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- . , THE WILTSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND %
NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY \

The Society was founded in 1853. Its activities include the promotion of archaeological and
historical work and of the study of all branches of Natural History withia the County: the
safeguarding and conservation of the antiquities and the flora and the fauna of the region; the
issue of a Magazine and other publications; excursions to ptaces of archaeological and historical
interest; and the maintenance of a Museum and Library.

The subscription rate for membership of the Society is as follows: Annual Subscription
£4, Family £6, Students £2.50, Junior £1.50. Enquiries about membership should be made
to the Secretary of the Society, 41 Long Street, Devizes.

NATURAL HISTORY SECTION

The object of this Section is to promote the stucy of all branches of Natural History
in the County by encouraging field observations, maintaining records, arranging field and other
meetings and by putting observers in touch with cach other. Particulars of the Section from the
Honorary Treasurer. The subscription rate for membership of the Section is as follows: Single
£2, Family £3.

Observations should be sent to the Recorders:

Birds: G. L. Webber, Esq., 66 Southbrook Extension, Swindon

Flowers: Mrs. J. Swanborough, “Amberley,” Pew Hil!, Chippenham
Lepidoptera: B. W. Weddell, Esq., 39 Victoria Road, Trowbridge

Manunals, Reptiles and Amphibians: Miss B. Gillam, [19 Koundway Gardens, Devize

OFFICERS OF THE NATURAL HISTORY SECTION, 1975-76
Chairman: Mr. C. E. Jennings, | Perrys Lane, Seend Cleeve, Melksham
Acting Secretary: Mrs. J. Swanborough, “Amberley,*’ Pow Hill, Chippenham
Hon. Treasurer; Mr. A. Smith, 49 Clarendon Avenues, Trowbridge
Hon. Editor: Mr. R. S. Barron, Holly Cottage, West -avingion

—

Printed by Coates & Parker Ltd... Warminstei

Wists, WILTSHIRE NATURAL HISTORY

REPORTS

MAGAZINE

: VOLUME 70 1975 *
&
CONTENTS

PAGE

HABITAT SELECTION AND Nest ECOLOGY OF THE HARves? Mouse, Micromy's minutus
(PALLAS) by Patrick Dillon and Marion Browne - - = = z 3
MOLLULSCAN FAUNAS FROM PLEISTOCENE DEPOSITS AT MARDEN by J. G. Evans 10
THE WEATHER FOR 1974 by T. E. Rogers - = : - 2 : FS 13
WILTSHIRE BirD Notes For 1974, compiled by G. L. Webber - : a 15
RINGING REPORT FOR 1974 by Roderick C. Faulkner — - - = < : 3 0
WILTSHIRE PLANT Notes (35) compiled by Joan Swansborough - = : oy)
ENTOMOLOGICAL REPORT FOR 1974 compiled by Bowmont \Weddell - - - - 24
AMPHIBIA, REPTILE AND Mamma Notes 1973-74 compiled by Beatrice Gillam - - 27
THe Harvest Mouser SURVEY IN WILTSHIRE by Beatrice Gillam - - - - 31
SHORTER NOTES - - - - . - . - - 32
- - - - ~ 35

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HABITAT SELECTION AND NEST ECOLOGY OF THE HARVEST MOUSE
Microniys minutus (PALLAS)

by PATRICK DILLON and MARION BROWNE

INTRODUCTION

Since its initiation in 1973, The Mammal Society’s National Harvest Mouse Distribution
Survey has shown that Britain’s smallest rodent is by no means the searce species it was ohkce
thought to be. With the exception of a few west-midland and northern counties the harvest
mouse has been recorded in a wide variety of habitats over most of England, including forty-
one of the forty-seven 10 km. saueres which fie wholly or partially within the county of Wiltshire.
The vast majority of records has been based not on the sighting of the animal but on the incid-
ence of distinctive summer nests, which are built in the stalk zane of vegetation for breeding
and shelter. Apart from being imporiant as a species indicator, these nests provide a valuable
source of information on the breeding iiabits He life styie of the harvest mouse. In this paper,
habitat selection and the general nest ecology of the harvest mouse are examined. with special
reference to the sites where the snecies has been shown to occur in Wiltshire.

GENERAL REVIEW

The genus Micromys contains only one species, M. minutus (Pallas), and this 1s restricted
almost entirely to the central band of the Pataearctic Region with Britain forming the western
extremity of its range. Several sub-species are known to exist. ihe only one present in Britain
and in most of western Europe being A/.m.Sericiaus (Hermann).
in Barrett-Hamilton & Hinton (1910- 21), although acknowledging the lack of fossil records
relating to Micromys, felt that organisational features of the genus indicated that it evolved
from eastern, Apodemus-like, ancestors and spread to western Europe only in gaan avely
recent tires. Frank (1957) claimed that pygmy growth was almost certainly the first evolution-
ary step towards the colonisation of the ecological niche of the stalk zone by these rodents. He
postulated that all cther behaviour traits now shown by Micromys were secondary acquisitions
gained as the species began to take advantage of its new environment. It is said that Micromys,
because of its diminutive size, is now too weak to burrow d leeply into the earth and so can no
longer lead a typical murid existence on the ground (Piechocks, 1958). Instead. it is well suited
to life in dense vegetation and is aided in this respect by possessing a semi-prehensile car in
conjunction with the hind feel, this tail is used for holding the animal on a stem thereby leaving
the front paws free for feeding and nest construction.

There are, however, two main limiting factors influencing the suitability of the stalk zone
habitat. First, the herbage must be dense enough in summer to provide the necessary materials
for the construction and, more importantly, for the sapport of a protective nest to house the
young mice which are born blind, naked and helpless. Second, the ground vegetation cover
of the site in winter must be of sufficient thickness to offer shelter and cover.

An extremely large number of wild plant species falls within the limits of suitability for
Micromys colonisation. Many species of Gramineae and Cyperaceae are used in Japan (Shir-
aishi, 1969) and, in Russia, Calamagrostis and Phragmites are particulariy favoured (Sleptsoy,
1948). Barrett-Hamilton & Hinton (1910-21) list a wide variety of species used in Britain,
among them Prunus spinosa and Clematis yitalba.

Many crops cultivated by man provide Micromys with ideal conditions; the ricefields of
Europe and the oatfields of Germany have often been heavliy infested with the species (Piechocki,
1958). Sometimes Micromys are carried with the crops into storage where they are provided
with winter shelter which is relatively predator free and rich in food supplies. In fact, so favour-
able are some of these sites that it has been known for Microniys to multiply to such an extent
that their ravages cause serious economic damage. Thus thare are records of considerable —
damage to stored wheat, rice, millet and other crops awaiting threshing in parts of Russia (Elton,
1942, p.45; Sleptsov, 1948; and Smirnoy, 1959).

Ps
Bane

The extent of the relationship between Micromys and the arable habitat in Britain is not
clear. The species apparently suffered a marked decline in the century or so foliowing its simul-
taneous but independent discovery in England by Gilbert White and Montagu. Millais (1904-6)
was one of the first to attribute this decline to mass destruction of breeding nests following the
introduction of the close cutting reaping machine. However, E. J. T. Collins’ review of har--
vesting techniques from 1800 to the present day indicates that although the mechanical reaper
was first invented in the late 1820's it was only gradually adopted as a harvesting tool in this
country. Even by 1871 only about 25 per cent of Britain’s corn area was cut by mechanical
means (Collins, 1969). It is likely that before this other factors were influencing the suitability
of the cornfield as a Micromys habitat, particularly the introduction of mechanical drilling which
replaced hand sowing in the early nineteenth century. Clark (1973) has drawn attention to
the fact that the old method of sowing corn by hand tended to produce clumps of plats ideally
suited to the construction of Micromys nests by the stripping and weaving of living Itaves.

More recently some writers have maintained that the combine harvester, like the
mechanical reaper, has had a disastrous effect on Micromys numbers (see for example Campbell,
1951; Matthews, 1952; and Hosking, 1972). In addition chemical sprays have almost eradic-
ated the wild plants which once added to the physical bulk of the cornfield. Thus, in theory,
the arable habitat should gradually have become less inviting to Micromys. Certainly, in some
districts where the species is abundant, breeding can be shown to be taking place in the fringe
vegetation surrounding large arable fields but never in the standing corn itself. However,
the Mammal Society’s survey has shown that in other districts cornfields support vast breeding
colonies of Micromys. This local variation in the use of the arable habitat is probably related
to the extent of the fringe vegetation surrounding the fields. Where this fringe vegetation is
extensive, and where it provides suitable stalk zone support for nests, it offers a more stable
environment than the arable crop and thus is preferentially colonised. Where the fringe veget-
ation is sparse, population dynamics probably demand the use of the crop for breeding purposes.

Throughout the entire range of Micromys, however, it seems that the wetland habitat is
of the utmost importance to the species. Damp water meadows are “specially favoured”’ in
Germany (Piechocki, 1958) and in Czechoslovakia the “most favoured conditions for living”
are found in the vicinity of drainage channels (Kminiak, 1968). Similarly riverside meadows
are well colonised both in Poland (Kubik, 1952) and in Russia (Sleptsov, 1948). In Britain,
Teagle (1964) has drawn attention to the importance of the wetland habitat in the London area
and Clark (1973) has suggested that Micormys “probably thrived best in primeval times as it
does today in the marginal habitats between wet and dry land along river valleys and in marshes.’

The vegetation of the wetland habitat is-characterised by the more robust types of Gram-
ineae and Cyperaceae suchas Phragmites communis and Carex spp. which provide the strong tall
stems so vital to the support of the Micromys breeding nest. It is in these ideal habitats, where
nests may be suspended in the vegetation up to a height of 150cm., that Micromys truly fulfils
its breeding potential. Where tall vegetation is absent, as is often the case in areas of coarse
meadow, pasture and roadside grassland characterised by Dactylis glomerata and Deschampsia
cespitosa, nests are often built a few cm. aboye ground but are seldom present in any great
numbers because here Micromys is in direct competition for food and nesting sites with other
larger surface dwelling murids.

Nests are usually composed of the vegetation in which they are suspended. Piechocki
(1958) has pointed out that members of the family Gramineae are characterised by unbranched
leaves which have parallel equally spaced veins running almost to the point of each blade. Such
leaves are easily separated and shredded into strips by the pulling and tearing action of Micromys
incisors. The leaf is thus split into several lengths of almost equal width which aatomatically
complicate themselves into spirals and in this way the leaves of living plants can be incorporated
into the outer structure of the nest. Barrett-Hamilton & Hinton mention that Douglas English
once found 250 split lengths in a single Micromys nest and he estimated that at least 100 com-
plete leaves had been utilised.

There appears to be some geographical variation in basic nest structure throughout the
range of Micromys. In Japan, Shiraishi (1969) has classified six main types according to shape
and construction. These he designates as cocoon typ, lantern type, dish type, “binded” type,
bird’s nest type and pot type, with the “‘binded”* type being the most numerous. Sleptsoy (1948)

4

Pa ah |

in Russia distinguished between loosely made nests situated on the ground and more substantial
structures suspended in vegetation, but attributed most variation in shape to deformation caused
by the growing family of mice. This explanation seems to account for the variation in shape
of the British nests which are usually compact, spherical, closely woven structures corresponding
most closely. to the Japanese “binded” type. In Britain they range in diameter from 3 to 10 cm.
and generally increase in physical butk the higher they are suspended in vegetation to counteract
increased vulnerability to adverse environmental conditions.

In terms of composition, Shiraishi (1969) has shown that nests built by the Japanese sub-
species M.m. japonicus generally consist of 4 layers—en outer layer, middie layer, inner layer
and a bed, with the last usually made from gnawed and torn leaves, flowers and seed heads.
Sleptsov (1948) found the nests constructed by the Russian and cast European subspecies*W.n1.
ussuricus to be composed of an outer layer of entire stalks and icaves with an inner layer of the
same material carefully split longitudinally and tightly compacted. Analysis by the authors
of nests constructed by the British subspecies (M/.m. soricinus) indicates that some consist of
only a single layer of longitudinally split leaves with occasional seed or flower heads incorpor-
ated and that other, usually bulkier, nests have in addition a discernable inner lining of finely
chewed leaves and seed heads. Generally speaking, those nests with a distinct inner lining are
used for breeding whereas those without the lining are probably only used as summer shelters.

