" oe Pr ae ae Edt Cok te ROU Moon Wt rou) ean Ao) yen 6; 4, Ym, rs aed ae See» ees tee vate, y ea a woh eines bey Beaty ¥. ert We Sha SR Hes At sere est fie hen S oh Fe ih 8 ale s8 9 Pi) We Siena as Wey ered wade outs ah tl year aware a i 98 we Ait 4519 - at ee ey “ ri ae st aang ioe a Bs YATE OP er On ‘3 Waist Sana yah ee Sore ey te gt ryt nee a Yor if an nae iray vm th Nae ae ie ie 7 fay ordi Va tw aes ce ae baie Flash cay ha pe eieoe ary aay na ] i we “Hy fod ry SOK Sian ise ‘ana AeA Corey heey not oo cee et at. . NATURALIST: MONTHLY JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND EDITED BY PaoOMAS SHEPPARD; F.G.S.," FR.G-Ss fH SrA.(Scor:): p CURATOR OF THE MunicipaL Museums, Hu_Lv. AUTHOR OF ‘GEOLOGICAL RAMBLES IN EAST YORKSHIRE’; ‘THE EVOLUTION OF KINGSTON UPON HULL’; ‘Lost TowNs OF THE YORKSHIRE COAST,’ ETC., Epitor oF Mortimer’s ‘Forty YEARS’ RESEARCHES,’ PLoOMAS WILLPAM WOODHEAD, Ph: D., B.LS: LECTURER IN BioLtoGy, TECHNICAL COLLEGE, HUDDERSFIELD; WITH THE ASSISTANCE AS REFEREES IN SPECIAL DEPARTMENTS OF J. GILBERT BAKER, F.R.S., F.L.S GEORGE /T..PORRITD, Plu.S., FE es: Pror. PERCY F. KENDALL, M.Sc., F.G:S. JOHN W. TAYLOR. T. H. NELSON, M.B.O.U. WILLIAM WEST, F.L.s. RILEY FORTUNE, F.Z.S. LONDON : A. Brown & Sons, LTD., 5, FARRINGDON AVENUE; _E.C} AND AT HULL AND YORK. EC 1918 BUI 228350 eo A Es 7 PRINTED AT BROWNS Saye PRESS, — (ct SAVILE STREET AND GEORGE STREET, HULL, "4 ane ot |, ol MGS. fo Dist On PeALES: PLATE. To face page I . New British Fungi, Agaricus bernardii Quel, Hygrophorus persicinus Beck, Inocybe violaceifolia Sacc, Mycena nivea Quel, and Mycena seynii Quel ... , ae a ie I II. Haunts of Natterer’s Bat, Long-eared | . III. Bat, Pipistrelle Bat, and Leisler’s Bat f ~" ka ‘a = = IV. Plan of Hornsea Mere dated 1778 .. # a Be a 89 oa Coast Changes at Hornsea .. Ss cys a ze se 99 VII. Ritteria nemorum Koch a Es ee = My aepehitti VIII. Top Bed, Liverton Ironstone oe - Bi Be ae LOS IX. Top Bed, Liverton Ironstone, Oolitic Grains a Se ey isis! X. Included matter in Fossil Bone ae vs eA Jn LOO XI. Varieties of Abraxas grossulariata - Ber Se va Ziel XII. Newton Dale from Saltersgate Beck. . ie Fe a aes eae XIII. Landslip at Robin Hood’s Bay, looking North and South. . wo) eZS XIV. Variation in leaves of Ranunculus auricomus L. .. aD 2% 264 XV. Buttercrambe Mill and the Lock, Buttercrambe .. a: en 200 XVI. Nesting Sites of Birds oe se Be a ae en 2208 XVII. Peregrine Falcons two days old 7 ‘ic bie om 358 XVIII. Landslip on Roseberry Topping Bs = ae a3 Be Siete: XIX. A Mountain Rock-Pool se se <: oe La 4es EDITED BY _T. SHEPPARD, F.G.S., F.R.G.S., F.S.A. Scot., | ‘ THE Museums, HvLt ; ? AND T. W. WOODHEAD, Ph.D., F.L.S., TECHNICAL CoLLEGE, HUDDERSFIELD. WITH THR ASSISTANCE AS REFERRES IN SPECIAL DEPARTMENTS OF J. GILBERT BAKER, F.R.S. F.L.S., GEO. T. PORRITT, F.L. S., P.E.S. Prof. P. F. KENDALL, M.Sc., F.G.S., JOHN W. TAYLOR, . T. H. NELSON, M.B.O.U., WILLIAM WEST, PF.L.S., RILEY FORTUNE, F.Z.S. Contents :— Notes and Comments (Illustrated): —A Large Shap Boulder ; Structure of Coal; The Earliest Human Skull, and its Ape-like Characteristics; Characteristics of Cave-men; R.I.P.; Hydroid Zoophytes obtained by Hull Trawlers; Evolution of the Cuckoo; The Present Position of Botanical Survey; Publications; The Oxlip and Primrose; Right offWay at Bridlington; Lower Palzozoic Rocks of Cautley ; Pallas's Sand Grouse in Yorkshire Yorkshire Naturalists at Hull—W.E.L.W. Notes on the Habits of Bats (Illustrated)—Arthur W hitaker The Yeast-Fungi in Nature—F. A. Mason, F.R.M.S. In Memoriam: Henry Culpin (Illustrated)—T.S. ‘Utricularia ochroleuca Hartm. in Yorkshire—Arthur Bénheih. Field Notes :—Bird Notes from Whitby; Unusual Fate of a elise Eared Owl: By roeenene pheodactylus Hub. in Yorkshire ... F ; : 4 Heh Sr Mycological Meeting at Sandsend (Iinetrated)= ate Gpcstana The Orchids of the Upper Hodder Valley—M.N. Peel ... Notes on the Natural History of Hornsea Mere—George Bolan.” Sy ee ’ Seer hha ae Union Report for eo senisn istiggN ose . ace eee eee ons « al ae News from the Magazines ahs ae pe — e, an ey Northern News ... 20: 4913 “i Book Notice Beh UP glee Illustrations BRE) es he tags aks aoe yen Ah RONG amas fy ows CAMs at ee Pails Plates 1.—!11. Muse’ a Lk deel LONDON : A. Brown & Sons, LIMITED, 5, FARRINGDON AVENUE, E.C. And at Hutt and York. Printers and Publishers to the Y.N.U. PAGE: 1-6 Te 9-12 13-16 17-19 19 20 21-28 29-32 33.71 72-88 8 16, 18 12, 20 32 3, 17 Prepaid Subscription 6/6 per annum, post free. NOTICE. Worksbire Waturalists’ Union. - In consequence of the regrettable decease of the Treasurer, Mr. H. Culpin, will members kindly forward their subscrip- tions to the Hon. Secretaries of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, at the Technical College, Huddersfield, for the time being. Notes on The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. BY GEORGE BOLAM. | (Being the Report of the Yorkshire Naturalists Union Wild Birds and Eggs Protection Committee’s work tn this area, with short notes on Spurn, Bempton, etc. PRICE ONE SHILLING. SOLD BY A: BROWN & SONS, LONDON,. HULL ann YORK, ‘THE NATURALIST’ for 1912. Edited by T. SHEPPARD, F.G.S. and T. W. WOODHEAD, Ph.D., F.L.S. Tastefully bound tn Cloth Boards. Price 7/- net. Contains 4o8 pages of excellent reading matter; 19 full-page, high- class plates ; and numerous illustrations throughout the text. THe volume includes many valuable and attractive articles by some of the most prominent naturalists and leading scientific men in the country, and forms a handsome, well-illustrated, and most acceptable present to all interested in out-door life. ‘ . THE NATURALIST, 1973. PLATE I. New BritisH Fune. (For Key to figures see page 28). THE NATURALIST POR 1915: NOTES AND COMMENTS. A LARGE SHAP BOULDER. The accompanying illustration is taken from a handy guide to the Ancient Saxon Parish of Whorlton in Cleveland, by the Rev. J. C. Fowler. It represents an unusually large erratic of Shap Granite, which is in the beck above the village of Swainby. The boulder is sub-angular, and measures 23 feet in circumference at the water level, and 17 feet ‘over the back.’ There are some brief geological notes of local interest Shap Granite Boulder near Swainby, Yorkshire. in the guide, in which, presumably by a slip, the ammonite is described as a fish. STRUCTURE OF COAL. We learn from Nature that Dr. W. E. Garforth has recently presented to the University of Leeds a large case which con- tains specimens showing the structure of numerous seams of coal from Yorkshire, Lancashire, etc. The lower part of the case contains coal-balls from the Halifax Hard Bed of York- shire, and the Bullion Mine in Lancashire. The coal balls are simply masses of vegetable material which were impreg- nated with Calcium carbonate while the tissues were still in a fresh condition, and so preserved during the subsequent changes. which the surrounding vegetable matter underwent in the pro- cess of its conversion into coal. Many of the microscopic sections of these coal-balls measure as much as 8 inches by 6 inches, and shew the structure of the plants beautifully. 1913 Jan. 1. iS) Notes and Comments. THE EARLIEST HUMAN SKULL, What are apparently believed to be the oldest remains of man found in England, if not in the world, were recently exhibited at a Meeting of the Geological Society, and described by their discoverer, Mr. C. Dawson, and Dr. A. Smith Woodward, of the British Museum. They were obtained at Fletching, Sussex, with remains of elephant, hippopotamus, red deer, horse, and beaver. The human remains consisted of a skull and mandible, and flint implements of a primitive type were also found. AND ITS APE-LIKE CHARACTERISTICS. Dr. Woodward said the skull was very different from that of any class of man hitherto met with. It had the steep forehead of a modern man with scarcely any brow ridges, and the only external appearance of antiquity was found in the occiput, which showed that in this early form the neck was shaped, not like that of a modern man, but more like that of an ape. The brain capacity was only about two- thirds of that of an ordinary modern man. So far as it was preserved, the mandible differed remarkably from that of man and agreed exactly with the mandible of a young chimpanzee. It still bore two of the molar teeth, which were human in shape ; if these were removed it would be impossible to decide that the jaw was human at all. The skull differed so much from those of the cave-men already found in Germany, Belgium, and France that it was difficult at first sight to interpret it. CHARACTERISTICS OF CAVE-MEN. All the cave-men hitherto found were characterised by very low foreheads and very prominent brow ridges resembling those of the full-grown modern ape. The new specimen was proved by geological considerations to be very much older than the remains of these cave-men. It was interesting to note in this connection that the new skull was closely similar in shape to that of a very young chimpanzee, while—as he had mentioned— the skull of the later cave-men had the brows of the full-grown chimpanzee. Therefore the changes which took place in the shape of the skull in successive races of early men were exactly similar to the changes which took place in the skull of an ape as it grew from youth to maturity. He inclined, therefore, to the theory that the cave-man was a degenerate offshoot of early man, and probably became extinct, while surviving modern man might have arisen directly from the primitive source of which the Piltdown skull provided the first discovered evidence. RVlAPs We have to record the decease of the Sheffield Junior Naturalists’ Society and the Hull Society of Natural Science, Naturalist, Notes and Comments. 