O.W.) ; Lindow Common, on one occasion only (H.H.C.). . Crambus margaritellus, Hubn. Common on the heaths and mosses of Cheshire and South-West Lancashire. Crambus latistrius, Haw. Local. Lane.—Crosby sandhills (C.S.G., W.]J.). Ches.—Wallasey (J.B.H., J.C.M.); Claughton Fir-wood GbE B.- ©. S:G. )- Crambus furcatellus, Zett. A mountain species, recorded from Coniston Old Man by Mr. Hodgkinson. Crambus culmellus, L. Abundant everywhere. Crambus inquinatellus, Schiff. Local. Lane.—Recorded only from Silverdale (J.B.H.). Ghes.—The Kennel Wood, Hartford (G. Harker, F.N.P.) Hooton (C.S.G.); Wallasey (J.C.). Dec. 1887. 372 J. W. ELLIS: LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE PYRALIDINA. Crambus geniculellus, Haw. Common on the sandhills of the Lancashire and Cheshire coast. Crambus contaminellus, Hiibn. Local. Lane.—Salt marshes near Preston ce near Grange (id: in E.M.M., vii; p. 37). Ches.—Dee Marsh near Piveretbatgiions: aig Denhall, scarce (A.O.W.). Crambus tristellus, S.V. Abundant everywhere. Crambus selasellus, Hubn. Very local. 7 Lane.—Banks of the river Alt at Sefton (C.S.G.) ; Chorlton- cum-Hardy (J.C.); Salt marshes at Preston and Fleetwood (j. Badin litt. and Intell.” 13537155446): Ches.— Dee marsh near Puddington (A.O.W.); Heatley (J.C.). Crambus perlellus, Scop. Local. Lane.—Chat Moss (J.C.) ; Kirkby Moss (C.S.G., G. Harker); Salt marsh near Preston (J.B.H.). Ches.—Bidston Marsh (F.N.P.); Bidston, Bromborough, Ince, and Puddington, in marshes (A.O.W.). Crambus Warringtonellus, Staint. On the Lancashire and Cheshire mosses and heaths, often abundant. ERKOMENE, Hiibn. Eromene ocellea, Haw. Recorded only from Eastham Wood (C.S.G,, )-B.H) and Cheshire coast (C.s.G.5- Ent. pp. 240; 263). Fam. PA VCIDE LE. DIEORY CayReiAy Zen: Dioryctria abietella, Zk. Recorded from one locality only in each county, viz., Silverdale (J.B.H.) and Bidston (W.]J.). NEP THO PAs ROSE sZellé Nephopteryx spissicella, Fab.=roborella, Zinck. Recorded only from Dunham Park, Cheshire (J.C.). PEMPELITA: ‘Hubn, Pempelia betule, Goze. Recorded only from Lancashire, viz., Chat Moss (J.B.H.); Botany Bay Wood and Woolden Wood, GEG): Pempelia fusca, Haw. =carbonariella, Fisch. On heaths and mosses, plentiful upon the burnt parts. Pempelia palumbella, Fab. Heaths and mosses, plentiful. Pempelia adornatella, Tr.=dilutella, Hiibn. Recorded from two localities only—Prescot in Lancashire, and Prenton in Cheshire, by Mr. Gregson. Naturalist, J. W. ELLIS: LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE PYRALIDINA. 373 CRYPTOBLABES, Zell. Cryptoblabes bistriga, Haw. Scarce. Lane.—Once in Brockholes Wood, near Preston (J.B.H.) ; Woolton Wood, near Liverpool, on a single occasion (C.S.G.). Ches.—Bidston Park Wood (J.F.B.); Dunham Park (J.C.). ACROBASIs,) Zell. Acrobasis consociella, Hubn. Kare. Lane. —Recorded only from Silverdale (J.B.H.). Ches—One specimen taken in Clifton Park, Birkenhead (J.F.B.); ‘bred from oak-leaves collected at the rough plantation beyond Hooton’ (C.S.G.). Acrobasis tumidella, Zinck. Rare. Mr. Chappell mentions it as rare on Chat Moss, and Mr. Gregson refers to a specimen taken somewhere in Cheshire, in the Liverpool district. MYELOIS, Zell. Myelois advenella, Zinck. Recorded only by Mr. Hodgkinson from the banks of the Wyre. HUZOREIE RA. Zell: (Euzophera pinguis, Haw. Recorded from the Birkenhead district in Stainton’s Manual, but not mentioned in any of our local lists.) HOMCEOSOMA, Curt. Homeosoma nimbella, Zell. Local. Lane.