In Britain the main breeding season of Micromys would appear to be from July
to September. It has been suggested (see for example Knight, 1963; and Trout, 1974) that some
breeding of Micromys may take piace in the spring or early summer months. Hedgerows, hay
ticks and straw stacks are thought to be the sites cf such breeding. However, the authors have
found no evidence of early breeding in central southern England, Hosking (1972), who has
studied extensively the habits of Mieromys in the vicinity of his Devonshire farm, found no
evidence of breeding in ricks. The work of Rowe (1958) adds further support to these observat-
ions; in March 1957 he examined 119 Micromys obtained during the threshing of 7 ricks on a
Hampshire farm; by looking at the cauda epididymidis with a hand lens and checking his obser-
vations with a microscopic examination of a stained smear of the epididymus he was able to
establish that, whereas almost half the males were fecund, all the females were in a non-breeding
condition.

Kubik (1952) studied the natural breeding of M.m.soricinus in a Polish National Park.
Very exceptionally he recorded young Mieromys in late April but gives late May as the date for
the onset of the normal breeding season. In climatic terms this would be equivalent to late
June in central southern England (Kenbrew, 1953, pp 378-388; and Austin & Haurwitz, 1944,
pp 257-262). At this time of year the Micromys population would be atits annual low and thus
breeding would be numerically slight at first. With early season young becoming sexually
mature after about 40 days this would, however, permit the young from the first and second
litters to contribute to a “rapid and geometrically progressing revival of the population which
reaches its numerical maximum in autumn” (Kubik, 1952). From the determination of age by
tooth wear of Micromys following this breeding pattern, Kubik estimated ihe maximum life
span of the mice to be 16 to 18 months. Ns

HABITAT SELECTION AND NEST ECOLOGY IN WILTSHIRE

George Montagu wrote of the harvest mouse “The discovery of this least of British quadru-
peds was made by the revd. Mr. White in Hampshire and communicated to Mr. Pennant in
the year 1767. It is however by no means peculiar to that county and | doubt not but they are
equally discovered over all the southern provences, at least in the neighbourhood of the Devizes
I found them in great abundance and remember to have noticed them full twenty years ago
when a boy at Urchfont School....’ (Montagu, c 1785). Almost 200 years later harvest mice
are “equally discovered” over southern England (although not perhaps in quite the same abund-
ance) and the current distribution map of the species in Wiltshire shows a concentration of
Micromys records in the neighbourhood of Devizes.

Wiltshire is divided into two main geological areas: The north, north-west and the extreme.
west, comprising about two-fifths of the county, are based upjon the Jurassic formation and the
remaining three-fifths to the centre, south and south east are characterised by the Cretaceous
formation (Cunnington, 1938). The pre-Chalk formations also extend eastwards through the

5

a

Fig. 1—Known distribution of Micromys in Wiltshire relative to the main river systems

Vale of Pewsey, thus dividing the Chalk of the Marlborough downs from the main chalkland
area of Salisbury Plain. Aubrey found the proportion of downland to be three-quarters of the
county; he wrote “To find the proportion of the downes of this countrey to the vales, I did divide
Speed’s map of Wiltshire with a pair of cizars, according to the respective hundreds of downes
and vale, and | weighed them in a curious ballance of a goldsmith... .”(Aubrey, 1847). This -
ingenious method would have been very accurate and the loss of downland since the mid-nine-
teenth century could be attributed to additional land soing under the plough, probably within
the last 35 years. = E

The county is drained by 3 rivers. The Thames, flowing from west to east in the extreme
north, is joined by the tributary Kennet outside the county boundary and together they flow
eastwards and eventually into the North Sea. The Bristol Avon rises in the north west and
flows in a southerly direction to discharge into the Bristol Channel and eventually) into
the Atlantic. The Salisbury Avon and its tributaries drain the whole south of the county ‘and,
moving generally in a southerly direction finally flow into the English Channel.

The northern escarpment of Salisbury Plain forms almost exactiy the mid-line across
the county, although the vice county division is formed by the Kennet and Avon Canai several
miles further north. Much of the north-western part of the county on the Jurassic is fairly
level, characterised by pasture and woodland. These comparatively low lying areas are broken
by harder rock which forms ridges and hills and, in the extreme north west, there are the steep
limestone valleys of the southern Cotswold foothills. The south and south-eastern three-fifths
of Wiltshire are characterised by rolling chalk downland intersected by the broad valleys of
the Salisbury Avon and its chief tributaries the Wylye and the Nadder. Here the river banks
are bordered by lush water meadows. The chalk does not support trees with the exception of
plantations of beech but, where sand or gravel lies above the chalk, trees grow well. Green-
sand, Gault and gravel subsoils support a good tree growth and chalk valleys where these soil
conditions prevail may be thickly wooded.

It has been shown that, in general, the wetlaad habitat is of great importance to Micromys
and the map of Wiltshire, showing the main rivers with extensive water meadows in the north
and south of the county, would suggest ideal breeding conditions for the species. However,
the water meadows, found by Piechocki to be “specially favoured” in Germany, do not appear
to be so favoured in Wiltshire and Micromys have not been recorded in them by the authors
during the current survey. A detailed examination of the county's water meadows reveals
that they are fairly heavily grazed and that little or no fringe vegetation is left to provide suitable
breeding sites for Micromys. Generally speaking, Micromys have only been found in the wet-
land habitats when these are in association with arable fields and these conditions often occur
along the streams tributary to the main rivers. This relationship is illustrated in Fig. 1 which
shows the current distribution of Micromys in Wiltshire and the river systems of the county.

In spite of the apparent importance of arable fields to Micromys in Wiltshire (cereal
crops were listed in the habitat requirements of 32 of a sample of 36 recorded sites in the county)
no nests have yet been recorded in standing corn. However, on the Wiltshire/Avon border
Micromys nests were found in straw left lying in 2.cernfields after the 1974 harvest. These nests
had passed virtually intact through the combine harvester and in some cases were still loosely
attached to the corn stems in which they had been built. This emphasises local variation in
the use of the arable habitat. In Wiltshire it appears that arable fields are unimportant in their
own right as Micromys sites, but their proximity to other potential habitats is of great signific-
ance.

This observation is further substantiated by the many breeding records of Micromys
in fringe vegetation surrounding arable fields. The fringe vegetation provides a vanety of
Gramineae spp. suitable for nest construction as well as other plants including Ruwmex spp.,
Carduus acanthoides, Vicia spp., Urtica dioica, Epilobium angustifolia and Centaurea nigra, all
of which have been used as stalk zone support. Where the fringe vegetation grows along a
fence, the supporting plants are themselves supported by the lower strands of wire thus pro-
viding a very firm growth which is not easily destroyed by adverse weather conditions. When
the Gramineae spp. and supporting plants grow under a yhedge, additional support is again
provided by the lower branches of hedgerow shrubs such as'Crataegus monogyna and P.spinosa,
shelter being thus offered as well as support.

Waste grassland sometimes supporis smal! numbers of Micremys, and shelter nests have
been found on waste patches at corners and junctions of country roads and on rcadside verges.
Even a certain amount of disturbance does not necessarily deter the mice and 2 nests were con-
structed at Dauntsey Green near a country bus stop. ‘This site was frequented by dogs as well
as by humans and although the nests were iong abandoned by the time they were found in May
1974 they were still in good condition, being hidden in dense clumps of D.glomerate, and were
considered to be shelter nests consiructed and used the previous autumn.

Some of the larger colonies of Micromys have been found in young plantations, which
provide an ideal habitat in Wiltshire as elsewhere. The exact age of plantation when V&cromys
first move in has yet to be determined but it appears that conditions are ideal when the young
trees reach a height of about 120 to 15Ccm. By this time the trees are well established an¥ com-
_pete satisfactorily with ground cover plants. Weeding ts no ionger necessary and grasses such
as D.glomerata, “Arzhenatherum elatius and D.cespitosa are given suppert by the iower branches
of the trees. Brambles add extra buik to the ground cover and a habitat ideal for Micromys
nest building is thus provided. As the plantation grows it eventually reaches a stage when it is
no longer suitable for use by Microniys, the gre adnal development of a cano py reduces or elimin-
ates the grasses growing beneath and may also result in unacceptable loss of light and warmth.

It is thought that some Micromys spend part of their ae ves below ground in arable fields.

They are normally too sma!l and light to have much facility for digging, but when the soil has
been loosencd by rotavating or ploughing this might provide Seon tae where it would be poss-
ible for them to dig. Montagu (c.1785) subscribed to this view and wrote “li winter they burrow
deep in the ground forming a bed of dry grass for warmth.” In recent years one of the few
live sightings of Micromys to be recorded in Wiltshire was a mouse found underground in August
1974. It was about 5 cm. below ground in a hole, lined with a small quantity of shredded straw,
which was situated between lines of oat stubble approximately 150cm. from the edge of a field
which had been cultivated close to the boundary leaving very little fringe vegetation. The
mouse was located and dug out at dusk by a badger cub and, by shining a torch into the hole,
a very clear view of the mouse was obtained. Apart from this one chance iene no evidence
of underground activity is known to have been recorded in Wiltshire in recent tin

Montagu’s descripticn of Microm ys nests accord well with modern observations—‘It
makes an elegant round nest SUPP orted ai some distance from the ground in a smail bush, thistle
or coarse grass by the sides of hedges. “Mr. White very justly observes there is no finding an
aperture to the nest and naturally concludes a fresh one is made every time the young ones are
visited and that it is carefully adjusted by the old mouse when she leaves her litter’ (Montagu,
c1785). Some years later he wrote “The nest was globular two inches and a half diameter;
composed externally of the blades of corn; internally ef the finest hairhke grass; these materials
are... .interwoven without any opening, the cavity aie scarce more than an inch diameter
and apparently no room for the dam to give suck to the young. It is certain with such a structure
a perforation must be made every time the old one visits the nest, and carefully closed again
on leaving it” (Montagu, 1802). It is possible that the second nest described, with its smalt
cavity, was in fact a shelter rather than a breeding nest.

Micromys nests recorded recently in Wiltshire vary little in shape, being spherical when
newly constructed, although some distortien is caused by the mice pushing their way in and out.
In many cases the nests are discovered long after use when they are much battered by Wind and
rain; often indeed the whole supporting plant, complete with nest, is found flat upon the ground.
Whatever the condition of the nest it is, however, usually possible to discern the original shape.
Quite often incomplete nests are found which have been started and then abandoned. When
finished the nests are compact, neatly woven balls. Some, perhaps 4 or 5 cm. in diameter are
very finely shredded and have no lining; these are of a size to house one mouse and are believed
to be shelter nests. This theory is supported by the recording, in Wiltshire, of 2 nests of this
type and small size, each of which housed a dead sub-adult jes Larger nests with discernible
outer and inner layers have also been recorded and sometimes have the leayes of other plant
species woven into them, but interwoven flowers and seed heads have not been found in Wilt-
shire by the authors. Nests consisting of 4 layers as described by Shiraishi are also unknown.

8

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors would like to thank the Linnean Socieiy of London for making available the
original manuscripts of George Montagu; Sicphen Harris for keeping them up to date with the
findings of the Mammal Society’s Nationa! Harvest Mouse Distribution Survey and for crit ically
reading the General Review; the Meteorologicai Office, Lyneham, Wiltshire for supplying com-_
parative climatic data; and R. McCready for the translation of the important paper on Micromys
by Rudolf Piechocict.
REFERENCES
Aubrey, J., 1847. The Natural History of Wiltshire, David & Charles, Newton Abbot (1969
reprint).
Austin, J. Mf. & Haurwitz, B., 1944. Climatology, Mcgraw-Hill, New York. a
Barrett-Hamilton, G. E. H., & Hinton, M. A. C., 1910-21. A History of British.Mammntals,
Guraey & Jackson, London.
Campbell, B., 1951. “The Harvest Mouse,” -Field 197, 958.
Clark, M., 1973. “Harvest Mice in Hertfordshire,” Tlie Grebe | (3), 77-89.
Collins, E. J. f., 1969. Sickle to Combine: A review of haryest techaiques from 1800 to the present
day, Museum of English Rural Life, University of Reading.
-Cunnington, M. E., 1938. An Introduction to the Archaeoiogy of Wiltshire, Woodward, Devizes.
Elton, C., 1942. Voles, Mice and Lemmings, Clarendon Press, Oxtord.
Frank. F., 1957. ‘“‘Zucht und Gefangenschafts - Biologie der Zwergmaus,” Z. Saugetierk, 22
1-44,
Hosking, R., 1972. “Harvest Mice and the Farm,” Animals 14 (11) 598-10.
Kenbrew, W. G., 1953. The Climates of the Continents {4th edition) Clarendon Press, Oxford.
Kminiak, M., 1968. “K poznaniu hniezdnej ekologic druhu Alicronys minutus Pallas 1771
v rezervacii Jursky Sur pri Bratistave,” Ly2v 9, 36-37.
Knight, M., 1963. Harvest Mice, Animals of Britain No. 19. Sunday Times publications Ltd.,
London.
Kubik, J., 1953. “Micromys minutus Pall. w Biaiowieskim Parku Narodowyn” Ann. Univ.
M. Curie-Sklodwska (1952)7, 449-95.
Matthews, L. H., 1952. British Mammals, Collins, London.
Millais, J. G., 1904-6. Mamiunals of Great Britain and ireland, Longman Green. London.
Montagu, G., cl785. Natural History of Wiltshire, Unpublished Manuscript, Linnean Society
of London.
Montagu, G., 1802. Notebook of the Late Geo. Montagu, F.L.S., Unpublished Manuscript,
Linnean Society of London.
Piechocki, R., 1958. ‘Die Zwergmaus, Micronis minutus Pallas.” Neue Brehin- Bucnerei No. 222
Wittenberg, Lutherstadt.
Rowe. F. P., 1958. ‘“‘Some observations on harvest mice from the corn ricks of a Hampshire
farm,” Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 131, 320-23.
Shiraishi, $., 1969. “Nest Building Habit of the Japanese ae ‘vest Mouse, Micromys minutus
japonicus Thomas, in Kydsha,’ > Bull. No.220 Gov. Forest Exp. Stat. Tokyo.
Sleptsov, M. M., 1948. “K biologii ussurizkot fe erate \Micromys minutus ussuricus
Barr-Ham,” Fauna i Ekologiya Gryzunoy 2, 69-100.