3 formerly the Hull Junior Naturalists’ Society. As both Sheffield and Hull had successful scientific societies before the formation of the newer societies mentioned, it is clear that, as a rule, there is not room for more than one society of this kind in any town. From what has recently taken place it is apparent that pur remarks in reference to the publications of the Hull Junior Society, made in this journal some little time ago, have been justified. HYDROID ZOOPHYTES OBTAINED BY HULL TRAWLERS. From Dr. James Ritchie we have received a copy of his Portion of hydroclade, with hydrothece, * 50. s.Ss. = Supracalycine sarcotheca; 1.sept. = internal Colony of Cladocarpus campanulatus, nat. size. S©PtU™; n=node ; h=hydrotheca ; b—upper border 4 of deeply staining portion; 7.s.=mesial sarcotheca. paper on “Some Northern Hydroid Zoophytes obtained by Hull Trawlers ; with description of a new species of Plumu- larian,’ which is reprinted from the Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, Vol. XVIII, No. 4. Dr. Ritchie figures and describes the specimen under the name of Cladocarpus (2?) campanulatus. He also describes Halicorn- aria integra, G. O. Sars., a rare species. EVOLUTION OF THE CUCKOO. The evolution of the cuckoo by natural selection, says Mr. G. W. Bulman in Kunowledge, bristles with difficulties. Even if we imagine that a stage has been successfully reached where the habit of depositing its eggs in another bird’s nest has been developed, a number of special points still call for 1913 Jan. I. 4 Notes and Comments. attention. There are, for example, the strange instincts and actions of the young cuckoo in the nest. In the cuckoo’s respectable days it cannot have been the little demon it now is. It cannot have been in the habit of turning its brothers and sisters and eggs out of the nest. So it probably had not then the convenient hollow in its back for holding the eggs. And yet these habits, instincts and structure seem absolutely essential to the well-being of the young Cuckoo. Only by turning everything else out of the nest can it obtain sufficient nourishment for itself. And yet the first cuckoo hatched in a Titlark’s nest cannot be supposed to have had these characters. It would get no advantage in the strange nest, and would probably be starved. THE PRESENT POSITION OF BOTANICAL SURVEY. Botanists will find in the recent issues of the Tvansactions of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh, several papers of more than usual interest. In Vol. 23, part II, pp. 53-59, Dr. Wm. G. Smith gives a useful summary of the present position of Botanical Survey in Britain. Plant-geography seeks to an- swer three questions (1) What plants occur in the world ; (2) Where they occur ; (3) Why they occur in one part and not in another. The data required to answer the first two questions result in Floristic plant-geography, the best examples of which are the excellent monographs in Engler and Drude’s ‘ Vegeta- tion der Erde.’ The outcome of the third enquiry is Physio- logical Plant-geography as exemplified in A. F. W. Schimper’s ‘ Plant-Geography.’ Warming emphasises the relation of plant form to environment and considers that similar conditions of environment produce similar plant-form. The ideal bot- anical survey of a district or country should take account of all these points of view of plant-geography—fioristic, distribu- tional and ecological—and in all directions something has been done, but much remains yet to be done. PUBLICATIONS. The Survey memoirs published in Britain show that the work resolves itself into four processes :—(1) Selection of an area, preferably one little influenced by man. (2) Analysis. of vegetation into its units and the recording of these on 6-inch Survey Maps. (3) Investigations on the influence of climatic, topographic, edaphic, and biological factors and their influence on the distribution of the various plant com- munities. (4) Examination of analysis from a synthetic stand- point. This involves the consideration of the origin and status of the plant communities. Sufficient progress has al- ready been made to warrant broad conclusions being drawn from such investigations, e.g., the view that ‘ succession ’ plays an important part in the present distribution of vegetation Naturalist, Notes and Comments. 5 Briefly stated, the theory is that vegetation in any habitat starts in one form (e.g., lichens and mosses), and progresses through a succession of phases (e.g., grassland and scrub) till it reaches a final phase which on many soils is a type of wood- land. The study of these progressive phases of vegetation has bec»me an important part of botanical surveys. THE OXLIP AND PRIMROSE. Mr. R. S. Adamson gives a short account of the ‘ relation- ships of Primula elatior and P. vulgaris to soil conditions’ in The Transactions of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh, Vol. 24, pp. 84-86. He says that the oxlip (P. elatior) is extremely intolerant of non-calcareous soil, it demands a soil with high water content, especially in spring, but not a saturated one. This must be combined with a moderate but not excessive amount of lime. Where either of these conditions 1s not fulfilled it ceases to flourish and P. vulgaris occurs alone, which makes much less demand on the soil. The flowering season of the oxlip is very short; it starts a week or more later than the primrose and ceases a considerable time before, and how far this character influences the distribution would make a very interesting study. In the same number, Mr. A. Bennett gives an analysis of the British species of bladderwort (Utricu- lavia), and this is followed by an account of a visit to Teesdale and Kirkby Lonsdale by the Scottish Alpine Botanical Club. RIGHT OF WAY AT BRIDLINGTON. It will be remembered that at the Bridlington Meeting of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union Mr. Sheppard proposed a resolution in reference to the attempt to close the footpath south of the town at Bridlington. He followed this up by correspondence with the Commons and Footpaths Preservation Society, the Secretary of which, under date December roth, writes as follows :—‘I was directed to visit Bridlington in order to confer upon the matter with a Special Committee and the Corporation which has been dealing with the case. As a result of the Conference an interview took place with Mr. Pitt, who is the landowner concerned, and I am glad to say Mr. Pitt met in a very friendly manner the suggestion which I ventured to put forward, that, without inquiring with nicety into the somewhat complicated legal issues involved, an effort should be made to arrive at an amicable setttlement. Mr. Pitt expressed his readiness to fall in with any fair arrangement, and an agreement prepared by the Society is in the hands of the Corporation, and will, I trust, be signed in the near future. It would obviously be improper for me to divulge the precise nature of the proposals which have been agreed to in principle by Mr. Pitt, but you may rest assured that under the settlement the needs of the public will be very fairly and even generously met.’ Ig13 Jan. 1. 6 Notes and Comments. LOWER PAL/ZEOZOIC ROCKS OF CAUTLEY. In a paper ‘ On the Lower Paleozoic Rocks of the Cautley District,’ recently read to the Geological Society, Prof. J. E. Marr suggests the following classification for the Ordovician rocks of the area :— peice Shales. : } | Beds above the Volcanic Group. | ASHGILLIAN.~ Contemporaneous Volcanic Group. ;Staurocephalus Beds. Beds below the Volcanic Group. J . Phacops-vobertst Beds. CARADOCIAN. Calymene Beds. ‘The Phacops and Calymene beds are remarkably similar in lithological characters (dark calcareous shales and impure limestones), but the paleontological change is at the top of the Calymene beds, and the fauna of the Phacops beds is allied to that of the succeeding strata. In addition to other fossils, the Ashgillian strata contain graptolites, which have not been found, however, in the Ashgill shales. Dicellograptus anceps Nich. comes in the Phacops beds, and ranges up into the beds above the volcanic group. The Ashgillian beds are, therefore, the zone of Dicellograptus anceps. The succession in this district is much clearer than in the Lake District, and it is suggested that it be adopted as the type sequence for the Ashgillian beds of the North of England.’ PALLAS’S SAND GROUSE IN YORKSHIRE. The following letter from the pen of Mr. Riley Fortune appeared in the press a little while ago :—‘ It has been reported to the Wild Birds’ Protection Committee of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union that a flock of between two and three hundred Pallas’s sand grouse has been seen in the North Riding. The particular locality it is not necessary to specify. It is a strange time of the year for these birds to visit our country, and suggests that stress of weather or scarcity of food has influenced the movement, rather than, as has been suggested in connection with previous visits, that they are seeking to escape from an overcrowded area prior to the breeding season. There can be no mistake in the identification of the birds, as the observer who saw them is thoroughly acquainted with the species. - In order to prevent the usual slaughter which has accompanied previous immigrations of this and other species into this county, this letter is written to draw the attention of the public to the fact that these birds are protected all the year round by special Act of Parliament. The Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union Wild Birds’ Protection Committee will take immediate action against any infringement of the Act of which they can learn, as they are determined to do all in their power to prevent the killing of these or any other rare birds which visit the county. ‘‘ A word in season ”’ may prevent someone “ pleading ignorance ”’ of the Act.’ Naturalist, YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS AT HULL. Tue Annual Meeting was held at Hull on the 14th Dec. last, and the Union is much indebted for the efforts put forth by the inviting Societies, the Hull Geological and the Hull Scientific Club, and particularly to Mr. Thomas Sheppard, F.G.S., Mr. J. W. Stather, F.G.S., and Mr. T. Stainforth, B.A., on whom fell the greater portion of the work in connection with the local arrangements, and who had obviously done everything to ensure the meeting being a success. In the morning a party of Geologists, under the guidance of Mr. J. W. Stather, visited the Kelsey Hill and Burstwick Gravel Pits, near Keyingham, where the extensive sections in the exposed glacial beds were examined. These deposits, which are very fossiliferous, are of glacial age, and extend across Holderness in the form of a range of low hills. In addition to the only remains of fossil Walrus found in Britain, the bones of the Mammoth, Elk, Reindeer, Bison, and Rhino- ceros have also here been found in them. After the Sectional Meetings, a large number of officials, members of the permanent General Committee, and delegates from the Affiliated Societies, twenty-seven of whom _ were represented, assembled in the Lecture Hall of the Royal Institution. The Report proved very satisfactory. Good results scientifically had accrued from the excursions, while the sectional reports voiced the activity of the members of the sections. The announcement that Mr. Harold Wager, F.R.S., Leeds, had accepted the position of President for 1913 was received with acclamation; all the other officials were also unanimously re-elected. A most favourable financial report was presented by the Treasurer, Mr. H. Culpin. The statement that, as a result of the year’s working, the substantial saving of £56 gs. rod. had been effected, reducing the outstanding debt of the Union to £63 6s. gd., being received with applause. A full text of the Annual Report appears in this issue of The Naturalist. Mr. Sheppard stated that the Secretary of the Commons and Foot- paths Preservation Society informed him that through the kindness of Mr. Pitt, an arrangement had been arriv ed at for the public to pass over his land, to connect up with the footpath along the cliffs south of Bridlington. After the preliminaries at the evening meeting, when Mr. Wager occupied the chair, the retiring President, Mr. John W. Taylor, Leeds, delivered an excellent though technical address on the ‘Dominancy and Phylogeny in Nature as affecting distribution.’ Briefly, he spoke of the qualities and causes which enabled certain types of the human race, animals, insects and plants, to assert their dominancy to the detriment 1913 Jan. 1 8 Yorkshire Naturalists at Hull. of weaker forms of life. As Mr. Taylor is such an expert authority upon the Mollusca, it was only natural that he should devote the greater portion of his address to the operation of these processes among the mollusca, and instancing Belogona stphonadenia, he showed how it was able to make home any- where, and drive out the native races. The series of coloured maps of the world, showing dominancy and sub-dominancy of various forms of life, thrown upon the screen by the lantern, emphasised to a greater degree the many salient points of Mr. Taylor’s address. A cordial vote of thanks to Mr. Taylor for his address, and for the great interest he has taken in the work of the Union throughout the year, was unanimously recorded. At the close of the Meeting a conversazione, under the auspices of the two inviting Societies was held in the Museum, and the guests were received by His Worship the Mayor of Hull, Alderman J. Brown, and Mrs. Brown; and the Sheriff of Hull and Lady Sheriff, Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Johnson. In addition to the various well arranged and excellent archzo- logical, botanical, and other natural history exhibits within the Museum of Natural History, Applied Art, and Antiquities, the Members of the Hull Societies made special exhibits, as follows :—Mr. H. M. Foster, living Bacteria ; Mr. J. Thompson, specimens of Polyzoa; Messrs. F. Turner and A. Werner, living Diatoms and other forms of plant life; Messrs. J. F. Robinson, E. Lamplough, and B. Cook, slides of living and mounted specimens ; Mr. T. Sheppard, sections of rocks from the Boulder Clay; Mr. J. W. Boult, a number of typical East Riding Plants; Mr. J. F. Robinson, a collection of Seaweeds ; Mr. A. J. Stather, the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union’s Album of Geological Photographs; Mr. J. W. Stather, samples of “Moorlog,’ an interesting peat-like deposit from the Dogger Bank in the bed of the North Sea, together with a collection of seeds, shells, etc., obtained from it. Amongst the special Museum exhibits were Prehistoric objects from the © Duggleby Howe’ Tumulus sent by Sir Tatton Sykes, Bart., and early Microscopes dating back to 1725. Refreshments were kindly provided by His Worship the Mayor and Mrs. Brown. Hearty thanks were accorded to the Mayor for his hospitality, to the two inviting Societies, and to the Hull Museums’ Com- mittee, the response of the Mayor, and Messrs. W. J. Strachan and J. Thompson bringing a most successful gathering to a close. WEL Ww. The Report of the Warrington Museum, for the year ending June 30th, 1912, contains details of the various additions during the year. The Wild Flowers table has again been a successful feature, and the curator is evidently deyoting attention to ‘ by-gones.’ The mineral collection is being rearranged. Naturalist, THE NATURALIST, 1973. PLaTE II. Long-Eared Bats (Plecotus auritus). THE NATURALIST, 1973. Priate III. Fig. 2.—Home of Leisler’s Bat (V. /eis/eri). NOTES ON THE HABITS OF BATS. ARTHUR WHITAKER. (PLATES II. AND III.). In the autumn of 1906 I contributed to The Naturalist a short article on bats in which I endeavoured to point out some of those characteristics of flight and haunt which enable a care- ful observer to recognise the different species he sees on the wing with some degree of certainty. Since then I have been able to supplement my notes about one or two species. Leisler’s bat (N. leisleri) though similar to the Noctule in its style of flight, looks very distinctly smaller when seen on the wing. It usually flies at a lower altitude than the latter species, preferring to keep below the level of the tree tops. It appears to feed largely upon moths, and for the purpose of catching these will not infrequently wheel round and round some tree for a long time. A large ash growing in my own garden at Kingwell very often attracts one or two bats of this species at dusk. I have often watched them circle round the tree fifteen or twenty times in quick succession, catching the moths which were hovering and fluttering near the foliage. In one case a rather large moth, probably T. pronuba, was flying slowly beneath a low branch not more than a yard in front of my face when, with a quick downward sweep, it was captured by one of these bats. The moth was seized in the mouth and the bat ascended with it to a considerable altitude, making off in a straight line apparently until the moth was consumed, for after flying slowly away for some twenty seconds the bat suddenly turned and swept down again to the ash tree, round which it recommenced to circle. The period of hybernation in this species is probably about the same, and subject to similar interruptions owing to the vicissitudes of temperature, as in the case of the Noctule. On mild evenings, or occasionally afternoons, in late autumn, they may not infrequently be seen on the wing. As I write this at dusk on the evening of November 6th, I can see from my office window one or two bats of this species hawking about over the garden and adjoining fields. It was first observed on the wing this year on the 3rd of March, when I saw a single specimen. The following evening I saw two abroad. The weather then became colder and it was not until the end of April that I again saw them flying. Natterer’s Bat (M. nattereri) might very easily be con- founded with Daubenton’s when seen on the wing. Although the species occurs very commonly in this district, and I have taken many scores from their hiding places at