— Morecambe (J.B.H.). Ches.—Wallasey sandhills (J.F.B., C.S.G.); Flaybrick Hill (C.S.G.). ANERASTIA, Hiibn. Anerastia lotella, Hiibn. Abundant, but local, on the Wallasey sandhills. Also recorded from the Lytham sandhills by Mr. Hodgkinson. EPHESTIA, Guen. Ephestia elutella, Hiibn. Plentiful in the neighbourhood of ware- houses in Liverpool, Manchester, Preston, and Knutsford. Ephestia ficella, Doug. Prestwich (J.C.M.). Ephestia semirufa, Haw. Plentiful in some Liverpool warehouses (GS'G,): | Ephestia passulella, Bar. Abundant in a mill at Preston, among oil-cake (J.B.H.). Ephestia ficulella, Bar. Liverpool warehouses (C.S.G., Ent., v, 385). Ephestia interpunctella, Hiibn. Liverpool warehouses (C.S.G., ].B.H.). ; Dec. 1887. 374 NOTES—ORNITHOLOGY AND MOLLUSCA Pam. GALL ARIZA: APHOMIA, Hiibn. Aphomia sociella, L. Frequent. Lane.—Banks of the Wyre. Ches.—Lanes about Wallasey (W.J.) ; comes to sugar in the plantations at Wallasey (C.S.G.); Burton, Ness, and Puddington (A.0.W.). 7 ACHRCGA, Hiibn. Achreea grisella, Fab. =alvearia, Fab. Recorded only, as infrequent where bees are kept in the Liverpool district, by Mr. Gregson. NOPRES ORNITHOLOGY. ; Pied Wagtail sitting on Wrens’ Eggs.— Whilst walking by a stream in May 1886, I flushed a Pied Wagtail from off her nest. On peeping in I found she had been sitting on five of her own eggs and five of what appeared to be Wrens’. The first named eggs were remarkable for their size, the largest being much above the average size of a Pied Wagtail’s egg, whilst the smallest was less than that of a Wren’s. The remaining three were intermediate between the largest and smallest. The ground colour of the smallest was a decided grey. The Wrens’ eggs were of the usual type.—F. B. WuHITLock, Nottingham. Variety of the Grouse.—On the oth of September a pale variety of the Common Grouse (Lagopus scoticus), by dissection a female, was obtained by Mr. S. G. Buxton at Bolsterstone, near Sheffield. The pale tint is chiefly on the upper parts, and as if to make amends the breast is suffused with black. It was exhibited at a meeting of the Norwich Naturalists’ Society, and, in the opinion of members present, is a partial melanism and not a hybrid, but all concurred in thinking it a very curious variety.—_J. H. GURNEY, junr., Keswick Hall, Norwich, November 3rd, 1887. NOTE—MOLLUSCA. Notes on Land and Freshwater Shells near Bridlington.— During a visit to Bridlington I have made a few observations and gathered a little information about the Land and Freshwater Shells of that district, which is, perhaps, partly new. -M.C.S., 35'1: Garfit, R., 69, 351. Gatke, Heinrich, C.M.Zz.S., 305. [374. Gumey, \..bl, juni, F:Z.S., MB. O..U.,: 22, Hagger, J., 365. Etanapton, W.,°E.C.S., 225. Hargreaves, J. A., 86. Harker, Alfred, M.A.,F.G.S., 150, 288, 300. Hey, Rev. W. C., M.A., 20, 85, 148, 374. Hodgson, Wm., A.L.S., 364. Horner, A. C., 288. Jackson, John, M.P.S., 208, 351. iJackson; J. ‘A., 120. Kew, T1. Wallis, FVE.S., 45, 55;.78, 225. Kirkby, Joe, 348. | Dec. 1887. eee Rah Oxe. 237255270: Meesy bP. Arnolds, 272.) 