Smirnov, P. K., 1959. “O biologit razmnozheniya myshimalyutk! (Micromys minutus Pallas),”
Nauchnye Doklady | /ysshei Shkoly. Biol. Nauki 1, 40-42.

Teagle, W. G., 1964. ‘The Harvest Mouse in the London Area,” The London Naturalist
No, 43, 136—49. i

Trout, R., 1974. “In search of the harvest mouse,” Country Life 157, 1936-37.

ny

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7

MOLLUSCAN FAUNAS FROM PLEISTOCENE DEPOSITS AT MARDEN
by J. G. EVANS

In two previous papers I recorded sub-fossil mollusc faunas from Jate Pleistocene deposits
in Wiltshire (Evans, 1968; 1969). Further deposits in which cold-climate faunas were present
were revealed at Marden (SU 091584) in the Vale of Pewsey during the archacological excavation
of a Neolithic site. These have been reported briefly (Evans in Wainwright, 1971) but it has
not been possible until now to make a detailed study. The importance of Marden isthat two
distinct faunas were present, the one stratified above the other.

The faunas were in a chalky solifluxion deposit about 0.75m thick overlying UppeGreen-
sand (Fig. 1). The sequence was a follows:

Post-glacial deposits. Bank of Neolithic henge monument and buried soil
Pleistocene deposits

Involutions. Pockets of fine sediment (d)

Coombe rock. Angular chalk and flint debris (c)

Bedded gravels, contorted by freeze-thaw action (b)

Silt fens (a)

Upper Greensand

Base of Post-glacia! soil

Upper Greensand

Oo 1 2m

Fig. 1—Marden. Section through the deposits. Fossiliferous layers black. a, silt lens; b, sand
and gravel; c, coomkerock; d, involutions

5.0 kg of material from the silt lens was analysed and a molluscan fauna of about thirty-
four species extracted (Table 1). Dry land and marsh forms predominate and are mainly those
which today inhabit open country. The association of marsh species with xerophiles such as
Helicella itala is a common occurrence in cold-climate faunas. The abudnance of Pwpilla and
Succinea is particularly characteristic. The phenomenon has been explained in terms of a
mosaic of habitats—shallow pools, marshy ground and raised hummocks—and in terms of the
cool climate which, in reducing evaporation, probably enabled hygrophiles to colonise drier
habitats than is possible today. oe eee

A number of freshwater species are present. The majority can either tolerate poor water
conditions—e.g. pools subject to seasonal drying—or live in a wide range of habitats. A few,
however, namely Planorhis planorbis, Pisidium amnicum, P. subtruncatum and P. henslowanum,
are ecologically anomalous in that they live today in moving-water habitats. The good pre-
servation of the shells and the absence of other freshwat@r forms which might have been expected,
had the deposits been of fluviatile origin, make it unlikely that these species derive from earlier
deposits. A possible explanation is that the cooler conditions of the Last Glaciation increased
the oxygen -holding capacity of the water thus enabling them to live in smaller pools than those
which they inhabitat today.

10

Climatically, all the species have a wide tolerance. The presence of two subspecies
commonly found in cold-climate deposits, although not restricted to them, supports the idea
that the fauna derives from a cold period. These are Succinea pfeifferi schumacheri and Pisidium
obtulsale lapponicum. Pupilla occurs as two distinct forms. One is the small variety common -
today; the other is a larger, parallel-sided form characteristic of cold Pleistocene faunas.

Three species, Carychium, Truncatellina and Vertigo substriata, ave generally restricted
to the more temperate periods of the Pleistocene. All have, however, been described as occurring
in the early stages of the Last Glaciation (Sparks, 1964), and it is probably to this period that the
fauna at Marden belongs.

Teeth and bones of voles were prolific in the silt lens, and these were identified by Mr.
G. B. Corbet as follows:

Microtus aryalis!/M. agrestis M 5
1
2

M. arvalis/M. oeconomus 3 M
1

Microtus sp. 3. M

All three species are characteristic of grassland habitats. M. agrestis and M. oeconomus live
in moister situations than M. arvyalis.

The second fauna at Marden comes from the involutions (d) at the top of the sequence
(Fig. 1). 3.0 kg of material yielded a terrestrial fauna of cold-climate type (Table 2). As in
the case of the silt lens, a marshy, open-country environment is indicated but without the fresh-
water pools. The fauna is much more restricted, however, and lacks many characteristic late-
glacial species such as Vallonia and Punctun: (Evans, 1968).

The dating of both faunas is difficult. The earlier one from the silt lens is possibly of
early Last Glaciation origin as suggested by the presence of a few relatively thermophile species
and the general richness of the assemblage. The later fauna is of fully cold-climate type but its
position within the Last Glaciation cannot be ascertained.

It is worth noting that a number of the species in these faunas no longer live in Wilt-
shire. The nearest colony of Catinella arenaria is Braunton Burrows in Devon. Truncatellina
occurs in isolated colonies in eastern England. but was still present in Wiltshire during the Bronze
Age. Vertigo genesii and Columella columeila are totally extinct from Britain.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to thank Dr. G. J. Wainwright for excavating the trench through the deposits
at Marden and thus making this study possible. Dr. M. P. Kerney and Mr. S. P. Dance kindly
helped with the identification of the shells of Pisidiuwm and Succinea, and | am grateful to Mr.
G. B. Corbet and Dr. P. N. Ferns for identifying the vole teeth.

REFERENCES -
Evans, J. G. (1968). Periglacial deposits on the Chalk of Wiltshire. W. A. M., 63, 12-26.
Evans, J. G. (1969). Further periglacial deposits in north Wiltshire. W. A. M. 64, 112-113.
Sparks, B. W. (1964). The distribution of non-marine Mollusca in the Last Interglacial in
south-east England. Proceedings of the Malacological Society, 36, 7-25.
Wainwright, G. J. (1971). The excavation of a late Neolithic enclosure at Marden, Wiltshire.

The Antiquaries Journal, 51, 177-239. /
Carychium tridentatum (Risso) 8 Succinea pfeiffert Rossmiassler 225
Lymnaea truncatula (Miller) 205 Cochlicopa lubrica (Miller) 6
Lymnaea palustria (Miler) 24 Cochlicopa lubricella (Porro) Chel
Lymnaea peregra (Miiller) Gi, 3 Cochlicope spp. 20
Aplexa hypnorum (Linné) 2 Truncatellina cylindrica (Feérussac) 2
Planorbis planorbis (Linné) 5 Vertigo supstriata (Jeffreys) 2
Planorbis leucostoma Millet 96 Vertigo pygmaea (Draparnaud) 2
Planorbis contortus (Linné) 2 Pupilla muscorum (Linné) 1483

1!

Vallonia costata (Miller)
Vallonia pulchella (Miiller)
Vallonia excentrica Sterki
Vallonia spp.

Arianta arbustorum (Linné)
Arianta/?Cepaea spp.
Hygromia hispida (Linné)
Helicella itala (Linné)
Punctum pygmaeum (Draparnaud)
Euconulus fulvus (Miller)
Retinella radiatula (Alder)
Vitrina pellucida (Miller)
Limacidas °

Lymnaea truncatula (Miller)

Catinella arenaria
(Bouchard-Chantereaux)

Succinea pfeifferi Rossmassler

Catinella/Succinea

Columella columella (Benz)

12

Pisidium amnicum (Miller)

Pisidium casertanum (Poli)

Pisidium personatum Malm

Pisidium obtusale lapponicum
Clessin

Pisidium milium Held

Pisidium subtruncatum Malm

Pisidium henslowanum (Sheppard)

Pisidium spp.

Table 1. Marden. Nioilucean
from the silt lens (Fig. 1, a).
cf.=identification uncertain.

Vertigo genesii Gredler
Pupilla muscorum (Linné)
Limacidae

Table 2. Marden. Molluscan
from the involutions (Fig. 1, d).

21
53
6

3
1
4
3
166

fauna

9
85
49

fauna

ine, &

a!
ae

ha
‘

THE WEATHER FOR 1974
by T. E. ROGERS

Month Temperature Rainfall Sunshine
peta rat @
Pan bee ee 0
M ; ; O a O ‘
\
A O — O
M O se Oo
J O O O
J O ss O
A _ O
S — — | O
O a == O
N O
D Ageia = O
Totals for 1974 9.09 deg. C 964.2mm 1.487.3 hrs.
(48.4deg. F.) (38.0ins.)
Yearly average figures: 8.78deg.C 30.1mm 1,426.9 hrs.
(Marlborough) (47.8deg.F.) (32.7ins.)
N.B. In all three columns: O signifies ‘average’; —- means ‘distinctly below average’;
--- —- means ‘very much below average. The ++ and {--+ signs have comparable positive
meanings.

The 1973 Report drew attention to five successive dry years and speculated as to whether
a long-term climatic change was in progress. Hardly had the ink dried before the skies opened
and produced the wettest January and February together since 1937! Is it any wonder that
there are so many superstitions associated with the study of weather?

The opening two months of 1974 were persistently warm, wet and unsettled. Rainfall
at 261.8mm (10.3ins.) was almost double the average and the mild temperatures, particularly in
January when only two air frosts were detected, made it the warmest start to a year since 1921.
The Winter of 1973/4 certainly matched those of 1942/3, 1948/9 and 1956/7 for mildness, but
there were frequent SE-SW gales which, together with the rain, often made for very unpleasant
conditions.

However, just when we were getting ready to herald Spring, easterly winds spread to
most southern districts in March and snow was recorded on the Ist and more especially on the
10th. It did not lie for long and the end of the month was ven variable with frequent fog and
even a thunderstorm activity on March 25th.

13

April and May were dry and sunny (the driest since 1956 and the sunniest since 1959)
but there were quite a few cold spells and the growing season was certainly not ahead of its usual
schedule.

June and July were very average, the weather during this period tending to be unsettled,
but generally pleasant. The period March-July, inclusive, produced only 169.9mm (6.7ins.) of
rain, making it the driest such spell since 1938. Many articles were being published warning of
severe drought and advising farmers that they would need to adapt to a drier Britain, but rain
fell on Swithun’s Day and the monsoon was not long in arriving!

August and September together produced some very freak weather: waterspouts in the
Channel, a tornado at Woking and a whirlwind at Folkestone were all reported. At Marl-
borough 301mm (11.8ins.) of rain was recorded in these two months making it the wettest
August and September combined since Marlborough College started its meteor logical records
in 1865. It was also a very chilly end to the Summer and the cold spell continuéd into October
which, with a mean temperature of 6.9 degrees C (44.4degrees F), was the coolest since 1914.

The rest of the year was warmer, particularly December. Winds were generally light,
allowing widespread fogs to develop in November, but rainfall was not m uch above the normal
for this time of the year.

On the whole 1974 was mild and distinctly wet. Rain was recorded on no less than 206
days, whereas in 1966, which was actually slightly wetter, only 186 wet days were registered.