different times, I was never able to identify it in its twi- 1913 Jan. I. 10 Whitaker: Notes on the Habits of Bats. light haunts with absolute certainty until last summer. On the 12th of August, I9g1I, in company with Mr. Armitage, I was walking round Stainbrough Park, at dusk, when our attention was attracted by several bats which were skimming about over one of the smaller ponds. Their flight was if any- thing rather more rapid than that of Daubenton’s Bat, and they did not skim quite so close to the water’s surface as that creature usually does, flying at an average height of 12 or 18 inches above the water. They flew about in an erratic, zig-zag manner, but kept most persistently over the water, always turning as soon as they reached the side, except once or twice when they left the pond and made off in a straight line for another rather larger sheet of water near by. From these expeditions they returned in a few minutes, still skimming along fairly near to the ground. So much did the flight of. these bats resemble that of Daubenton’s that in spite of the slight differences I have pointed out we were not at all sure as we watched them whether they were of that species or not. In order to settle the point we borrowed a gun from a keeper’s house near by and my friend succeeded in dropping one of the bats into the pond. We had two dogs with us at the time but neither of these animals could by any means be persuaded to touch the bat, though they both swam out and sniffed at it many times. I contrived to drop a second bat into the water within easy reach of the side. We were eventually able to secure the first with the aid of a long branch. Upon examina- tion we found that we had two Natterer’s bats, both adult males. On the 15th of July, 1911, Mr. Armitage and I went to examine a colony of bats which we had been informed occu- pied the roof of a cottage at Stainbrough. From what we were able to learn this is a very old colony which has kept to the same den for many years. Unfortunately.there was no trap door in the bedroom ceiling of the cottage so that we were not able to get inside the roof where the bats had made their den. The bats only appeared to have one small entrance and exit hole, a little crack three or four inches long near the apex of the gable, and just under the edge of the slates. We decided to try and catch the bats as they came out for their evening’ flight. A hurried search round the neighbourhood for a ladder met with only partial success. The best three short ladders available when spliced together with the two best clothes lines procurable, answered our requirements so far as length was concerned, though in every other way they left very much to be desired. It was quite dusk and the first bats had begun to emerge before our preparations were fully completed. The bats came out fitfully, three or four in quick succession, then a pause Naturalist, Whitaker: Notes on the Habits of Bats. II perhaps of several minutes’ duration, and then several more. We estimated that we saw well over sixty bats, all Pipistrelles, leave the den, and thirty-one of these we secured for examination. Probably this does not nearly represent the strength of the colony, for judging by their squeakings, many were stil! in the hole and others were yet emerging when we left. I was surprised to find that without a single exception the thirty-one specimens procured were females. All seemed in poor, rather emaciated condition, and some of them were quite mangy. A-number were destitute of fur on the breasts, which led me to think they had been suckling young, but it was curious that we found no juveniles. I had expected to find some quite tiny young ones at the time. Possibly the exceptionally fine dry season had made them rather earlier than usual. Some colonies of bats occupy the same dens for a very long time. For instance, on the 17th of September, rg11, I was at Gringley-on-the-Hill, near Doncaster, and had _ pointed out to’me a small hole in the side of an old farm building from which 103 bats had been counted to emerge at dusk the previous day. My informant, a man of over forty-five, told me they had occupied the same hole ever since he could remem- ber, and that his father had told him they were there even when he was a boy. It was too cold on the evening I was there for many bats to be stirring, and I only secured one specimen, a male Pipistrelle. Two other bats netted as they flew in a stack-yard near by, were also of the same species. In all probability the colony was composed of bats of this kind. On September 28th, 1912, I went to hunt for bats in the roof of a small church standing in a well wooded private park, near Barnsley. We ascended first up dusty ladders and through a trap door into the darkness of the belfry, where the sexton informed us he had often seen them ‘ hang- ing like bunches of grapes.’ Here however, we were not successful in discovering any. Passing from the belfry down three or four steps we got into the main roof, a long, dark, warm place, divided by six or seven large timber roof trusses. For some time our search only resulted in the dis- covery of three or four dead and mummified specimens of the Long-eared Bat (P. auritis) which were lying on the floor. Then I succeeded in discovering two living bats of the same species hanging separately from the roof timbers. While trying to photograph these by the light of some magnesium wire we became aware of one or two bats which were flitting silently round us in the gloom. This convinced us that there must be more of them somewhere, so we renewed our search. After a little time one of the party suddenly called out ‘ Here they are.’ We hurried to the place and saw a cluster of thirty or forty Long-eared Bats clinging all in close proximity at the 1913 Jan. 1. 12 Whitaker: Notes on the Habits of Bats. back of one of the side trees. They woke up quicky when the light of our candles shone upon them, and began to drop off and fly about, re-assembling from time to time in smaller clusters in different parts of the roof. I procured twenty-two specimens for examination and found these consisted of eleven males and eleven females. The average wing expanse of the eleven males was 9.33 inches and of the females 9.56 inches. This confirms my opinion that in the case of the Long-eared Bat, (and probably some other species also), the female is usually larger than the male. On Plate III., Fig. 2, is a picture of an old oak tree on the Stainbrough estate, in which a colony of Leisler’s bats have made their home. The small x to the left of the main trunk, and fairly high in the picture, indicates the position of the den, which is in a long slit in the dead stump of a broken branch immediately above it. On Plate II., Fig. 2, four Long- eared Bats are shown disturbed by the removal of a large piece of loose bark under which they were clinging. Fig. 3 is a typical ‘cluster’ of long-eared bats clinging to an old wall. Many of he bats in the centre are quite buried by others which are clustered over them. In the group shown there were 22 bats. Plate III., Fig. 2, is from a photograph taken by Mr. E. H. Wakefield. On plate Plate II., Fig. 1, is a twilight haunt of Natterer’s Bat, the place where the two specimens referred to above were obtained. Plate III., Fig. 1, shows the cottage in- habited by the colony of Pipistrelles. The position of the exit hole is marked by a small x immediately beneath it, and near the apex of the gable. The difficulty of solving many interesting points relating to the distribution and relative abundance of different species of bats lies chiefly in the meagreness of the data available. May I remark here that I shall be exceedingly grateful to any reader who will, at any future time, forward to me any specimen, either alive or dead, which may happen to fall in his way. These I should be pleased to name and immediately return or liberate as desired. The fullest possible particulars relating to date and place of capture should accompany any specimens sent, which should be addressed to me at Kingwell, Worsboro’ Dale, Barnsley. : 0 7. On the suggestion of Mr. Mark Sykes, M.P., Sir Tatton Sykes has kindly sent for exhibition in the Hull Museum the objects of pre-historic date in his possession. These include the contents of the famous Duggleby Howe burial mound, which contained flint and bone weapons and im- plements of exceptional interest ; a pre-historic jet necklace containing several hundred beads; a fine series of pre-historic implements in flint, sandstone, bronze, etc., and some earthenware vases taken from British burials on the Yorkshire Wolds. Naturalist, 13 THE YEAST-FUNGI IN NATURE.