204: Lofthouse, Roger, 1. Maclagan, P. W., M.D., 294, 294. Macpherson, Rev. H. A., M.B.0.U., 46, 302. Martindale, Joseph A., 47, 285, 295, 355. Mason, J. Eardley, 66. Milinesaiien G: 228; INelSombgaesy tells. .BsO, Ua 75, (Oli Oss220: Nicholson, Francis, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.., 46. Oldham,-Charles, M.c.s., 272. Parkin, George, 45. ease, El. J Robinson; J.P, 13c: Elowneht, (©. B:jnhet.S.. 87; Pollard, H., 134. [290, 290, 290. Rormtt, Geo, T., F.1.S.,428-.S:, 27, 67, 180, Prince, Edward E., M.A., 60. Prodham, Herbert, 84. Bymans Wey ElonS.,. £35. Reade ie Miellands BiGiSs..2i. INeeGr apes 7's. Roberts, Geo., M.C.S., 19. Roebuck, W. Denison, F.L.S., I91, 245. Rowntree, James H., 290. Saunders, Howard, F.L.S., 'F.Z.S., 353- Shipman, James, F.G.S., 33. Smarty Nev Eb. EH. Beat, 227. Soppitt, H. T., 304. Southwell, Thos., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., 139. Standen, R., M.C.S., 155. Stephenson, Thos., 38, 46, 299, 352, 354. Storey, Wm., 21, 349. Raylornile WV...) MC.S.5/ 272: Tomlin, J. R. Brockton, B.A., M.C.S., 20, 20. Turner, W. Barwell, F.R.M:S., 275, 290. Vine, G. R., 18. Waddell, C. H., 66. Wade, E. W., 80. Walker, Samuel, 234. Watson, John, 39. IWiheelern i NV eenCaEn ijk Whitaker, Jos., F.Z.S., M.B.0.U., 74, 140. Whitlock ., Ba91@2.) 3272: 376 CLASSIFIED INDEX. BOOK’ NOAT CES: Butler's Pond Life: Insects, 91. Reade’s Origin of Mountain Ranges, I50. Darley Dale’s Swallow-tails and Skippers, | Report on the Migration of Birds, 302. Ql. Ridgway’ Nomenclature of Colour for Fowler’s Coleoptera of the British Isles. Naturalists, 191. Vol. 1: Adephaga—Hydrophilidz, 138. | Siddall’s Classification of the Vegetable Hay’s Elementary Text Book of British Kingdom, 62. Fungi, 87. Skuse’s British Stalk-eyed Crustacea and Hay’s Fungus-Hunter’s Guide, 304. Spiders, 91. Lebour’s Outlines of the Geology of | Strasburger and Hillhouse’s Handbook of Northumberland and Durham, 288. Practical Botany, 89. Leeds Naturalists’ Club—Transactions for | Walsingham and Gallwey on Shooting, 1886, 63. 23. Lilford’s Coloured Figures of the Birds of | Walton’s Geology of the District between the British Isles, 91. Market Weighton and the Humber, Martin’sOur Pets and Companions; Stories 88. illustrating Kindness to Animals, gI. Woodward’s Geology of England and Miall and Denny on the Structure and Wales—Second Edition, 300. Life History of the Cockroach, 60. LELUS ERATIONS: Group of Chillingham Cattle, 231. | Section of Strata at Castle Donington, Red Deer, 209. 