\-

14

WILTSHIRE BIRD

NOTES FOR 1974

RECORDER: G. L. Webber. Recorps Committre: Mrs. R. G. Barnes, G. K. Boyle,

E. J. M. Buxton, R. J. J. Hunt.

This list has been reproduced from the fuller report being published by the Wiltshire
Ornithological Society. Both reports draw from the same pool of records, these being scruting

ised by the sanie Records Committee.

One new species was recorded in the county this year. A Long-billed Dowitcher spent
10 days at Swindon Sewage Farm in September.

&
Due to its tameness it provided excellent

watching for hundreds of observers. Other interesting species included a Grey Phalarope at
Poulshot in January and a Black-necked Grebe at Coate Waiter in early February. Both were
probably storm driven by the violent gales in January.

The Barnacle Goose found dead at South Marston and the Goshawk at Imber

in September were presumably escapes.

Swindon Sewage Farm produced an impressive list of migrant waders in the Autumn.
Although the Dowitcher took pride of place, the Temminck’s Stint was only the second county
record. Amongst breeding species the Stone Curlew apparently enjoyed its best season for
many years raising hopes for the species future within the county.

I would like to thank all contributors who supplied the information without which this
report could not have been written. Due to the increased postal charges receipt of record slips
was not acknowledged in many cases. I would ask all contributors to accept the appearance
. of their names in the following list, as an indication that their records were received,

CONTRIBUTORS:

J. H. Andrews

T. Andrews

Mrs. R. G. Barnes
Mrs. R. L. Bickersteth
G. L. Boyle

D. J. Brotheridge
E. Builimore

E. J. M. Buxton
A. Carpenter
Miss M. Cobern
Ee Cook

R. M. Curber

D. Dicks

S. B. Edwards

M. G. Edwins

R. Faulkner

Mrs. E. V. Forbes
R. G. Frankum
DraD> EY Fry
Miss B. Gillam

J. R. Govett

M. Harvey

J. B. Hindley

R. C. Hodge

A. J. Horner

Mrs. M. Hoyle

I. Horsell

Ree eeuint

Mrs. J. Jordan
Brig. S. P. M. Kent
J: W. Lambert

J. J. Latham

Mrs. V. Lawson

J. R. Lawson

N. Money

Mrs. P. J. P. Money
C, Wlason

Mrs. A. Maurice
N. F. McMichael
J. E. Major

D. V. Mardle

Brig. E. N. Oldrey
M. J. Preston
Brigade, Reale. late
D. E. M. Peart

M. F. Peers

Col. E. D. V. Prendergast
C. Rice

J. R. Rolls

Mrs. M. J. Rolls
M. Rowntree

W. Ruttledge

Es)

A. J. Rycroft A. Vernon

D. Soden Mrs. D. Vernon
E.. P. Stevens D. N. Walker
J. A. Stevenson D. Walsh

Mrs. J. Stopford Beale J. Walsh

F. Sykes G. L. Webber
J. A. K. Taylor M. G. Webber
D. A. Thelwell P. Webber

P. Toynton M. J. Wyatt

R. Turner 1. W. Young
M. W. Tyler Salisbury Natural History Society “\

\

Abbreviations: G.P. Gravel Pit; S.F. Sewage Farm; W.O.S. Wiltshire Ornithological
Society.

5. Great Crested Grebe. Bred at Coate Water, Corsham Lake, Bowood Lake, Lacock G.P.,
Steeple Langford and Frogmore Pond, Westbury.

8. Black-Necked Grebe. One at Coate Water, 1/2 Feb.

9. Little Grebe. A pair bred on a small lagoon at the Swindon S.F. No breeding records
from larger waters.

28. Cormorant. Singles at Steeple Langford, 21 Jul./4 Aug.; Salisbury, 12 Dec., Britford,
10 Mar., Fonthill, 22 Sept., Wilton, 18 Jul., Three there 28 Nov. Six in flight near Brit-
ford, 23 Nov, two Trafalgar, 16 Feb, two Fonthill, 9/20 Oct. Up to 10 roosting in willow
at Alderbury, Nov. and a single immature in the Water Park for some months.

30. Heron. Found in suitable habitat throughout the county. The 10 heronries contained
a total of 144 occupied nests.

46. Teal, Numbers a little higher than in recent years. c.30 Fonthill Lake, 22 Sept., 23
Braydon Pond, | Jan., c.20 Wilton Water, 28 Dec., 12 Clarendon Lake, 25 Feb. Smaller
numbers at other waters.

47. Garganey. Single males at Swindon S.F. 28 Aug., Lacock G.P. 23 Aug.

49. Gadwall. Regular at Fonthill in winter months, max. 90. Noted at Corsham Lake,
Chilton Foliat, Wilton Water and Swindon S.F.

50. Wigeon. Regular, often in large numbers in the Water Park. 56 Chilton Foliat, 15 Dec.,
c.30 Clarendon Lake, 2 Nov.

52. Pintail. Single birds at Cole Park in Aug. and Nov. and a pair on the R. Avon, Salisbury,
25 April.

53. Shoveler. A regular spring and autumn visitor in small numbers. A pair were present
at one site until late May.

54. Red-Crested Pochard. Regular in the Water Park with the exception of summer months.
At least three individuals involved. A single eclipse male on R. Avon near Upayon,
6 Aug.

56. Tufted Duck. Breeding numbers apparently increasing.

57. Pochard. No breeding records received.

60. Goldeneye. Up to 15 in the Water Park, also recorded at Corsham Lake.

61. Long-Tailed Duck. A female at Corsham Lake, 5 Jan. A female present in Water Park
from 2 Mar. until early May. ¥

64. Common Scoter. Two males Braydon Pond, 24 Mar.

70. Goosander. Redheads at Corsham Lake, three, 12 Jan., two, 20 Jan.; three Bowood Lake,
13 Jan.; one Ramsbury Lake, 13 Jan.; two Frogmore Pond, 16 Feb., and single there 13
Jan. A male and two females Coate Water, 14 Dec., a single male Frogmore Pond, 29 Jan.

73. Shelduck. 3 Braydon Pond, 17 Feb.; a single Fonthill 14/15 Dec.; 1, Kent End, 30 Mar.;
and a single Steeple Langford, 15/16 Feb.

76. White-Fronted Goose. Single at Wilton Water, 21 Ocl.; 14 in flight Ashton Keynes, 15
Dec. A large flock of grey geese in flight Edington, | Jan.; c.800 in flight Porton Down,
16 Nov.

16

eT RR Steer RR RET, I I

Barnacle Goose. One found dead at South Marston, 26 Al.

Canada Goose. Breeding attempted at Littlecote, Lacock and Stanton Fitzwarren. Up

to 90 Ramsbury Lake, 12 Oct.; 32 Wilton Water, 21 Oct.; c.50 Axford, 1 Sep.

Mute Swan. 45 on R. Wylye, Great Wishford, 21 May, c.45 Steeple Langford during —

winter.

Bewick’s Swan. Two adults and a juvenile Braydon Pond, 1/!2 Jan. An immature

near Axford, Jan./Apl.

Buzzard. Two definite breeding records and over 40 sight records.

Rough-Legged Buzzard. Single near Warren Down, 21 and 29 Apl.; one Wexcombe Down,

28 Dec.; one Purton Ranges, 28 Oct.

Sparrowhawk. Only one definite breeding record but nearly 90 sight records. 4

Goshawk. “ One in flight Imber, 8 Sep.

Hen Harrier. Single males at Imber, 12 Apl.; Warren Down, 21 Apl. — “Ring Tails”

near Blackball Firs, 31 Mar.; Wilton, | Mar.; Longoridge Deverill, 21 Apl. Two in

flight, male and immature, Eysey, 30 Sept.

Montagu’s Harrier. A male, Rushall Down, 15 Aug. A ringtail Warren Down, 20 AplL.,

and one at West Grimstead, 28 Sept. not definitely identified.

Hobby. 30 sight records, only one definite breeding record.

Peregrine. Three sight records, Imber, 27 May; Meiksham, 7 Oct.; Swindon S.F. 14 Sept.

Merlin. Singles in flight at the Bustard, 20 Jan., Semington, 28 Nov.. Chippenham,

13 Nov., Landford, 23 Dec.

Kestrel. Over 200 sight records.

Red-Legged Partridge. Widely reported in small numbers from usual localities.

Partridge. Apparently less common.

Quail. Eleven records of calling birds and one involving 12 chicks.

Water Rail. Widely reported Jan./Mar. and Sept./Dec.

Corncrake. One in flight, 19 Jan.

Ringed Plover. Up to four Swindon S.F. from 7 Sept./15 Sept. Single birds Keevil,
1 Sept. and Poole Keynes, 15 Sept.

Little Ringed Plover. Breeding attempted witiin the county.

Golden Plover. Twenty-nine sight records, flocks up to c.1,000.

Long-Billed Dowitcher. One present Swindon S.F. 14/23 Sept. First record of this

American species for the county.

Snipe. Bred Chilton Foliat and in the Woodford Valley.

Jack Snipe. Singles at Lacock G.P. 10 Mar., 23 Mar. and 7 Dec. Swindon S.F. 16 Feb.,

24 Sept., 16 Nov. and 1 Dec.

Woodcock. Roding noted Collingbourne, Bedwyn Common, Blackinoor Copse, Langley

Wood, Somerford Common, Ashley Copse and Savernake.

Curlew. Two breeding records.

Whimbrel. Two Lacock G.P. 4 May; one in flight Coate Water, 4 May; three in flight

near county boundary with Glos., 4 Mays~ Singles in autumn Landford, 8 Aug. and

Knap Hill, 28 Aug.

Green Sandpiper. Regular Swindon S.F. and in Water Park. Up to 15 in autumn

Swindon S.F. and ¢.20 in Water Park. Also noted Lacock, Chippenham, Britford, Shal-

bourne, Monkton Deverill, Chilton Foliat and Ramsbury.

Wood Sandpiper. Two Swindon S.F., 7 Sept., and single there, 9/16 Sept.

Common Sandpiper. Coate Water, 9 Apl.

Redshank. Three breeding records.

Spotted Redshank. One in flight Swindon, 7 Sept.

Greenshank. Singles at Lacock G.P. 23 Mar.; Swindon S.F. 8 Aug. and 15/22 Sept.

Little Stint. Single bird Swindon S.F. 3 Sept., two 5/7 Sept.

Temminck’s Stint. Single bird Swindon S.F., 5/7 Sept., only the second county record -

of this species.

Dunlin. Two Coate Water, 23 Jul.; two Swindon S- 5 Aug.; two, 31 Aug. and singles

12 Aug., 5 and 22 Sept. Also at Kent End, singles 6 Jul., 20 Jul. and 3 Sept.

Curlew Sandpiper. Single bird Swindon S.F., 5 Sept.

184.
187.
189.
198.
199.

212.

Ruff. Up to 20 at Swindon S.F. during Sept., single Kent End, 20 Jul.
Grey Phalarope. One on floodwater at Poulshot, 16/18 Jan.

Stone Curlew. An extremely good year for this species. At least 20 pairs were located -
showing evidence of breeding “but locations not being revealed for reasons of security.
First 11 Apl., last 14 Sept.

Great Black-Backed Guill. Single with other gulls near Bentley Wood, 29 Oct.: three,
Chally Mead, 7 Nov., single immature Swindon, 3i Dec.

Lesser Black-Backed Gull. Regular, in flocks of up to c.250 in northern and central
areas but only in ones and twos further south.

Black Tern. Three, Coate Water, 3 May and one there, 15/16 May; three Corsham
Lake, 15 May. Three Coate Water, 4/7 Sept., six Somerford Keynes, 15 Sept two, 25
Sept., singles Somerford Keynes, 7 Sept., Ashton Keynes, 25 Sept.
Common/Aretic Tera. One Coate Water, 21 Apl., eight on 3 May, one on 4 wee one
on 2 June; single Corsham Lake, 3 May; 12 Swindon S.F., 8 Aug.; two Coate Water,
23 July; one Ashton Keynes, 3 Sept., and five there, 7 Sept.

Arctic Tern. Single in summer piumage Coate Water, 6 May.

Turtle Dove. First noted Devizes, 4 May. Widely reported but possible a little less
numerous than recently. Last noted Lacock, 9 Sept.

Cuckoo. First noted Chippenham, 11 Apl. Last date Wintersiow, 15 Sept.

Barn Owl. Only one breeding record.

Tawny Owl. Six breeding records.

Long-Eared Owl. Only four sight records.