* F. A. MASON, F.R.M.S", Leeds. THE terms Yeasts and Yeast-Fungi used in the following notes refer to those minute, mono-cellular, spore-forming organisms, belonging to a family bearing the significant title Saccharomy- cete@. It is desirable to make this explanation because there also exists a large number of mono-cellular plants which so much resemble the true yeasts as to make it almost impossible to distinguish, by ordinary microscopical examination, the one group from the other; these include such organisms as Torula, Mycoderma, Oidium, etc., which may be descrbied as Yeast-like Fungi, and the only difference which need be remarked here, is that they do not under any known circum- stance produce spores. The common belief that Yeasts may be found only in a brewery or associated with commercial products of fermentation has no foundation in fact. These organisms are as widely distributed in nature as any of the fungi, and whereas some 80 species have been identified, only one is cultivated for brewing purposes, at any rate so far as British practice 1s concerned. Unfortunately, other species do sometines find their way into a brewhouse, but every advantage that science can teach is exercised in endeavouring to check their entry or to combat their development should it be effected. In company with their relatives, the moulds, and their more distant friends, the bacteria, yeasts may be found every- where if proper precautions are taken to secure them. An exposed Petri dish containing nutrient gelatine, preferably prepared with malt-wort, will reveal their presence in the atmosphere. Here they may be detected all the year round, but Spring and Autumn are the seasons in which they are especially abundant ; a fact of great interest in its relation to the varied life-history of these minute organisms. Most commonly do they occur upon the surface of ripe and ripening fruit. Apples, pears, plums, strawberries and especially grapes are the chief breeding places ; some species on one, some on another, often several species side by side on the same fruit. All the yeast cell requires in the way of nutri- ment is amply provided by the sweet juices of the fruits, and in these situations the yeasts develop by the apparently simple reproductive process of budding. Under the most favourable conditions with regard to moisture, temperature and food supply, reproduction can proceed with almost inconceivable rapidity, but fortunately perhaps, this ideal state of existence does not much prevail in nature. * Read at the meeting of the Yorkshire Mycological Committee, 1912. 1913 Jan. 1. 14 Mason: The Yeast-Fungi in Nature. By the time that fruits are fully ripe the yeasts have devel- oped large colonies. Then come Autumnal winds, by means of which, masses of cells are swept from their summer habitat to become for a time part of the floating populace of the atmos- phere. Finally they settle down to the soil where they are afterwards joined by those cells which, having so far escaped removal by the winds, remain on the fruit only to be washed down by the more searching action of the rain. Thus, by wind and rain and to some small extent by the agency of insects and birds, the yeasts are conveyed to their secondary breeding place, the soil. This situation, although not of primary importance for purposes of reproduction, is the principal habitat of the Saccharomyceteae ; a fact which has been demonstrated by Hansen, Wortmann and Miiller-Thurgau. Hansen, who devoted the greater part of a long life to the study of the yeast-fungi, in investigating this aspect of their life- history, made analysis of hundreds of samples of soil from various points right across Europe. The results of this work, besides proving the soil to be the chief habitat of the Saccharo- mycete@, threw valuable light upon their distribution with regard to the nature and environment of the soil in which they occur. For instance, in one series of 200 analyses true yeast fungi were found in 67 per cent. of samples under fruit trees and fruit bushes ; in 30 per cent. of those from under deciduous and coniferous trees and only 19 per cent. in samples of soil from distant fields.* On the surface and in the soil even to a depth of 12 inchest yeasts spend the winter in safety, during which time repro- duction takes place only to a small extent and then mostly by means of spore-formation, a characteristic feature of the true yeast-fungi. This process, as well as increasing their numbers, provides an added security (the spore being able to stand adverse conditions much better than the parent cell) and at the beginning of Spring when windy weather is again the rule, the cells or their spores are once more ready for trans- ference to their primary breeding places, the fruits. The bark of various trees is also a common habitat of yeasts. In some instances vast colonies of these organisms are found in viscid, slimy masses to so great an extent as to be considered a disease. A good many such cases are recorded in continental literature, and under the title ‘ Slime-flux,’ this condition is referred to in the ‘ Text Book of Plant Diseases,’ by Massee. No instance, however, of its occurence in this country is given ; an omission, no doubt, on account of its relative non-import- ance from a phytopathological point of view; but I have met * Lafar’s (Salter) Tech. Mycology, II., p. 254. t+ Muller-Thurgau. Naturalist, Mason: The Yeast- Fungi in Nature. 15 with several instances in Yorkshire which have furnished exceedingly interesting material for study, one of which may be related. In the Winter of 1904 I found at Adel, near Leeds, a Birch tree ' suffering very severely from the ravages of Polyporus betulinus, and that the disease was of long standing was evidenced by the prolific crop of sporophores. In the following spring I again visited the tree and found the work of its fungus foe completed. The top portion had been blown off, leaving a long oblique fracture, and the whole of the fractured surface upon the standing portion of the trunk was covered with a greyish-coloured slime, a patch certainly not smaller than two feet long by four or five inches wide. A small quantity of the substance was collected -and upon examination I was astonished to find’ that it consisted entirely of yeast-cells, which proved to be those of Saccharomycodes Ludwigit. Aiter preparing a pure culture of the yeast 1t was transferred - to agar medium in Freudenreich flasks and preserved for future observation. One oi these flasks remained unopened until 1911 when it was again ex- amined ; it was then found that most ot the cells had developed spores, but the culture still contained vigorous cells capable of budding. Two interesting points may be mentioned in connection with this occurrence of S. Ludwigit. The aggregations of this organism, poducing Slime-flux, are usually found upon the oak and have only occasionally been recorded as occurring upon other trees ; the present case is concerned with the birch. As a rule, the slimy exudations upon trees consist of a mixture of organisms such as Endomyces, Yeasts and Torulae, but here S. Ludwigit existed as a pure cuiture so far as it is possible for this condition to obtain under natural conditions. As will have been already gathered, the various species of yeasts cannot be determined by microscopical examination alone. The cells as found in nature must be isolated ; a pure culture prepared, grown in various nutrient media, and spore formation be induced. These operations demand a_ fair knowledge of microscopical technique and some experience 1n methods of pure culture, but not more than are required of the mycologist working at the micro-fungi in general and having the requisite skill to deterime specific differences amongst the members of various families, say of the Phycomycetes and Hyphomycetes. A species of yeast has been found upon Holly Berries ;* systematic examination of the various woodland fruits would doubtless reveal the presence of others, some probably new. There are two genera, each embracing but a single species * Sacharomyces tticis Grénland. 1913 Jan. 1. 16 News from the Magazines. and in each case recorded only by a single observer ; one species in a hazel nut,* the other in the stomach of a water flea. ¢ Some of these organisms occur in the intestinal tract of insects, others have been found in the stomachs of animals. Many may be obtained from the rind of cheese, sauce, jams and other foods found in the household larder. At least one species is known to all; it is the common cell S. cerevisiae used by the professor of botany in ushering his pupils into the mysteries of cell life and structure, and, as is well known, is the yeast used in the production of beer and in the making of bread. These brief notes partake somewhat of the nature of a plea for recognition of the yeasts by enthusiastic workers amongst the fungi. Sufficient has been said to indicate the ubiquity of yeasts in nature and to point out that there is scope for the study of these lowly organisms from aspects other than those of purely economic utility. 5 The Entomologist’s’ Monthly Magazine for December contains two excellent coloured plates of exotic lepidoptera. An address to the Linnean Society on ‘ Minute Life on our Sea-beaches,’ by Prof. W. A..Herdman, is printed in Nature, No. 2248. Mr. S. E. Brock has an interesting paper on ‘ The Tufted Duck in the Nesting Season,’ in The Scottish Naturalist, for December: Among many interesting articles in part 20 of Cassell’s Nature Book® is a charmingly illustrated paper on Lakes and their Formation, by the late Joseph Lomas. : ‘Two Crustaceous Brown Algae from the Danish West Indies,’ is the title of a paper by F. Boergesen, in English, appearing in La Nuova Notarisia, Serie XXIII., published at Modena, Italy. The species de- scribed and figured are Ralfsia expansa, and Aglaozonia canariensis. In an article on ‘ Birds and their fondness for Man,’ in The Animal World, No. 84, Mr. A. R. Horwood seriously tells us that a bird ‘ made its nest in a horse’s tail at Conference Hill, Blood River, during the Zulu campaign. The nest was discovered by a trooper in grooming his charge, and the fact was reported to the commanding officer.’ We regret to notice the announcement of the deaths of W. B. Teget- meier, aged 96, an authority on poultry, etc.; of R. H. Traquair, the zoologist and authority on fossil fishes, aged 72; of W. F. Kirby, entomologist and student of Folk-lore, aged 68; of W. R. Jeffrey, the entomologist, aged 76 years; of Sir George Darwin, the physicist, aged 67, (Sir George was the second son of Charles Darwin); and of Rowland Ward, author and taxidermist. After informing us that ‘the entire scientific world is in a remarkable state of ignorance with regard to flint,’ Sir E. Ray Lankester, in a recent issue of Nature, says ‘ by the word “ flint,’’ we understand the black- looking siliceous nodules which occur in the upper chalk of this country ’ ; that ‘itis clear . . . that the flint was deposited in cavities formed after the solidification of the chalk,’ and that ‘ the silica deposited as agate in trap rocks had probably a different origin from that of flint.’ ed * Nematospora Coryli Peglion. } Wonospora cuspidata Metchnikoff. Naturalist, iy Sn Memoriam. HENRY CULPIN—1861-1912. ALL northern naturalists will receive with great regret the news of the sudden death of the Honorary Treasurer of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, Mr. H. Culpin, of Doncaster. He was found dead at his desk on the morning of Monday, 23rd December, within a very short time of reaching the office. Those who were at the Annual Meeting of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, only a few days before his decease, saw in Mr. Culpin a powerfully-built man in the pride of life, and The late H. Culpin at the source of the Nidd, 1912. none could possibly have imagined that that life was so soon to be brought to a close. In connection with his work as Treasurer of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, Mr. Culpin’s services were incalculable. He took over the work at a time when the finances of the Union were in a somewhat critical state, and by his perseverance, and by exercising rigid economy in every possible direction, was able to point out at the recent Meeting that the financial status of the Union was quite sound, and within easy distance of having a balance on the right side. Mr. Culpin’s experience as Accountant to the Great Northern Railway Company peculiarly fitted him for the position he 18 In Memoriam: Henry Culpin. held, and the lucidity of his Reports on the Union’s finances will long be remembered by those who heard them. In his own town of Doncaster, also, he took a prominent part in the work of the local Scientific Society, of which he had been a member for twenty years, and occupied almost every office, including that of President. He was also instrumental in connection with the formation of the town’s Museum, and gave practical assistance by the gift of many local geological specimens. ; Mr. Culpin’s most valuable scientific work, however, has been in connection with the geology of the Doncaster neigh- bourhood. In recent years the district in which he lived has been bored in all directions for coal. As each boring has progressed, Mr. Culpin, practically single-handed, has recorded, with most minute accuracy and detail, the various beds passed through. He has also collected extensively from them and cor- related them one with another. The results of this work are proving not only scientifically useful, but of great practical and economical importance. There is no question that were it not for this painstaking work, much that is of value would have been for ever lost. One of his discoveries—a bivalve previously undescribed, (Aviculopecten culpini)—was named after him. In a paper read at the Sheffield Meeting of the British Association he was able to add four to the list of five marine bands previously recorded in the Yorkshire Coal Measures. He also paid considerable attention to the usually neglected and difficult Permian strata, and details of his discoveires have appeared in The Naturalist. The Glacial geology of the dis- trict also attracted his attention. The Naturalist has contained the following articles from his pen. They include his first published paper, and his last :— “An Exposure of Upper Coal Measures near Conisborough ’ (Feb., 1905, p. 40); ‘ Recent Exposures of Glacial Drift at Doncaster and Tickhill” * (Sept:,; 1906, pp: 325-327); Geo-) logical Notes on Askern’ (Oct., 1906, pp. 369-370) ; ‘ Geology of Thorne (Sept., 1907, pp. 317-318); ‘ Marine Beds in the Coal Measures near Doncaster’ (Feb., 1908, pp. 39-40, and May, 1908, p. 169); ‘Permian Fossils in the Doncaster District ’ (Aug., 1909, pp, 279-280) ; and ‘ Marine Bands in the Yorkshire Coal Measures’ (Oct., Ig10, pp. 375-376). Details of his work have also appeared in the reports of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union’s Carboniferous Fauna and Flora, and Erratic Blocks Committees. The Proceedings of the Yorkshire Geological Society contain two important papers by him dealing with the marine fossils in the coal measures, * This and the preceding paper were written jointly with Mr. G. Grace, + These two papers were read before the British Association ; and abstracts appear in its Reports for the respective years. Naturalist, Utricularia ochroleuca Hartm. in Yorkshire. 19 and ‘A Post-Permian Fault at Cusworth, near Doncaster ;’ and summaries of his papers have also appeared in The Geological Magazine, The Colliery Guardian, and in the Reports of the British Association. In Mr. Culpin the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union has lost a keen supporter ; geological science has lost a devoted worker ; but the greatest loss of all falls upon his widow, with whom we feel sure every reader of this journal sympathizes and trusts that her two sons and daughter may bring her com- fort in her future lonely road through life.—T-.S. fos UTRICULARIA OCHROLEUCA HARTM. IN YORKS. ARTHUR BENNETT, Croydon. Tuts plant which was described by Hartman in the Botaniska Notiser, pp. 25-32 (1857), I possess from 16 Counties of Scotland, Westmorland (Fox sp.), and Dorset (Linton, sp.), L. Lancashire (Coomber sp.), Mr. Martindale, of Kendall, now writes me that he has specimens from Strensall Common (V.C. 62) gathered in 1881 by the late Mr. George Stabler. Mr. J. G. Baker in North Yorkshire, Tvansactions Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, part 17, 1891, pp. 355, gives only U. vulgaris L., and U. minor L., not naming intermedia Hayne. Every specimen named intermedia should be carefully examined, and most will probably prove to be ochro- leuca. At present I have only seen intermedia from Norfolk (Messrs. Burrell & Clark, sp.), and E. Perth, Sturrock sp. in Perth Museum, it is evidently rare ; probably will be found to be most abundant in Ireland. U. ochroleuca may be distinguished from intermedia by possessing bladders here and there on the leaves (as well as on separate stems) which intermedia never has. The winter-buds in ochroleuca are densely hairy, the leaves have marginal and apical hairs with compound cells at the base, intermedia has simple hairs, and the apex of the leaves generally rounded with a mucro, not acute-acuminate as generally in ochroleuca. Notes on ochroleuca will be found in Annals Scottish Natural History (1903), pp. 123-251, and Tvansactions of Edinburgh Botanical Society (1910), p. O61. Mr. F. A. Lees, in The Flora of West Yorkshire, p. 373, remarks that the Askham Bog plant, has been suggested to be U. neglecta Lehm. There are specimens of neglecta (U. major Schmid.) in the Cardiff Museum Herbarium from “ Potteric Carr.’ Unfortunately I did not record the gatherer. In the Edinburgh Herbarium there are specimens from Chat Moss, Herb, Tatham ex. W. Armstead, under the name of vulgaris. This is V.C. 59, S. Lancashire. 1913 Jan. 1. FIELD NOTES. BIRDS. Bird Notes from Whitby.—On July 27th, a woodcock was found in this district sitting on four eggs. The bird con- tinued to sit until August 6th, when it left the eggs, two of which contained chicks. A common buzzard was trapped a few miles from Whitby about September 7th, and early in November an immature female Peregrine Falcon was taken in a trap in this neighbourhood. Small parties of Shags were flying south along the coast on November 29th, and two immature birds were shot.—THos. STEPHENSON. Unusual Fate of a Long-Eared Owl.—Some little time ago a friend in the South sent me a live Long-Eared Owl. I had intended ‘ enlarging’ it in one of our woods, but in the meantime, kept it in an outhouse. This out-house formerly swarmed with mice. I set a few ‘ Little Nipper’ traps in order to catch some to feed the owl with. Every day I found these traps sprung, and in most cases some little - distance from the point where they were set; in some cases a big spot of blood being either on or near them. I could not understand this, but one morning I found a three-parts-grown rat in one, caught by the nose. I gave him to the owl, for whom he formed a pleasant meal. On the evening of the 11th, I placed food for the owl, who soon came down to it, but on the following morning he was missing. As it was impossible for him to get out I was puzzled. A search revealed a heap of his feathers and a small portion of the carcase. The rats had overcome him and made a meal of him. As the bird was in perfect health and condition, I can only surmise that a party of rats must have attacked him, perhaps over a bit of meat, and had come off best in the struggle.