36. Rabbits, 32. Woodcock, 31. NEW FORMS: OF ALG4Z:. DESCRIBEDUN, TEissVOLUME: Docidium nodulosum var. nov. y labiatum | Docidium truncatum var. nov. y emar- Tumer;.275, 290. ginatum Turner, 290. CHESHIRE. Coleoptera: of Liverpool District (Longi- | the British Association at Manchester, cornia) 209, (Eupoda) 211, (Pseudotri- | 292-203. mera) 215-216. Hymenoptera: Cheshire Sawflies, 66. Cryptogamia: The Early Botanical Work | Lepidoptera: Lepidopterous Fauna of of William Wilson, 181-190. | Lancashire and Cheshire (Deltoides and Flowering Plants: The Early Botanical Geometre), 93-115; (Pyralidina), 367- Work of William Wilson, 181-190 ; Car- 374- chap: eae duus acaulis, 273 ; Calamagrostris stricta Mollusea: Variation in Helix ericetorum at Oakmere, 273. near Chester, 20, 38; Mollusca near Geology: Geological Papers read before | Ashley, 228. CU MBA ReIcAIN ID Birds: Eagles of the Lake District, 46; Lecanora cirrochroa in Cumberland, Cumberland specimens in Newcastle 362. Museum, 75-78. Flowering Plants: Carex pendula in Cum- Cryptogamia: Lichens, 49, 50, 52, 53, 543 berland, 364. Cladonia rangiferina absent from Cum- | Mammalia: Extinct Animals of the Lake berland, 296; Parmelia isidiotyla, 298 ; District, 39-45; Wild White Cattle, 41. DERBYSHIRE. Cryptogamia: The Early Botanical Work | | Polemonium near Buxton, 185 ; Leafing of William Wilson, 181-190; Encalypta of the Oak and Ash, 365. aes streptocarpa at Youlgreave, 184. Mollusca: Helix arbustorum m. sinistror- Flowering Plants: Arbutus uva-ursi at sum near Buxton, 272. Kinderscout, 183; Dyraba incana and ae Naturalist, CLASSIFIED INDEX. 20 Dy ORSEEAM Birds: Place-names derived therefrom, 4; Fleet, 3; Dedication of a Boulder-stone Kestrels in Saltholm Marsh, 8; Wild- ~- at Sadberge, 244; Lebour’s Outlines of .fowling on the Tees Marshes, 9; Orni- the Geology of Northumberland and thology of the Tees mouth, 10-16; Durham (reviewed), 288; Geological Former existence of Capercaillie, 28 ; Papers read before the British Associa- Specimens of rare Durham birds in the | tion at Manchester, 292-294. Newcastle. Museum, 75-78; Ornitho- Mammalia: Seals at the Tees mouth, 4-8; logical Notes from Durham during 1885, Mammalian place-names, 4; Porpoises E 32-133. | in the Tees, 8; Quadrupeds of Lower Fish: Salmon in the Tees, 6; Opah near | Teesdale, 8; Wild White Cattle, 42. Hartlepool, 228. Physical Geography: The River Tees and Geology: of the Tees basin, 2; the Salt its Marshes, I. industry, 2, 3; Shell beds at Greatham [ewe AS Ene Birds: Habits of Grouse on Lancashire | Lepidoptera: Lepidopterous Fauna of Moors, 26; Fork-tailed Petrelat Formby. Lancashire and Cheshire (Deltoides and 46; Breeding of Black-headed Gull near Geometre), 93-115; (Pyralidina), 367- Garstang, 129-132. 374; Lepidoptera on the Gull Moss near Coleoptera: of Liverpool District (Longi- Garstang, 130. cornia) 209, (Eupoda) 211, (Pseudotri- | Mammalia: An ingenious Rat’s Nest at mera) 215-2106. Liverpool, 21; Wild White Cattle, 42. Cryptogamia: The Early Botanical Work | Mollusca: Bythinia tentaculata m. decolla- of William Wilson, 181-190. tum at Prestwich, 19; Monstrosities of Flowering Plants: Plants found on the Lancashire Shells, 20; List of Lancashire “Gull Moss’ near Garstang, 130; the Land and Freshwater Mollusca, 155-176; Early Botanical Work of William Wilson, | Mollusca collected at Carnforth, Igo. 181-190. | Personal Notices: Dr. Ellis as recorder of Geology: Geological Papers read at the Economic Entomology, 92. Manchester Meeting of the British Asso- | Reptiles: Viper near Garstang, 130. Clation, 292-203. NEC OU IN SEER E : North Lincolnshire, 55-59. 