Short-Eared Owl. Over twenty sight records probably a little more numerous than
usual.

Nightjar. One breeding record, very few other records.

Swift. Widely reported throughout the county.

Kingfisher. Three breeding records, widely reported.

Green Woodpecker. Numerous sight records.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Regular at Durnford, Steeple Ashton and Corsham Park.

Sight records from six other localities.

Wryneck. Two records, one at Stratton, Swindon, |! Sept. and the other at Ramsbury,
31 Aug.

Swallow. First noted 6 Apl., well distributed by 20 Apl. Probably a little less numerous
than usual. There were five Nov. records, the latest, Derry Hill, 17 Nov.

House Martin. First, 6 Apl. ‘our Nov. records, the latest 24 Nov.

Sand Martin. Earliest date 9 Apl., few sight records and latest date 8 Sept.

Raven. Two in flight near Chippenham, 4 Oct., a single in the same area, 13 Oct.
Willow Tit. Breeding confirmed at Coate Water.

Long-Tailed Tit. Several observers noted a decline in numbers during autumn.
Nuthatch. More records than last year but. apparently not very numerous.

Dipper. In addition to records from usual sites a single on the R. Kennet, 22 Nov. Bred
on the Bybrook and R. Ebble.

Mistle Thrush. Carrying nest material at Seagry, 31 Dec., a very early date.
Fieldfare. Widespread until end of Apl., final date 3 May. First in autumn 26 Sept.
Widely distributed by end of first week in Oct.

Redwing. Last in spring 21 Apl. First in autumn 2 Oct., several records 3/4 Oct.
Ring Ouzel. Single male at Imber, 12 Apl.

Blackbird. Carrying nesting material 17 Feb.

Wheatear. Two Smeathe’s Ridge, 23 Mar. A number of records first week of Apl.
Apparently not breeding within the county. Several late Sept. records the latest date at
Lavington, 13 Oct.

Stonechat. Four pairs ta suitable breeding eels and juvenile seen at one site. Widely
distributed during autumn and winter months.

Whinchat. A pair at Rushall on the exceptionally early date of 19 Mar. Breeding
recorded from several areas. Latest date three birds on Rushall Down, 19 Nov.

erat)

=
ey

Mie

320.
Syl
B22:
Soi

u3o08
337.

343.

346.
347.
348.
354.
356.
35:
364.
365.
366.
368.
376.
380.

381,
382.

384.

386.
SEN
394.
BO:
401.
408.
425.

Redstart. First noted Coate Water, 10 Apl. Breeding recorded at one site only. Several
Sept. records, the latest at Swindon S.F. 22 Sept.

Black Redstart. Four records, one Tisbury last week of Mar.; an adult male Winterslow-
12 Oct.; immature Chippenham, {9 Nov.; immature Derry Hill, 14 Dec.

Nightingale. Recorded singing at regular sites. No early or late records.
Grasshopper Warbler. our Apl. records but generally fess numerous than usual.
Reed Warbler. Bred at Coate Water and Corsham Lake.

Sedge Warbler. Bred at Coate Water, Corsham Lake and the Kennet & Avon Canal.
Song heard at other sites during the summer. First noted Corsham Lake, 12 Apl., last
at Swindon S.F. 20 Sept.

Blackcap. -A male at Wilton, !2 Jan. and 7 Feb., a female Marlborough, 3 Feby1 Apl.
There were also three Mar. records. A pair feeding on Lonicera berries Devizes, 3Q Nov.,
a female found dead in Chippenham 18 Dec.; a male at Wilton again, 27 Dec.

Garden Warbler. First noted Coate Water, 4 May and present Swindon until 14 Sept.

Ps

Majority of spring records 5/i2 May.

Whitethroat. A welcome increase in both sight and breeding records. First noted Tils-
head, 7 Apl. The last at Bentley Wood, 14 Sept.

Lesser Whitethroat. Widely recorded in smali numbers. First noted Chippenham 18
Apl. and the latest at Steeple Ashton, 18 Sept.

Willow Warbler. First noted All Cannings, 27 Mar. Majority of early records 2/14 Apl.
Last date Chippenham, 12 Sept.

Chiifchatf. Majority of spring records 23/31 Mar. ‘here were four Oct. records. One
at Wilton, 15/27 Dec.

Wood Warbler. Recorded at Savernake and Langley Wood curing oreeding season.
A passage bird Swindon S.F. 8/1! Sept.

Goldcrest. Still very numerous.

Firecrest. A single bird, Shrewton Folly, 23 Mar.

Spotted Flycatcher. A single bird at Hilperion, 15 Apl. was an early record. Last noted
Steeple Ashton, 17 Sept.

Pied Flycatcher. Six records, a male Tilshead, 2! Apl.; a male Swindon, 29 ApL;
another male Marlborough, 8 May. An immature Blackland, [5 Aug.: 2 jemale Quid-
hampton, 8 Aug.; an immature or female Warren Down, 19 Aus.

Tree Pipit. Few records this year, probably under recorded.

Pied Wagtail. Roost in Devizes Market Place occupied again, maximum numbers c.300.
Roosts also noted at Christian Malford c.150, Lacock G.P. c.200, Coate Water c.80.
Grey Wagtail. At least 12 pairs bred. More widely reported than usual.
Yellow Wagtail. Number of breeding records, see W.O.S. report for details. Singles
at Salisbury and Swindon, El Apl. Latest single at Chippenham, 9 Oct.

Great Grey Shrike. One Great Yews carly Oct. one Allington Down, 23 Oct.; one
Sherrington, 20 Oct., and another single Sutton Mandevilie, 30 Dec.

Woodchat Shrike. An adult near Great Bfadforc Wood, 17 Jul.

Hawfmch. Two Winterslow, 14 Noy.

Siskin. Widely reported, see W.O.S. report.

Redpoll. Widely reported in smali numbers, details in W.O.S. report.

Bullfinch. Flock of c.10 Clatford, 5 Feb.

Brambling. Widely reported in small numbers.
Tree Sparrow. Widely reported during autumn and winter months. mainly small numbers
Two nests reported in open sites in thorn bushes.

RINGING REPORT FOR 1974
by RODERICK C. FAULKNER

Further decreases in the numbers of birds ringed in Wiltshire during 1974 (804 free-flying
birds and 387 nestlings) may be partly attributed to the departure from the County of more
ringers, but also to a general drop in ringing activity. Of special note are five Lapwing one
Redshank, and six Little Ringed Plover nestlings, all ringed by GLW, and a free-flying Dunlin
and Tree Pipit, also ringed by GLW.

A

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS L
E. J. M. Buxton... a .. EJMB P. Toynton a iN Ay PT
R. F. Coomber »; A mG M. W. Tyler aa Aa AN BEL MT
R. R. Kersley oy ie ee RK Gia Webber ea ia bert GLW
Us:€; and’ M.'J. Rolls ... Dey ENOC IR M. J. Wyatt bs eye eis] VIGENY,

Selected Recoveries of Birds Ringed in Wiltshire

Pull=nestling; imm=immature; FG=full-grown; X=—found dead; V=found and ‘released;
m=male; f=female. ;

GREAT TIT FG f Cole Park, Malmesbury 8.10.72 EJMB
BP 01149 Vv Purton 28.12.74 MT 16 km W
BLACKCAP FG m Christian Malford 24: 6.73 R&R
JH 29828 x Swindon Se ZEW 20 km ENE
PIED WAGTAIL imm Calne (roost) 18.12.71 R&R
JB 56362 Vv Lacock G.P. (roost) 2. 8.74 8 km W
JH 29972 imm Lacock .G.P. Sl IETS R&R

x Trowbridge 17. 6.74. 11 km SSW
JR. 22200 imm Lacock G.P. We 27/83 R&R

xX Bowerhill, Melksham 22.03 kms
JR 22267 FG Christian Malford 9. 9.73 R&R

x Langley Burrell 10. 6.74 5 km SW
JR 22555 FG m Christian Malford (roost) 5. 8.74 R&R

Vv Lacock G.P. (roost) 19. 8.74 12 km SSW
JR 22761 imm Lacock G.P. (roost) 12.10.74 R&R

Vv Corsham Lake (roost) 17.10.74 4 km NW

Recoveries of Birds Ringed Outside Wiltshire

MALLARD FG m Chew Valley Reservoir,
GM 35825 Somerset 10. 4.67
x Calne PAS EIKO) 45 km ENE
SHELDUCK FG f Grosser Knechstand,
H 3016941 W. Germany =_12. 8.69
xX Cricklade 16.10.72
MUTE SWAN ? Christchurch, Hants. 23.12.62
— Vv Figheldean, Salisbury 22. 4.73 38 km N
SWALLOW imm Chew Valley Reservoir 10. 9.68
SE 53143 V Maiden Bradley LON a7 30 km SE
WREN FG Beachy Head, Sussex 18.10.72
—— x Chilton Foliat eS 8878 148 km NW
ROBIN FG Chichester G.P., Sussex. } 15. 9.70
sal x Amesbury 7. 4.71 80 km WNW

20

SEDGE WARBLER
HC 46802

TREE SPARROW
JJ02473

GREAT TIT
BH 36550
BLUE TIT
HP 04954 ~
HP 52736

NUTHATCH
BN 00252
WREN
452788
BLACKBIRD
CV 01012
CV 01026

DUNNOCK
HS 15747

imm

Chew Valley Reservoir 10. 9.68

Longbridge Deverill le eI
Theddlethorpe, Lincs. 258.12
Coombe Bissett,

Salisbury Doliet2

Interesting Local Recoveries
Cole Park, Malmesbury 16.11.69

Cole Park 9. 1.74
Cole Park 1.12.69
Cole Park 26.11.74
Cole Park 29. 8.70
Cole Park 4. 2.74
The Ridge, Corsham 3. 1.71
The Ridge 24.11.74
Corsham Lake Wo toil
Corsham Lake PR NAHAS
Cole Park 9. 9.66
Cole Park 26.11.74
Cole Park 24. 2.68
Cole Park 4, 3.74
Christian Malford 9. 8.69
Christian Malford 29. 6.74

35 km SE

295 km SW

EJMB
EJMB
EJMB
R&R

R&R

EJMB
EJMB

R&R

E. J. Clement
W. A. ~Collett -
Mrs. E. Downey
H. Ennion

A. T. Harrison
J. B. Hindley
Mrs. S. Holland
C. E. Hubbard
Miss B. Gillam
Miss R. Jeffery
G. Kay

N. King

Eranthis hyemalis (L.) Salisb. Winter Aconite.

WILTSHIRE PLANT NOTES (35)
Compiled by JOAN SWANBOROUGH

(All records for 1974 unless otherwise stated)

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS

EJC

Rananculus arvensis L. Corn Buttercup.

Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.)
Camelia sativa. (L.) Crantz.
Viola arvensis x tricolor 2. Swinley.
Lychnis flos-cuculi L. Ragged Robin.
Saponaria officinalis L. Soapwort. 3.
Montia sibirica (L.) Howell (Claytonia sibirica L.; C. alsinoides Sims.

layne. (JBH).

Tilia cordata Mill. Small-leaved Lime. 3.

Malva neglecta Wallr.

Dwarf Mallow. 2.

Oxalis pes-caprae L. Bermuda Buttercup.

Medicago arabica (L.)

Spotted Medick. 1.

Vicia tenuissima (M. Bieb.) Schinz & Thell.

Scorpiuria muricatus L. Alien. 2.
Potentilla recta L. Casual. 1.
Waldsteinia fragaroides.
Prunus lusitanica L. Portugal Laurel.
Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz.
Ribes aureum Yellow Flowering Currant.

Seend. (BG).

Hawkridge.

. Hawkridge.
DC. Wall Rocket.
Gold of Pleasure.
(IS, det JEL).
White form. 3.
Ashton Keynes. (BG).

9

he

Akston Keynes.
Leigh Delamere. (JS).
Introduced. 1.
Hawkridge. (JS).
Slender Tare. 2.
(LFM det EJC).
(BS 1973).
2. Murhill. (ED, SM- det Brit. Mus.).
4. Chilton Foliat.

Devizes.

Wild Service-tree.

J. E. Lousley ine
Lady S. Marshall ..
J. Mason

L. F. Mead ae
E. Milne-Redhead ..
P. Newbery

D. Rice ae be
Mrs. B. Sheppard
V. S. Summerhayes
Mrs. J. Swanborougn
M. Tyte a

4, Chilton Foliat. (NK, PN, JS).

Daphne mezereum L. Mezereon. 4. Chilton Foliat. (HE).
Oenothera biennis L. Evening Primrose. 2.