225-226. Birds: Notes from the Humber district Hemiptera: Acanthosoma hzemorrhoidalis 23; Woodcock, 30; Bittern at Saltfleet- washed up on the coast, 66. by, 45; Some Footprints in the Snow, Lepidoptera: Catocala fraxini near Alford, I-72 Vater-rail near Louth, 78 ; | 69; Coleophora obtusella at Chapel, Ornithological Notes from Lincolnshire near Alford, 290; Sphinx convolvuli and Norfolk (Aplin), 79-80; Land-rail near Alford, 351. Arachnida: Spiders obtained in 1886 in | 71; the © Blue Stone’ Boulder at Louth, | | | at Barton-on-Humber, 80; ‘ What isit?? | Mammalia: Some Foot-prints in the Snow, a newspaper record of the Gannet, 115, 72-74; Balznoptera musculus at Skeg- 154; Leach’s Petrel at Skegness, 132. ness, 130. Cryptogamia : Cladonia sylvatica at Market | Mollusca: Materials towards a list of the Rasen, 2096. | Land and Freshwater Mollusca of Lin- Flowering Plants: Lincolnshire Bog and colnshire, 245-272. Moorland Plants, 349-351. | Paleontology: Fossil Polyzoa in Lincoln- Geology: Post-tertiary deposits at Boston, | shire, 18. RSE; OR WAN: Cryptogamia: Lecanora lobulata in the | Geology: Geological Papers read before the Isle of Man, 358. British Association at Manchester, 293. Dec. 1887.: 378 CLASSIFIED INDEX. NORTHUMBERLAND. Birds: Local Specimens of Rare Birds in the Newcastle Museum, 75-78; a Natu- ralists Ramble on the Farne Islands, 116-128 ;. Ornithological Notes from Northumberland during 1885, 132-133; Redshank in Northumberland, 138 ; Migration of Chaffinch, 303; Grey Plover and Greenshank on the coast of North- umberland, 348; The Sooty Shear- water at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, 354. Flowering Plants: lLinaria minor in Northumberland, 294; Threatened Ex- tinction of Sisymbrium irio at Berwick- on-T weed, 294. Geology: Lebour’s Outlines of the Geology of Northumberland and Durham (re- viewed), 288; Geological Papers read before the British Association at Man- chester, 292-294. Lepidoptera: Gnophos obscurata near Ber- wick, 69. Mammalia: A Visit to Chillingham Park (illustrated), 229-234. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE. Birds: Varieties of Common Wild Duck and Peregrine in Notts., 74; A Visit to Rainworth Lodge, 193-201 ; Pied Wag- tail sitting on Wrens’ Eggs, 374. Coleoptera: Beetles at Sherwood Forest, 288 WESTMORLAND Birds: Eagles of the Lake District, 46. Cryptogamia: The Lichens of Westmor- land, 47-54; Some Rare Mosses in Westmorland, 65; Hygrophorus scia- phanus near Kendal, 66; Docidium truncatum 8 crassum at, Bowness, 275; Ceterach at Lowgill, 281; Lichens near Kendal, 285; Cladonia rangiferina alsent from Westmorland, 296; Parmelia isidio- | Flowering Plants: A Visit to Rainworth Lodge, 197-198. Geology: Some traces of an Ancient (IXKeuper) Beach at Castle Donington, 33-38 (illustrated). [351. Lepidoptera: Sphinx convolvuli at Tuxford, AND FURNESS. tyla, 298; Lecanora murorum and its more immediate allies, 355-364. Lepidoptera: Cidaria reticulata near Win- dermere, 60. Mammalia: Extinct Animals of the Lake District, 39; the last Wild Boar, 43. Mollusca: Monstrosities of Helix aspersa, 