Viscum album L. Mistletoe. 2.

Euphorbia lathyrus L.
Polygonum bistorta L.

Populus nigra L. Black Poplar. 3.
Primula veris x vulgaris. False Oxlip. 1.

(BG).

Gentianella amarella (L.) Borner Felwort.

Caper Spurge. lI.
Bistort. 2. Neston.

Borago officinalis L. Borage. 2. Corsham.

Nicandra physaloides. (L.) Gaertn.

Date

White form. 42.
Rudloe. © (JS).

Apple of Peru. 2. Leigh Delamere.

Rudloe. (MT, JS).
Devizes. (BG).

Hawkridge. (BS 1973).
(RJ, MT, JS).
Ashton Keynes. (SH det ENR).
Great Cheverell Down (MT, JS).

(BS 1973).
1. Hawkridge. (BS 1973).
Leigh Delamere. (JS).

Waterhay. (BG).

(PH, PN, JS):

Leigh Delamere.

(NK, PN, JS).
3. Stonehill Wood.
Relic of cultivation. 1.

9. Compton Chamber-

Hawkridge. (BS 1973).

(JS).

Disused railway siding

. Red Lodge.
King’s Play Hill. (PN).

Datura stramonium L. var. tatula Thorn-apple. 1. Poulshot. (WAC). 2. Bromham. (ATH)
Leigh Delamere. (JS det EJC).

Antirrhinum majus. L. Snapdragon. Casual. 2. Rudloe. (MT, JS)

Valerianella rimosa Bast. 2. Swinley. (JS, GK det EJC)

Ambrosia artemisifolia L. 2. Leigh Delamere. (JS det ECE).

Cirsium acaule x C, tuberosum=C. x zizianum Koch. 4. Very steep west facing slope of
Golden Ball Hill. (BG)

Onopordium acanthium L. Cotton Thistle. 2. Corsham. (MT, JS).

Centaurea montana L. Mountain Bluets. 2. Corsham. (JS).

Ornithogalum pyrenaicum L. Spiked Star of Bethlehem. 2. Roundway. (BG).

Galanthus nivalis L. Snowdrop. 4. Chilton Foliat. (NK, PN, JS)

Platanthera*bifolia (L.) Rich. lusus regularis Mntd. or near this. 4. Morgan’s Hill. (JS det Yss).

Acorus calamus L. Sweet Flag. 2. Devizes. (JM) b

Carex humilis Leyss. Dwarf Sedge. 5. Thorny Down. (PH)

Carex diyulsa Stokes. Grey Sedge. 2. Truckle Hill. (JS)

Sieglingia decumbens (L.) Bernh. Heath Grass. 8. Stockton Downs. (BG).

Poa subcaerulea Sm. 2. Pew Hill, Chippenham. (JS det CEH).

Phalavis canariensis L. Canary Grass. 2. WHeddington. Leigh Delamere. (JS).

Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. Cockspur. 2. Leigh Delamere. (JS).

>

ENTOMOLOGICAL REPORT FOR 1974

Recorder BOWMONT WEDDELL
Assisted by DAVID BROTHERIDGE, PHILIP HORTON and ALAN STONELL

The 1974 season turned out to be a very mixed affair, some species appearing in normal
strength and others being for no apparent reason almost entirely missing. The common things
like weeds flourish in any conditions. The rarities having a much lower subsistence level are
extremély vulnerable to adverse factors.

“ We noticed plenty of the usual hibernators on the wing quite early when the teniperature
was in the 50’s and the sun tempted them out. By mid-March the sallows were full out and
swarming with insects day and night, but nothing of special interest was reported.

The cold winds prevailing in May and June must have discouraged the migrants badly
for there were very few sightings of the Red Admiral, Painted Lady or Clouded Yellow, even the
Silver Y was scarce.

After a succession of mild winters the decline of certain species may seem to indicate
that a hard winter tends to protect the pupae in the ground, whereas in mild soft weather they
are more vulnerable to probing birds, etc. Also as EJ MB suggests, the loss of so many elms
through Dutch Elm Disease, itself favoured by mild winters, may have a serious effect on par-
ticular species.

There are many gaps to fill and the more observers who send in their records the
better the picture.

CONTRIBUTORS

DB Mr. David Brotheridge, Wroughton
EJMB Mr. John Buxton, Malmesbury

JN Mr. John Newton, Tetbury, visiting Somerford area
MC Marlborough College N.H.S

FM Mr. Frank Mead, Devizes

AS Mr. Alan Stonell, Devizes

MHC Mr. Mark Heath, Chippenham

BG Miss Beatrice Gillam, Devizes

PJH Mr. Philip Horton, Urchfont

JDA Mr. John d’Arcy, Edington

JAS Mr. J. A. Stevensan, Ludgershall

GVO Mr. Godfrey V. Owen, Pewsey

BC Miss Barbara Cowley, Seend

MB Mrs. Marion Browne, West Kington
BW Mr. B. W. Weddell, Trowbridge

JIRG Mr. J. R. Govett, Trowbridge ,
SR Mrs. S. J. Rawlings, Box

MJL Mr. Michael Leech, visiting Tilshead
KM Mr. Keith Moore, Trowbridge

CGL = Maj.-Gen. C. G. Lipscomb, Crockerton
CMRP Mr. C. M. R. Pitman, Salisbury
SNHS_ Salisbury and District N.H.S

JBH Mr. J. B. Hindley, Swallowtliffe
PB Col. P. Branwell, Broadchalke

24

te

ste eS

4 > }
VPs ry rat

PHENOLOGICAL REPORT

Average

Date

Large White 23.4
Marbled White 24.6
Meadow Brown 15.6
Cinnabar 18.5
Garden Carpet 28.4
Brimstone Moth WAS)

a
Cy .

Orange-tip

Clouded Yellow
Brimstone

Purple Emperor

White Admiral
Red Admiral

Painted Lady

Small Tortoiseshell
Comma

Silver-washed Fritillary
Marsh Fritillary

White-letter Hairstreak

Brown Argus
Chalk-hill Blue
Adonis Blue
Holly Blue
Small Blue
Privet Hawk

Humming-bird Hawk

Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk

Puss

Lunar Marbled Brown
Pebble Prominent
Plumed Prominent

Large Chocolate-tip
Common Vapourer
December Eggar
Drinker

1974
Emergence Difference

16.4 +7

24.6 =

14.6 1

24,5 —6

18.5 —20
3) +6

A Selection of Species seen 1974

Anthocharis cardamines

Colias croceus
Gonepteryx rhamni

Apatura iris

Limenitis camilla
Vanessa atalanta

V. cardui

Aglais urticae
Polygonia c-album
Argynnis paphia
Euphydryas aurinia

Strymonidia w-album

Aricia agestis
Lysandra coridon
L. bellargus
Celastrina argiolus
Cupido minimus
Sphinx ligustri

Macroglossum stellatarium

Hemaris. tityus
Cerura vinula
Chaonia ruficornis
Notodonta ziczac
Ptilophora plumigera

Clostera curtula
Orgyia antiqua
Poecilocampa populi
Philudoria potatoria

CMRP 13.4, JBH 20.4, AS 17.5.
PM 21.4. EJMB 21.4 more

CMRP 3.8

DB. 15.11, BG 25.3, EJMB 25,6,
FM 30.9

SNHS 2 1.7 many sightings,
BM 17-7

MJL 6.8

SNHS 7.7, CMRP larvae 4.8,
BH 6) CGI lol, GYVO15:8,

only EJMB 16.8

EJMB i5.8, PH 6 all singletons
CMRP 3.8

BG 15.10, JBH 30.3

BC 9.7, BG 3.4, EJMB 17.7

BM oles eS Wed.

CGL larvae plentiful 4, PH 6
many

BPM ls:7 scarce, EJ MB, 2107
fewer

FM 3.6

FM 5.8

MB 31.5 Longdean

BC a few 5

BG 26.5

BW 26.6, CMRP..25.9 Larva
feeding on Forsythia, KM

16.6
SNHS July, FM
PH 6
PEE Ses ksi 20:5
JdA 17.5
CMRP. 17.4 7

CMRP 2.11. Very local insect
with few Wilts records

CMRP 20.4, PH 6

MHC 24.8

JBH 1.12

BG 12.6 hundreds of empty
pupa cases on Milk Hill.
CGL larvae plentiful at
Bratton

to
ns"

Lappet
Emperor ~

Muslin

Wood Tiger

Scarlet Tiger

Goat

Heart and Club

Least Yellow-Underwing
Pale Shining Arches
yChnisy: west.

Hedge Gothic

Northern Drab

Small Wainscot
Downland Wainscot
Double-lobed

New Copper Underwing
Miller

Alder

Dark Dagger

Tawny Pinion

Red Sword-grass

Black Rustic

Merveille-du-jour
Grey Chi

Flounced Chestnut
Dark Chestnut
Orange Underwing
Grass Emerald
Barred Rivulet
Sharp-angled Carpet
Yellow Waved Carpet
Foxglove Pug
Edinburgh Pug
Common Magpie
White-pinion Spotted
Sharp-angled Peacock

Lunar Thorn

Oak Brindled Beauty
Pale Oak Beauty

26

Gastropacha quercifolia
Saturnia payonia

Cyenia mendica
Parasemia plantaginis
Panaxia dominula
Cossus COSSUS

Agrotis clayis
Euschesis interjecta
Polia nitens

Hadena bicruris
Tholera cespitis
Orthosia advena
Arenostola pygmina
Oria musculosa
Apamea ophiogramma
Amphipyra berbera
Apatele leporina

A. alni

A. tridens
Lithophane semibrunnea
Xylene vetusta .
Aporophyla lunula

Griposia aprilina
Antitype chi
Anchoscelis helvola
Conistra ligula
Archiearis parthenias
Pseudoterpna pruinata
Perizoma bifaciata
Euphyia unangulata
Fydrelia flammeolaria
Eupithecia pulchellata
E. intricata

Abraxas grossulariata
Bapta bimaculata
Semiothisa alternaria

Selenia lunaria
Biston strataria
Pseudoboarmia punctinalis

MHC 13.7, KM} 23.6

JdA 11.4 most unusual except
in heathland

GVO 11.4

PJH 6 unusually plentiful

CMRP 29.7

KM 18.6 Bradford-on-Avon

SW 29.6

MHC 31.8

DB 20.7, JdA 17.5

SW 24.6 \

JdA 21.8 u

JdA 11.4

MHC 8.9

MJEL 6.8

SW 6.8

MHC 24.8

SW 29.6

MHC 21.6

MHC 8.7

JdA 10.4

SNHS 3.9

JdA 10.10 Seldom found so far
inland

SNHS 3.9

MFL 22.8

MHC 5.10

AS 31.12

FM 31.3

MHC 29.7

BW 9.8, DB 9.8

MHC 29.7

MHC 15.7

SIWe 13:7

MHC 21.6, DB 16.6

BW 9.8

SWalse7

SW 21.6 First record for

North Wilts

DB 16.6, KM 6.6

AS 31.3

MHC 24.8

fe a hn ese

ey
wats t

AMPHIBIA, REPTILE AND MAMMAL NOTES 1973-74
compiled by BEATRICE GILLAM

The following notes have been compiled from records submitted for 1973 and 1974 unless
otherwise stated.. Not all records received have been included here but all have been
deposited at the county Biological Records Centre with grid references. It would be helpful
if contributors cguld include a map reference when submitting records in future. 4

As most mammalian species feed either at night or in dense vegetation and leaf litter,
it is not surprising that casual sight records are few. However, evidence of the presence of
most species can be detected if their signs can be recognised—tracks, feeding signs, droppings,
nests and skeletal remains in bird pellets, etc. and records of these signs are acceptable for most
species. A useful reference book is “Collins Guide to Animal Tracks and Signs” by Bang and
Dahlstrom.

With the exception of some bat species, most of which can be identified only in the hand,
all mammals known to occur in Wiltshire are mentioned in the following notes, and an indic-
ation of their status in the county Is given.

Abbreviations used: KAC Kennet and Avon Canal; GP Gravel Pit; SF Sewage Farm.

AMPHIBIA

Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus). A good population in a pond Bilbury Farm, Wylye each
year and in a dewpond near Urchfont, 1975.

Common Frog (Rana temporaria). Spawn found at Sleight Farm, Devizes, and in pools created
by tanks in four localities on Imber ranges. Adults plentiful in ditches around Swindon
each year and at Roundway, Bentley Wood and Red Lodge, 1975.