20; Mollusca collected at Coniston, 190. YORKS EERE: Birds: Duck Decoy on Coatham Marsh, 1; Bird place-names, 4; Wild-fowling on the Tees Marshes, 9 ; Ornithology of the Tees mouth, 10-16; Little Gulls. at Flamborough Head, 22; Bird-notes from the Humber district, 23; Habits of Grouse, 26; Gannet inland near Masham and near Harrogate, 45; Greenshank and Storm Petrel near Wakefield, 45; Whitby Bird-Notes, 46; Specimens of rare Yorkshire Birds in Newcastle Museum, 75-78; Ringed Guillemots near Redcar, 78; Blackbird laying in Thrush’s Nest, 78; Albino birds observed near Harrogate, 78; Birds at Flamborough, 78; Ornithological Notes in 1886 from Redcar, 81-83; Great Grey Shrike in Nidderdale, 83; Hawfinch and Pink- footed Goose at Harrogate, 83; An unrecorded occurrence of the Golden Eagle in Yorkshire, 84; Hawfinch in Wensleydale, 84; Barn Owl feigning Death, near Harrogate, 132; Puffins in the Humber in February, 138; Occur- rence of Common Buzzard near Whitby, 138 ; Great Grey Shrike near Harrogate, 140; Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union obser- vations at Saltburn, 218; Flamborough Bird-Notes, 226; Great Spotted Wood- pecker and Hawfinch near Harrogate, 226; Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union obser- vations at Gormire and Thirkleby, 237 ; Decoy at Thirkleby, 237; Wild-fowl breeding at Thirkleby, 242; Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union observations at Sed- bergh, 278 ; Sooty Shearwater at Flam- borough Head, 291; Brent Goose at Harrogate, 304; Late stay of Swift near Rotherham, 348; Kingfisher and Sparrowhawk in Nidderdale, 348; Ex- traordinary behaviour of a Kestrel, 348 ; On a little-known State of Plumage of Naturalist, CLASSIFIED INDEX. 379 YORKSHIRE—Continued. the Arctic Tern, 353; The)Sooty Shear- Waterway Miley, 3545) Variety, of" the Grouse at Bolsterstone, 374. Crustacea: Notes on Decapodous Crustacea found at Redcar, 85-86. Cryptogamia: Micro- Botany of Askern, 70-71; the Early Botanical. Work of the late William Wilson, 181-190; Mosses observed at Saltburn, 220-221; Mosses and Fungus observed at Gormire, 239 ; Notes on Algze collected at Gormire and Thirkleby, with notice of a new form, 275-276; Ferns, Mosses, Hepatics, Lichens, and Algze observed at Sedbergh, 281-283 ; List of Sedbergh District Lichens, 285-287 ; Desmids of Gormire Lake, correction of error, 290; A Mythical Moss, correction of error (supposed dis- covery of Grimmia commutata at Sed- bergh), 294; Cladonia rangiferina, 296 ; Lecanora xantholyta in Yorkshire, 364. Entomostraca: at Askern, 70. Entozoa: Tristoma coccineum at Whitby, 354. Fish: Salmon, Porpoise, and Sturgeon in the Tees, 4; Whitby Fish-Notes, 38; Occurrences of Banks’ Oar-fish, Sun-fish, and Opah on the Yorkshire and Durham Coasts; 227; the * Pinkey~ or ‘Scaley’ of the Yorkshire Esk, 274 ; Whitby Fish- Notes, 299; Pagellus acarne at Whitby, 352; Fish-notes from Whitby, 354. Flowering Plants: Bee Orchis in Craven, 22; Phzenological phenomena near Leeds, 63-64; the Early Botanical Work of the late William Wilson, 181-190; Calama- grostis stricta in Yorkshire, 201; Fly Orchis near Wetherby, 208; Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union observations at Salt- burn, 219; and at Gormire, 238; Chara fragilis v. fulcrata near Wakefield, 272 ; Carduus acaulis in North-East Yorkshire, 273; the Castle Howard Calamagrostis, 2733; Rubus podophyllus near Dewsbury, 276; Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union obser- vations near Sedbergh, 277-281; Twiggy Mullein at Wetherby, 351. Geology: of Tees basin, 2; the Salt In- dustry, 2-3; Exposure of a fault at Apperley, 18 ; Discovery of a Fossil-tree at Ilkley, 71; Walton’s Geology of the District between Market Weighton and the Humber (reviewed), 88 ; Among the Yorkshire Oolites, 177-180; Geology of the Skipton and Ilkley Railway, 202-208 ; Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union Observa- tions at Saltburn, 221-224; at Gormire . and Thirkleby, 239-241; and at Sed- bergh, 282-284 ; On the frequent occur- rence of Whinstone Erratics at Flam- Dec. 1887. borough, 289-290 ; Geological Papers read before the British Association at Manchester, 292-294. Hymenoptera: Additions to the Yorkshire Ichneumonide, 20; Sirex juvencus near Harrogate, 290. Infusoria: At Askern, 70; at Gormire, 241. Lepidoptera: Tortrix transitana, Spilonota rosecolana, and Depressaria_ weirella new to Yorkshire, 21 ; Lyczena agestis in UpperWharfedale, 66; Lepidoptera, etc., on the North-East Coast of Yorkshire in August 1886, 67-69; Variation in Gnophos obscurata, Cidaria suffumata, and Hypsipetes elutata, 69 ; Pterophorus dichrodactylus at Saltburn, 219; Varia- tion in Hybernia progemmaria near Huddersfield, 228; Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union Observations at Gormire, 238 ; Acronycta alni and other Moths near Scarborough, 290. Mammalia: Rabbit Warren on Coatham Marsh, 1; Mammalian remains at Mid- dlesbrough, 4; ‘Seals at the Tees mouth, 4-8; Mammalian place-names, 4; Porpoises in the Tees, 8 ; Quadrupeds of Lower Teesdale, 8; Cannibalism in the Long-eared Bat, 21; Wild White Cattle, 42; Badger at Kirkby Knowle, 237 , Mollusea: Varieties of Bythinia tentacu- lata, 19; Reversed Helix virgata at Coatham, 20; Arion hortensis var. nigra Mog. near Wakefield, 38; Marine mol- lusca near Redcar, 86; Scalariform Planorbis spirorbis near Bingley, 86; Land and Fresh-water Shells in the neighbourhood of Whitby, 134-138; Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union Observa- tions at Saltburn, 218; and at Gormire, 237 ; Pisidium roseum in Yorkshire, 272; Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union Observa- tions at Sedbergh, 279 ; Notes on Land and Freshwater Shells near Bridlington, 374- Neuroptera and Trichoptera: Captures in 1886 in North-East Yorkshire, 69; Yorkshire Neuroptera and Orthoptera, 180; Hemerobius concinnus at York, 290. Orthoptera: Yorkshire Neuroptera and Orthoptera, 180. Personal Notices: Rev. W. H. Dallinger, F.R.S., 16; Sir R. Payne-Gallwey, 16; Rev. Robert Harley, F.R:S., 16; Testi- monial to Thomas Lister, 92 ; Death of Joseph Jackson, 115; Obituary Notice of Alfred Roberts, 115 ; J. W. Davis on Fossil Fishes, 224; Death of Thomas Wilson, 234. 380 CLASSIFIED INDEX. YORKSHIRE—Continued. Plants: see ‘Cryptogamia’ and ‘ Flowering Plants.’ Physical Geography: The River Tees and its marshes, I. Polyzoa and Polypi: at Askern, 71; at Gormire, 241. Rotatoria: at Askern, 71; at Gormire, 241. Societies: Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union Annual Meeting, 16; Yorkshire Boulder Committee, 17-18, 92, 141 (schedule), 224; Leeds Geological Association, 115 ; Foundation of Craven Naturalists’ Asso- | MISCELLANEOUS. Birds: as vermin, 24; Grouse Driving, 26; Ptarmigan in Scotland, 27; Black-game on the decrease, 27 ; Extinction and re- introduction of Capercaillie in Scotland, 28; Habits and feeding of Woodcock, 20;5,- Ob .onipe, ~32)>) see, Noriolk,; the Grouse-disease, 287; Bird-notes from Heligoland for the year 1886, 305-348. Cambridgeshire: Helix ericetorum, 20; Planorbis lineatus, 38. Cryptogamia: British Fungi and their names and properties, $7, 304; Taste -of Clitopilus prunulus, 115; Notes on British Lichens (Cladonizeand Parmeliz), » 295-2909; Ditto (Lecanora murorum and its more immediate allies), 355-364. Flowering Plants: Leafing of the Oak and Ash, 365. Leicestershire: Cladonia rangiferina and C. sylvatica, 296. ™“ = Is F7 DS . hee’ eS ~ ~ UL a Of ; 5 RES ANA : “f ne pate &- a AF prs, \ MURAL Wie ciation, 115; Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, Report of Annual Meeting at Dewsbury, 143-147; Resuscitation of Thirsk Naturalists’ Field Club, 147; Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union at Saltburn- by-the-Sea, 217-224; Leeds Geological Association, 234; Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union at Gormire Lake and Thirkleby Park, 235-244; at Sedbergh, 277-284; Yorkshire representatives at the British Association, 366. Lepidoptera: Acidity of the Secretion of the larva of Dicranura vinula, 64 ; Rela- tion of Insects to Flowers, 64; Variation in Gnophos obscurata, 69 ; Proposal to test the Theory of Heredity by breeding Selenia illustraria, 92. | Mammalia: Cannibalism of Long-eared Bat, 21; Vermin, 24; Deer-stalking, 28, 29; Wild White Cattle in Dumfries- shire, 42; Some footprints in the Snow, 72. Mollusca: Helix ericetorum near Cam- bridge, 20. Montgomeryshire: Mosses, 186. Norfolk: Ornithological Notes from Lin- colnshire and Norfolk, 79, 80. Societies: Entomological of London, 64, 92. Shropshire: Cladonia rangiferina, 296; Parmelia olivacea, 299. Printed by McCorquodale & Co. Iamited, Leeds. Crown 8vo, Cloth, Lllusirated. TOPOGRAPHY AND NATURAL HISTORY OF LOFTHOUSE AND NEIGHBOURHOOD. By GEORGE ROBERTS. CONTENTS: Vor. I.—Antiquities; Field-nomenclature; Ancient Houses; Registers: Charities; Industries; Surveys; Statistics; Ancient Leases; Natural History Diary from 1862 to 1875; Essays on Natural History; Lists of Plants and Shells. CONTENTS: Vor. I].—Flora and Fauna; Customs; Notes on Church Sun-dials; Memoir of Charles Forrest ; Notes on Old Families; Rothwell Registers; Observations on Domed Nests: Natural History Diary from 1876 to 1883; Additional Lists of Plants and Shells. Price of First Volume - - 5s. Od. a Second Volume - 3s. 6d. To be obtained from the Author, Lofthouse, Wakefield. INDISPENSABLE TO. 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