Common Toad (Bufo bufo). Spawn in pools on Imber ranges. Adults in shallow pools near
Tilshead 7th April, 1974, in a garden pond Aldbourne each year, and Bentley Wood, Round-
way and KAC at Devizes and Pewsey, 1975.

REPTILES

Slow Worm (Anguis fragilis). 1973, Semley Common and disused railway platform near Devizes.
1974, Manton village and Forest Hill, Marlborough in April.

Common Lizard (Lacerta vivipara). Regular in garden rockery Roundway. 1974, one on
farmhouse doorstep West Ashton 15th March; one on old coach road, Beacon Hill 29th
June and a female in an upstairs bedroom at Westbury at 0900 hours, 24th August!

Grass Snake (Natrix natrix). Semley 1972. 1973, female 3ft. 9ins. long captured Leigh, near
Ashton Keynes. 1974, Savernake Forest, 3Ist May, one swimming in Old Totterdown
dewpond and sightings of single animals in July at Littleton on A361, in a water-logged
meadow Beechingstoke, in Savernake Forest and KAC at Wadham Bridge. On 2Ist
August one trying to climb a ramp into a sun-room Seagry and one found under a nearby
ramp on I1th August, 1975. One in hedgerow bank Roundway 19th August, 1975.

Adder (Vipera beris). One Semley Common 18th July, 1973.

MAMMALS

Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). 1973, one feeding at dusk in grounds of Sarum St. Michael,
Salisbury, 21st July and one near Rowde, 2nd November. All other reports were of dead
animals on roads between August and November and one found drowned in a swimming
pool in Marlborough at the end of November. 1974, half-grown animal curled up on lawn
for several hours was taken into custody, Chapmanslade, h/7th October. Between March
and November droppings regularly found Manton, Granham Hill and Savernake Forest.
On 19th August three road casualties between Great Bedwyn and Wilton.

Status. Common in suitable habitats.

27

i oe.
ye *f 2 ASSES oat ‘
4 7 De eee
: ee Toei Nee eee

ve

Fak

a
- t UJ , " *
‘ ‘ Ne) eo tt
A ‘ i ¢ i
7 aint...
a ; ‘ ’ ve caer
i a ry ty -
i f J ,
~ 7 a ¢
3 i
|
pF :
is ne 2
> > ¢ ‘
‘ : uy i

Common Shrew (Sorex araneus). Identifiable remains found inmost Barn Owl and Kestrel
pellets collected from Ashton Common and Stanton St. Bernard. Heard foraging in leaf.
litter Red Lodge and Somerford Common. Five records of dead animals in Manton area.
Status. Widespread and common.

Pygmy Shrew (Sorex minutus). Sdentifiable remains found in Barn Owi pellets collected from
Ashton Common and Stanton St. Bernard. Six records of dead animals throughout 1974
Manton/Fyficld area and one Nettleton Mill.

Status. Widespread and common.

Water Shrew (Neomys fodiens). 1972, one at Shalbourne. 1974, seen in August and September,
in a Greensand stream Urchfont.
Status. Unknown. Almost certainly overlooked. Sometimes found well away fram water.

Greater” Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinium). Roost at Box occupied, iOMiaVaanary:
1974. \
Status. An endangered species.

Natterer’s Bat (Myotis nattereri). One found dead in a shed Nettleton Hiil, 21st July, 1974
(MB).

Pipistrelle Bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus). 1973, an adult brought in by a cat 20th February West
Kington. Fifty-one, presumed to be this species, counted as they emerged from a cottage
roof Poulshot, 6th July. The summer roost at Kington Langley had a maximum of 10
animals on 29th May but by 27th July only three were present. On 6th July one found in
the house was replaced in the roost. Recorded at Trowbridge (2) and Devizes area (2)
29th October—Ist November. 1974, Sutton Benger, [lth April; flying in bedroom,
Roundway, Ilth September; Manton, 19ti September; Marlborough, Sth October and
seen in the beam ofa torch ina barn Stanton St. Bernard, 27th October. One found alive
behind a domestic refrigerator 12th November was released shorily before dusk, Round-
way.

STATUS. Common.

Common Long-eared Bat (Plecotus auritus). 1973, colony in roof of a house West Overton.
1974, adult male found dead between two houses Warminster 15th August. Sent to R. E.
Stebbings for identification. Four caught in mist-net Christian Malford, 22nd August.
In May 1975 a dead animal found dead in Devizes.

Status. Unknown but not common.

Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus). Numerous records especially from downland areas of Fyfield,
Hackpen and Overton.

STATUS. Common in suitable habitats.

Bank Vole (Clethrionomys glareolus). Yhe most common mammal taken by Barn Owls, Stanton
St. Bernard.

Status. Common in hedgerows, woods and scrub.

Short-tailed Field Vole (Microtus agrestis). 1974, killed by cat St. Edith’s Marsh, 31st January.
Nest in hedge bottom West Kington, 26th October. Identifiable remains in Kestrel pellets
from Ashton Common and Barn Owl pellets Stanton St. Bernard.

Stratus. Very common especially in rough grass on downland and in young plantations.

Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius). Regularly seen on both Avon rivers. the River Kennet and
KAC. Noted at Corsham Lake and Nettleton. 1973/74 in stream Aldbourne which is
dry for 7-8 months of the year.

Status. Common in all river systems but few records received.

Wood Mouse (Apodemus svivaticus). Only three live sightings of this strictly nocturnal mouse—
in car headlights Harley Farm, Heddington and males live-trapped at Dee Barn and Round-
way.

Status. Very common and widespread, often a pest in vegetable gardens.

Harvest Mouse (Micromys minutus). Now known to occur throughout the county (see note
p. 31). Four well-grown young in a nest Stanton St. Bernard 23rd August, 1975.

House Mouse (Mus musculus). The only record was of si} found ina river having been killed
in traps.

Status. Unknown. Records required.

Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius). Winter 1973/74, one hibernating in worked Hazel
coppice Pepperbox Hill (RC). In November 1974, a female found hibernating in Black-
moor Copse in November and in the following summer, !0 abandoned nests found in Bentley
Wood (PK). 1974, one found hibernating Ramsbury (NEK). An occupied nest found
in a Hawthron hedge Alderbury Ist August, 1975 (DB).

STaTUs. Most recent records from the south-east of the county where suitable habitats
remain.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes). Many records including several of cubs playing outside their den.
At Manton, an animal with a wound on its mouth was seen. Several cats were repagted
missing in the area. At Barton Copse a large cat followed a Fox into cover.
STATUS. Common. u

Stoat (Mustela crminea). 1973, six sightings recorded—West Kington, carrying prey; Rams-
bury, chasing rabbit; KAC towpath at Froxfield; one swimming across R. Kennet at Clat-
ford; one Keysley Down and one near Chippenham. 1974, eleven records. Four of road
casualties, Easton Royal, Ford, and two on the road between Lacock and Corsham. Live
sightings at Yatton Keynell, Corsham, Manton Down, Devil’s Den, Preshute and one
swimming in R. Kennet at Treacle Bolly.

Status. Common and widespread.

Weasel (Mustela nivalis). 1973, five live sightings, three close to water at Shalbourne, Hanging
Langford GP and on the river bank West ‘Kington. One carrying prey across road near
Rabley Wood and one near Shrewton. 1974 eight records from Lea, Preshute, Crannam,
Mildenhall, Devil’s Den, Dunkirk Hill (Devizes), and one carrying prey West Kington.
One dead at Stibb Hill.

Status. Common and widespread.

cot
C

Badger (Meles meles). Most records of animals have referred to road casualties, two “black
spots’ being on main roads near Mere and Devizes. Additional records of setts came
mainly from the northern half of the country where downland setts are more numerous
than in the south.

Sratus. Common, especially on Greensand and Chalk.

Otter (Lutra lutra). 1973, one seen by river keeper Chilton Foliat. Two records of tracks—

one in snow 1973, one in mud 1974, both near West Kington (MB).
Sratus. Probably no longer a breeding species in Wiitshire.

Muntjac Deer (Muntiacus reeves’). One seen walking under an electric fence Bratton 19th
May, 1973. Fewmets in gorse scrub Keysley Down; slots Loxwell Wood and Round-
way. 1974, one shot by shooting syndicate Savernake Forest.

Stratis. Seems to have colonised suitable, woedland cover in north of county but
probably scarce or absent from south of Pewsey Vale.

Fallow Deer (Dama dama). Frequent sightings by 2 regular observer in Manton, Clatford and
West Woods area, and on several occasions in Loxweill Wood and Roundway Hill Covert.
1973, small herd near Aldbourne. 1974, one on M4 motorway near Baydon. |
STATUS. The most generally distributed deer species in the county wherever suitable wood-
land cover is available.

Red Deer (Cervus elaphus). Twenty-three animals escaped from Savernake Deer Park 1973
and over 12 still feral mid-1975 but no evidence of feral calves. Shooting and natural
mortality will probably reduce the number in the next few years. One renegade stag lived
with a flock of sheep at Foxhill, near Aldbourne for five months, 1974/75 and died of natural

causes. i).
Status. Only park animals occur in Wiltshire and all feral reports are traceable to
escapes except for rare cases from the very small wild population in the New Forest. The

last major escape was also from Savernake Park in the late 1930°s,

29

Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus). Records from north of Salisbury Plain—a kid born in Ice
House Wood, Rood Ashton, slots and fewmets Lanhill and three separate sightings near
Aldbourne 1974/75. Records from the south all associated with chalk scrub.

Stratus. Since the 1950’s has extended its range north and has been reported from Glos.
The species most commonly found on open downland where small plantations and scrub
provide suitable cover for a solitary, secretive deer. Common Salisbury Plain.

Records also received for Mole, Rabbit, Grey Squirrel and Brown Rat.

_No records received for Mink and Yellow-necked Mouse.

OBERVERS

R. H. Angell, Mrs. R. G. Barnes, D. Beeson, Mrs. J. Blaikie, Mrs. M. Browne, R. Browne,
R. Capel, Miss A. Cardus, Miss A. M. Cobern, Miss B. Gillam, J. R. Govett, Mrs. Gravina,
P. Grist, Mr. and Mrs. A. Harrison, P. J. Horton, D. James, P. Kane, N. E. King, J. E. Major,
Mrs. A. Maurice, D. Priest, D. J. Rice, Mrs. M. J. Rolls, J. C. Rolls, E. G. Smith, A. L. Stonell,
Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Stone, D. Tucker, R. Turner, F. Thurlow, J. R. Woolfall.

30

THE HARVEST MOUSE SURVEY IN WILTSHIRE
By BEATRICE GILLAM

E Following the initial work during the winter of 1973-74 reported in WAM Vol. 69 Part A,
it was anticipated that occupied breeding nests of Harvest Mice would be found on revisiting
some of the sites during the summer of 1974. Several sites had been destroyed either
by ploughing or by the grass having been cut and searches in a sample of previously occupied
sites were unsucgessful. No nests with young were found in Wiltshire though some mighty
have been found with further searching. Reports from other Southern counties also showed °
a reduction in the number of breeding nests found. This was attributed to the very bad weather
during July, August and September when the long grass was repeatedly battered by heavy rain
and strong winds making conditions for nest construction very difficult.

On 20 November, 1974 a party of members of the Salisbury and District Natural History

Society was shown how to find Harvest Mouse nests. A search was made of the wide grass
verge either side of a 200yd. stretch of road near Wilton and 80 nests, including 12 which had
probably been used for breeding, were found. In 1975, the same area was searched soon after
the crop in the adjacent field had been harvested when the beginnings of two nests were found.
Two weeks later, on 10 August, a total of 13 were found but none contained young. Following
eight weeks of hot, dry weather most of the Dactylis glomerata leaves were already too dry for
shredding and the nests had been constructed of Arrhenatherum elatius, Trisetum flavescens and
Holcus lanatus and leaves. Most were built in positions where they were largely supported
by stout herbs or small shrub suckers. ache
no Although nests were found in other counties in 1974 which had passed almost intact
through the combine harvester, none have so far been found in Wiltshire.
a Unfortunately, there was no response to the note in WAM 1974 hoping for assistance
with the survey and a disappointing response from members to the two field meetings arranged
in the autumn of 1974. It is hoped that more interest will be shown in future meetings designed
to help with the survey. Thanks are extended to the following new recorders for their help
in°1974—D. A. Beeson, Miss A. Cardus, J. A. Carman and Mrs. A. Kelham.

+

31

SHORTER NOTES

Vulpes vulpes THE PIG’S HEAD, 1974

Spring 1974 was very bad with a lot of rain, two days of snow early in March and a very
cold April with the wind in the east. It was much too cold for young cubs to be above ground
and I saw none until the beginning of May, when the wind shifted to the west and it was Warmer
with spells of sunshine. :

At 17.00 hours on 2nd May I was walking along the northern boundary of the farm and
saw a cub ona broken stone wall by a gateway. 1 sat down in the hedge to watch and presently
more cubs came out to play and I counted five. They were clambering on to the broken wall and
hopping off again. Their coats were a bit woolly, their tails still ratty and they were not yet in
full control over their legs. I judged them to be about six weeks old. By 18.00 hours the evening
was chilly and the cubs went below. There was no sign of the vixen and I went up to the earth
carefully to see what it was like.

It had been used briefly the previous year as a temporary home for four cubs, with two
holes in use on either side of a dry stone wall overgrown by hawthorn. Excavations had been
extended about eight yards west to a point where the dry stone wall met a wide hedge to form a
T junction. Immediately north of the junction was the broken wall and the gateway. There
were two new holes, one on each side of the broken wall. The hole on the east side was covered
with dense nettles and hawthorn but the west hole was exposed and the spoil heap was worn
smooth by contant use. The arrangement gave the cubs a choice of three fields to play in, two
fields of Spring corn on the east side and a field of mowing grass on the west side; whatever the
wind direction they always had a sheltered place to play. The area round the earth was littered
with bones, pigeon feathers and cub droppings. It was unusually smelly even for foxes and I
did not expect them to stay there for very long.

The next three days were cold and although I paid brief visits to the earth I did not see the
cubs. On 6th May there was a cold east wind but there was warmth in the sun and I decided
on a longer watch. I reached the earth at 14.30 to find the remains of a large pig there. It
had been dismembered by the foxes, much of the flesh had already been eaten and various bits
and pieces had been taken by the family and left lying about. The head was near the earth,
legs and trotters were here and there in the mowing grass. No fox could possibly have killed
so large an animal, the pig had probably died and had been left out for foxes to take. Foxes
are useful animals to have ona farm, feeding as they do mainly on rabbits, pigeons, rooks,
rodents, insects, fruit and carrion. Many farmers value their presence, knowing that the local
hunt will keep the number of foxes in check and that old and weak animals are usually the first
to be killed by hounds, leaving strong foxes which will take natural prey rather than domestic
stock. This vixen was certainly strong, she had dragged the pig at least 300 yards.

After examining the pig and considering the best place to sit | tucked myself into the
hedge about five yards north of the gateway with a south west wind blowing my scent well away
from the earth. I waited for about an hour. There were no cubs out and considering the smell,
which grew worse daily I wondered if the family had already moved. At 16.00 hours there was
a red blur in the hedge at the far end of the mowing grass and presently the vixen came into the
field and began a careful approach to the earth. She carried no food and had come to visit
and probably suckle the cubs, The grass was high enough to cover her as she moved nearer
but at intervals she stopped and raised her head cautiously to look all round and to sniff the air
for signs of danger. Her path was a zigzag line making a wide sweep of the field before the
final approach to the earth. As she worked nearer she became uneasy and although she had not
spotted me she seemed to be aware that something was wrong. She was a very beautiful animal
with a shining healthy coat, russet with a darker streak) on the nape, white belly, no tag and a
most unusual black bib. This bib, large and evenly rounded, would have made her instantly
recognisable but I have not seen her before or since When she was about 25 ft. away she saw

32

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me and froze. To be more exact, since I was unmoving, she saw an unfamiliar shape in the
hedge. After a pause she moved carefully a few feet nearer the earth and then looked again
directly at me for several seconds. This time her courage failed and she bounded away, her
brush flowing over the grasses, and vanished through the hedge where she had first appeared.
There was no sign of the cubs and, as far as I could tell, no vocal signal to them from the vixen.

I struggled further into the hedge without much hope but at 16.15 she came again and
made the same careful approach as before, creeping through the grass and raising her head at
frequent intervals for a good look round. She looked repeatedly in my direction but continued
to move carefully on and was within a few feet of the earth, when once again, her courage failed
and she flowed away through the mowing grass and into the far hedge. She obviously wanted
to reach her eubs so, giving the earth a wide berth, I walked openly away. I could not see,her
but she was almost certainly watching me go. ‘

The following day, 7th May, I watched the earth from 14.30 until 17.15 without seefng
cubs or vixen. Approaching the earth carefully I found that the pig’s head had been dragged
further into the grass. When I was six feet from the broken wall I realised that a cub was sitting
by it chewing a rabbit’s leg; I stood still, watching, for about a minute until the cub suddenly
looked up, saw me and backed into a hole dragging the rabbit’s leg after it. I moved further
away and at 18.00 hours four cubs came out and played on the bare patch at the west entrance,
climbing on and off the broken wall, a favourite game. By 19.30 all were below ground.

On 8th May I watched from 17.00 until 18.30 hours without seeing any cubs. There
was rather a cold south west wind. The pig’s head had been moved again and more of it eaten.
There were new trails through the grass and fresh droppings to show that the foxes were still in
residence although the increasing stench made their removal seem imminent. It was hard to
imagine such a large family living for so long in such a small earth; conditions underground
must have been unusually insanitary, yet the cubs thrived.

Several days of rain followed, then on 14th May it was warm and sunny and J took friends
to watch the cubs. There were four of us, too many for a close approach, so we took binoculars
and sat under a hedge 100 yards from the earth with the wind in our face to blow our scent away.
At 17.30 one cub made a brief appearance but there was not much activity until 18.30 when all
the cubs came out and we saw that there were in fact six of them. Four were fawn, one with a
white tag; the other two were red, one with a tag slightly paler but not white. The two red cubs
were darker on the shoulders, a pattern which recurs year after year in this fox territory and
which seems to be inherited; I first noticed it about nine years ago when the resident dog fox
was a remarkable animal, very big and almost black over the shoulders. He was at least six
years old when last seen, well above the average life span of a wild fox. I never knew how he
died but it is unlikely that he was killed by hounds, he was always more than a match for them.

The cubs were sleepy at first and tumbled lazily about together, but gradually their play
grew more energetic. They were beginning to split up and two chased each other up and down
the hedge while one jumped about stiff-legged by itself not to be diverted by any of the others,
which were stalking and trying to ambush it in the long grass. They were all getting bolder
and venturing further afield but play still brought thém rushing back quite often to the broken
wall by the earth. At 19.30 it was chilly and we crept away leaving the cubs still at play.

By this time an orphan badger cub had arrived and [ was rearing her for release in the
Autumn. This meant spending a good deal of the night with her because for survival she must
learn to forage nocturnally. Inevitably this cut down my day-time activities but [ visited the
earth often even if briefly. It was now definitely unpleasant to be anywhere near but still the
large family was living there. Every day fresh droppings and new trails through grass and corn
revealed their presence. The pig, now reduced to bits of skeleton, turned up in different places
further and further afield. The skull in particular seemed to be a special treasure and was left
in a new place every day.

By 2lst May two more holes were in use some distance from the earth in a hedge. 1
saw the two red cubs and one fawn cub near the earth but their sleeping quarters must have been
cramped and the others had probably moved out. The vixen would have left them and be
kennelling elsewhere, but probably still visiting them daily] They all remained fairly close
together for another two weeks, toying with the pig bones and moving the skull about.

33

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On 4th June the skull was left so far from the earth that | pass it had been}finally
abandoned and took it home with me for a friend who was making a collection of mammal
skulls. I left it in the garage temporarily and when I returned one ou fee it had gone. A
dog seemed the most likely culprit, but the following day the skull was back in the mowing
grass near the earth. Part of the garden, including the garage, forms one boundary of this fox
territory so I came to the conclusion that the vixen on her rounds came across the skull and took
it home with her. Was it just a promising bone that she came across or could it nave been a
long treasured family possession? I shall never know.

By 7th June one red and one fawn cub had moved to the main earth in a thicket and they
were pottering about outside at 17.40. The other four were still playing by the temporary earth
but ranging very far afield; they would soon be moving to the main earth too, quarter of a mile
away. I often wonder if they took the pig’s skull with them, I never saw it again.

RENARDE .

STOP PRESS

During June and early July, 1975 three litters of fox cubs have been coming in to take
food put out for them at a nearby farm. Some of them are much younger than others and must
have been born very late in the year. Another household started to put out food and at any
time after about 22.00 hours the cub families could be heard moving round the village, playing
and squealing as they went. They were easy to watch from a window ox the roof of a shed and
were often seen crossing or playing in the lane. One night some food was put out in a plastic
dish and in the morning the dish had gone as well as the food. After hours of search it was
eventually found outside one of the earths and had evidently been taken home by the foxes.

An interesting comparison can be made with the behaviour of hyaenas. During a three-
week stay in Serengeti Reserve last winter it was always wise to take anything portable indoors
at night. Hyaenas would take away shoes, dustbin lids, washing-up bowls or anything else
they came across which they could carry. They might have been able to eat the shoes but it
is difficult to think of any use they could find for a dustbin lid.

RENARDE

34

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REPORTS

_ The 29th Annual General Meeting of the Section was held on April 12th in the Museum
Devizes. The Chairman, Mr. G. L. Webber welcomed all those present and asked the Hon.
Treasurer to present the accounts. Mr. Smith stated that the balance of £14 from Jan 1974
had been reduced to 90p, but considering the increased costs—over £100 for stationery postage
and telephone—the year’s deficit of £13 was not surprising, however the motion on the Agenda
for an increase in subscription seemed fully justified. See NG

During the year there had been 14 outdoor and three indoor meetings; the increase cost
of travelling seemed to have affected the attendance for indoor meetings more than the outdo ar
which had covered'a wide range of natural history. o

Mr. Webber then explained that with much regret he could not continue as Chairmart
as his work would take him out of the County. In his place he would nominate Mr. C. E
Jennings, who was elected unanimously. The new Chairman after thanking Mr. Webber for
his valuable work as Chairman and as recorder for the Bird Notes, outlined several necessary
changes in Officers and Committee members. Mrs. Joan Swanborough was elected to be Hon.
Secretary and Mr. R. S. Barron to be Hon. Editor; for vacancies on the Committee Mr. R. E.
Sandell, Mr. M. Gould, Mrs. J. Heath and Mrs. M. Browne were elected.

Thus for the first time for very many years familiar names such as Gillam and Barnes, to
whom the Section has owed so much, will no longer appear on the Committee list. Miss Gillam
who came on to the Committee in 1952 had been both Meetings and General Secretary, Mr.
Barnes had been Chairman for seven years and Mrs. Barnes had served for 30 years
in one capacity or another. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes had also provided generous hospitality at
their home for the Committee meetings. In recognition of their kindness the Committee had
given them a Sorbus tree for their garden.

After approval of the increase in subscription rates to £2 single, £3 family and
the reappointment of Mr. Penny as Hon. Auditor, Mr. Sandell spoke on the progress ‘of the
Flora Supplement publication. A thousand copies would be printed at a cost of £2,500, they
would be sold at £4 or £4.50 when posted.* The payment to the publisher would be met by the
balance of £600 in the Flora account and the remainder by an interest free loan from Committee
members.

Mr. Barron explained that the parent society had decided that, for an economy, thes
would not in the future publish W.A.M. part A as such but would welcome the Section to publish
a magazine which would be available to all full Society members who apply for it. Ali Section
members will of course receive their magazine as formerly but some delay will result from the

changes.
After the meeting many members, under the guidance of Mr. Stonell, went on a walk

around Roundway Hill Covert.

Throughout 1974 much discussion and thought had been applied to the proposed W.C.C.
appointment of a Curator for Natural History in the County, but economies imposed by the
Government on the County Council prevented the fulfilment of many expectations. On the
other hand a Natural History Forum was set up to combine the individual efforts of all those
interested in Wiltshire’s Natural History into one effective body. The first meeting of the Forum
was devoted to Biological Records with Dr. F. Perring as the chief speaker. Consequently
a County Records Centre has been set up with Mr. R. Sandell as the Hon. Recorder. ay

Out of doors a number of members have helped with the National Rookery Survey for
1975 initiated by the B.T.0. Miss B. Gillam and Mrs. M. Browne have continued their work
for the Harvest Mouse Survey and will welcome more help. Mr. Jennings at the A.G.M. had
also outlined other surveys including one for hedges. that the Section will undertake so there is
plenty of work for all members and for those who may not be members at the moment.

* The Supplement was published on October 27th; copies cpn be had at the Museum or
by post.

35

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