-—R. FORTUNE. —=" Oi —— LEPIDOPTERA. Pterophorus pheodactylus Hub. in Yorkshire.—In the appendix to the list of Yorkshire Lepidoptera, Mr. Porritt recommends the deletion of phe@odactylus as a county species ; it is therefore of considerable interest to record that on July roth, 1902, I found this species in plenty flying over and settling upon its food plant, Rest Harrow (Ononis arvensis), at Sledmere. I boxed about twenty specimens to renew my series, and might easily have taken three or four times the number. At the same time and place I captured a couple of Cnephasia lepidana Curt.=politana Haw.—WM. MANSBRIDGE, Liverpool. -O; The name of Dr. Francis Darwin, F.R.S., appears in the list of New Year’s Honours. He has received a knighthood. Naturalist. 2i MYCOLOGICAL MEETING AT SANDSEND. C. CROSSLAND, Halifax. (PLATE I.). THe Twenty-fourth Annual Mycological meeting was _ held at Sandsend, near Whitby, September 28th to October 3rd ; permission to look through Mulgrave woods, parks and pastures having again been very kindly granted by the Rev. the Marquis of Normanby. We are also once more much indebted to the Rev. W. G. Harland for allowing us the use of the schoolrooms at Sandsend, Monday to Wednesday. The President and seventeen members of the Union, including all the Mycological Committee, with the exception of Mr. J. W. H. Johnson, attended. There were also Miss Ivy Massee, Kew, and Mr. Sharples, formerly of Burnley, recently appointed to a Govern- ment Mycological post in Malay. Mr. and Miss Massee, Mr. Clarke, Mr. Sharples, and one or two other friends arrived on the Friday, and on Saturday had a fine, full day in the woods and pastures. They made up some good baskets, among the specimens being several species of more than ordinary interest, which were shown to the new arrivals on Saturday afternoon. Mr. Massee’s address on ‘ Mycology, New and Old,’ a short abstract of which appeared in the December issue, pp. 366-7, was given in the evening. Rather than overcrowd the opening night, Mr. Clarke agreed to hold over his paper on ‘ The Genus Tricholoma,’ to another day ; see loc. cit. pp. 364-5. Monday was wet, and acted as a deterrent to collecting, yet a few of the younger members ventured into the woods while the older kept inside and worked out the material already gathered. Mr. Wager’s paper on ‘The Sexuality of the Fungi,’ illustrated by the lantern was given in the evening. For short abstract, see The Naturalist, November, p. 328; and for abstract of Mr. Mason’s paper entitled ‘Some notes on the Yeast Fungi,’ see pp. 13-16 hereof. Mr. A. E. Peck, Scarborough, an adept in the art of fungus and other photography, threw on the screen about 150 slides, mostly representing agarics. Their finish is all that can be desired in black and white. It was however, suggested to Mr. Peck that the addition of sections showing the thickness, or thinness of the flesh of the pileus, thickness and substance of stem, depth of gill and its attachment to, or freeness from, the stem, would greatly add to the scientific value of the slides. On Tuesday, Mr. Cheesman discoursed on ‘ The Capillitium of the Mycetozoa,’ aided by a series of large diagrams illustrating Jor3 Jan. 1. oe Crossland: Mycological Meeting at Sandsend. some of the leading types. A general description of these minute borderland organisms, including their various structures, habitat, food, mode of life, formation of sporangia, etc., was given. In describing various forms of capillitia it was pointed out that in many genera this structure is profuse, as in Stemonitis, Comatricha, Trichia, Arcyria, etc. ; in Perichaena it is scanty ; while in Cribraria and Dictydium it is absent. The capillitium and spores are the principal factors in classification. In some genera the lime granules secreted by the plasmodium are deposited in swellings of the capillitium threads, in others as crystals on the outer surface of the sporangial wall. Mr. Cheesman remarked that a knowledge of the various forms of Capillitia was important to the student, and urged that this group offers charms to the naturalist unsurpassed by any other group of organisms. As the week wore on, the fact became more and more apparent that the crop of agarics was much below the average. One would think an abundant crop would follow the plentiful rainfall of last ‘summer,’ but that does not always follow. The weather throughout has been too cold to induce the development of this class of plant. What the mycelium or spawn requires, as every mushroom grower knows, is heat as well as moisture. This season there has been an almost entire absence of the usual summer temperature. The ground has rarely seen the sun in the north here, consequently has never been really warmed. But whatever kind of meteoro- logical conditions prevail they are not suitable to all fungi alike. Tricholoma personatum, a good edible species commonly known as blewits, blue stalks, etc., was noticed growing in a ring at least ten yards diameter, on Sandsend Rigg. ‘ The erratic appearance of agarics, even in ordinary seasons, does not warrant comparisons, yet a few may be made between the number of certain genera previously recorded for this district, and the number noticed this time :— Previously Seen Previously Seen recorded. this time. recorded. this time. Amanita Be hcphey ee Cortinanus 40 .. 10 Lepiota TOW (Eanes Flammula 7 I Tncholoma~§ 41»... II Hebeloma 9 2 Pluteus 6 I Naucoria Z 2 Entoloma TO ths 0 Ba Inocybe 24 6 Leptonia SMELe Rene) What is perhaps the most peculiar in the latter case is that of the six gathered this season, two are new to Yorkshire, one of them being new to Britain—Jnocybe violaceifolia, see plate I, figs. 1-3. This was first found in the United States. The comparative sparseness in the appearance of agarics this season, as indicated in the above table, applies to several other Naturalist, Crossland: Mycological Meeting at Sandsend. 23 genus, but a remarkable exception may be given. The genus Mycena was represented by 15 out of a previous 40 already recorded, but besides the 15, seven others of this well defined and graceful group were discovered, all of which are additions to the flora of Mulgrave Woods; four being new to Britain, and three to Yorkshire; see below. One of the charms of field mycology is its uncertainties. The appearance of fungi is so uncertain that more surprises fall to the lot of a field mycologist than to most other outdoor students of nature. Of course, many fungi are always with us in their season, but even these may appear in abundance one season and sparingly another. We have yet to discover why this should be so; there must be some influence at work to bring about these phenomena, either in the fungus itself or its habitat. Doubtless many move their quarters when the pabulum upon which they have been living becomes exhausted so far as they are concerned, or they die down from other causes. Their shed spores can be easily spirited away by air currents, or carried by insects, or other agencies, to new localities. When we consider the millions upon millions of spores a single toad- stool, puff-ball, or other fungus produces, we can easily imagine the numerous chances they have of becoming established in fresh places, far or near ; further, each one of these vast multitudes of spores, although some are only about ;,4,, of an inch or less longest diameter, is endowed with its speck of life when shed from its parent, enabling it, under suitable conditions, to repro- duce its kind. The spores, or the mycelium they give rise to, may lie dormant a season or two, or the latter may continue to grow several years, spreading unseen beneath the surface of the ground, or inside dead wood, or among rotting leaf mould, and when a suitable time comes round, the mycelium (the real plant) puts forth its fruits, in the shape of toadstools, puff-balls, and other forms according to their race, occasionally in great abundance a season or two, then die down at that particular place. We have seen prolific erratic crops of this kind both in Mulgrave Woods and other places ; the following come to mind at the moment—AHygrophorus cossus, Eccilia atropuncta, Lactarius deliciosus, Mitrula violacea and Humana subhirsuta. A remark on the latter, taken from the Yorkshire Fungus Flora, p. 260, may be quoted :— Elland Park Wood (Halifax), May, 1896, in great quantity ; a patch of ground three or four yards in extent was so covered with the multitude of ascophores as to appear an almost unbroken bed of yellow. In 1897 the fungus was only sparingly scattered at the same spot, and during 1898-9 disappeared altogether.’ In the meantime not the slightest discernible change in the conditions of the spot had taken place. A perusal of mycological records reveals the fact that 1913 Jan. I. 24 . Crossland: Mycological Meeting at Sandsend. numerous forms have been met with only once, still other novelties continue to crop up. Russula virginea Cke. and Mass. was found here last year and again this, in plenty ; previous to last year it had only been recorded for Windsor Forest where it was first found. These constant additions to previous records justify continued research in one and the same locality, and by being permitted to look through one series of woodlands a few seasons in succession very much better scientific results are obtained. Of the ten species found here in 1912, new to the British Flora, four are figured on plate I. The fifth, Agaricus bernardi Quel. is from Cullingworth, near Keighley, discovered and brought to Sandsend, by Thos. Hebden. The following are the descriptions :— Mycena seynit (Quel.) Mass. Eur. Agar. (1902), p. 36; Agaricus (Mycena) seynii Quel. Bot. Soc., France (1878), toa, fy 9} 1Cla. Syn. Hyms Che. and Quel. (1878); pe ‘ Pileus vinous, shining; gills rosy-lilac; stem fistulose, hyaline, purplish, base hairy, white.’ Hab. On rotting leaves. Plate I., figs. 7-8*. Mycena nivea (Quel.). Mass. Eur. Agar. (1902), p. 39; Agaricus (Mycena) niveus Quel. Bot. Soc. France, (1878), t. 2, fn; Cla. Syn: Hym:, Ckesand @ael(1878)), p.-36: ‘ Pileus sulcate, shining white, diaphanous ; gills uncinate ; stem pruinose, base rather swollen, fibrillose. Figs. 9-11. Inocybe violaceifolia Sacc. Syl. IX., p. 98; Ag. (/no.) violaceifolia, Peck. 41. Rep. N.Y. State Museum, p. 66; Mass. Mon. Inocybe, Anns. Bot. Vol. 13 (July, 1904), p. 482. ‘ Pileus convex or almost plane, fibrillose, sub-squamulose, grey, 1-1-5 cm.; gills crowded, adnexed, pale violet, then brownish cinnamon ; stem firm, solid, slender, fibrillose, whitish, 2:5 cm. long; spores smooth, elliptical, 10 X 6:5p, cystidia ventricose, 50-60 X 12-16, fairly numerous.’ Hab. On the ground among moss. This species was first found in the United States. Figs. 1-3. Hygrophorus persicinus Beck ; Mass. Eur. Agar. (1902), p. 72. ‘ Pileus conical then hemispherical, margin incurved, peach colour or somewhat orange, shining, even; gills thick, both ends narrowed, decurrent, edge very obtuse, fuscescent ; stem constricted below gills, pale lilac-peach colour, base yellowish; spores 15-20 X 5-6p.’ Hab. On the ground among short, scanty grass in wood- land. Figs. 4-6. Agaricus bernardit Quel., Cla. Syn. Hym.: Cooke and Quelet (1878), p. 89; Mass. Eur. Agar. (1902), p. 205. ‘ Pileus compact, white, tomentose under a lens, 10-20 cm. across, convex, then expanded, cracked into areolae, greyish white; stem solid, stout, ovate, striate at the apex, ring mem- Naturalist, ‘Crossland: Mycological Meeting at Sandsend. 25 branous, striate above; gills free, greyish pink then bay brown ; flesh white, becoming purplish, then brownish when broken ; spores subglobose, 8p.’ Hab. In pasture, Cullingworth, near Keighley, September, 1g12, Thos. Hebden. In this specimen the spores were rather pale, subglobose with an oblique apiculus, 7-9». Figs. 12-14. The remaining new British things gathered at Mulgrave are:—Mycena simillima Karst., Mycena_ chlorantha Fr., Panus farinaceus Schum., Type, Tomentella ferruginea Schroet., Corticium confine Bourd., Diaporthe (Tetrastaga) insignis Fckl., Melanomma (Trematosphaeria) paradoxa Winter, de- scriptions of all of which will be given in the next article on “Recently discovered Fungi in Yorkshire, VI.’ which we hope will appear next March or April. The two last were found at the Spring meeting. A five days’ visit by the Committee, including Mr. and Miss Massee, was-made May 18th—23rd. On account of its being the height of the game breeding season we could only enter the Woods Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday three of the days open to the general public, and then, of necessity, we confined ourselves pretty well to footpaths. There is a bit of good ground outside the lodge gates in East Row we investigated fairly well. The gathering of fallen twigs, bits of dead branches, and chips, in the search for pyrenomytes and other microscopic fungi, was one of our chief aims. A comparison of the Spring and Autumn additions will show that the former are principally composed of Uredines, Pyre- nomycetes, and other micro-species, making the fact very evident that a Spring meeting is absolutely necessary if we are to get a clear ‘all round’ knowledge of the mycological flora. Agarics and other large fungi are almost entirely absent during the earlier months of the year, while December to April are the best for Pyrenomycetes, and May for Spring fungi generally. The occurrence of the lovely cream and scarlet fairy-cup— Geopyxis coccinea of early Spring, already recorded on the authority of the head woodman, was confirmed at the Autumn meeting by the finding of a premature specimen. The useful and suggestive paper on the Pyrenomycetes communicated by Sir H. C. Hawley was read by the Secretary. An abstract appears in the November issue, pp. 341-3. Sir Henry, who is specialising on this group, attended the spring meeting and gathered material that yielded 41 species of this class, 16 of which proved to be additions to previous Mulgrave records, six being new to Yorkshire, and two to Britain. Further additions were made in autumn, for which see list. Eleven species of Clavaria were brought in; all being forwarded to Mr. A. D. Cotton, Kew, for special examination. g13 Jan.1. 26 Crossland: Mycological Meeting at Sandsend. Four are among the additions for here. A stranger is held over for further consideration. A collection belonging to the order Thelephoracea was sent to Miss Elsie M. Wakefield, Kew. Miss Wakefield is devoting special attention to this not over well-known group. Clitocybe Sadleri Berk., Cooke’s Illustr., p. 127. Specimens of this so-called species were found at the base of a stump at Sandsend. At first sight it had every appearance of a Clitocybe, and according to Cooke’s figure, C. Sadler1., but its few spores were found to have a tinge of purple; other features connected with it left no doubt as to its being an abnormal form of Hypholoma fasciculare. The tuft first-named C. Sadlert was found on an oak tub in a conservatory at Edinburgh by Mr. John Sadler, whose name was given to the agaric by Berkeley under the impression that it was a normal, white spored species. Several mycologists have doubted its being a good species (Mass. Brit. Fung. Flo. II, pp. 441-2), now it is clearly proved it is not. On summing up the results for the year it was found that 107 additionai species had been registered for the district—5o at the spring meeting, and 57 in autumn; no fewer than 10 being additions to the British and 34 to the -Yorkshire Mycological Flora, (see the accompanying lists). A few others are awaiting further consideration. The total now reached is 1,207, or thereabouts. In the following lists of this years additions, those new to this country are marked *+; those to the county f. Lord Normanby was cordially thanked for his great kindness in allowing the Mycological members of the Union to investigate his extensive woodlands a few seasons in succession in autumn ; also the Rev. W. G. Harland for permitting us to use the schoolrooms at Sandsend, Monday to Wednesday. A few days’ meeting in May, 3rd—8th, at Sandsend, was decided upon, and the Union was recommended to ask his Lordship once more to grant permission to visit his woodlands, September 2oth—2z5th, 1913. Miss Massee brought to the meeting a large series of beauti fully executed drawings of both fungi and flowering plants, which were much admired; and Mr. Massee, a useful series of Boletus drawings, one of which enabled Mr. Clarke and myself to identify one of this group hitherto a puzzle to us. Mr. Gibbs and the writer each contributed a fascicle of miscellaneous coloured figures of fungi. Besides his series of coloured Ivicholoma drawings prepared to illustrate his paper, Mr. Clarke had a set representing the mushroom family, displayed on the schoolroom walls. Miss Massee, besides being most active in the field collecting, deftly applied her pencils and paints when indoors and succeeded Naturalist, Crossland: Mycological Meeting at Sandsend. ay in painting in all detail no fewer than twelve species, including six of those new to Britian, five of which appear on the plate. Officers and Committee for 1913, as last year with the exception of the late Mr. R. H. Philip, whose recent loss by death is very much deplored. The additions made at the two meetings are as follow :— May Ig12. Polystictus velutinus, On stump. { Portia hymenocystis. On decaying wood. } Cortictum evolvens. On bark of fallen branches. t Femsjonsia luteoalba. On fallen branches. Uromyces ficayvia. On Ran. ficarria. A few leaves were attacked by both this fungus and U. poae. U. scillavum. On Scilla nutans. Puccinia pulverulenta. On Epi- lobium hirsutum. P. prunt. On Prunus domesticus, Sept., I9QIT. P. fusca. On leaves of Anemone nemoyosa. P. chrysosplenit. On leaves of Chrysosplenitum alternifolium. P. valantiga. On Galium cruci- atum. Phragmidium fragariastyt. On Potentilla fragariastyvum. Hypoxylon serypens. On decaying stump. Phyllachova ulmi. On _ living leaves of Ulmus. P. gunct. On living Juncus stems. Dothidea vibesia. On living Ribes stems. Valsa salicis = Diaporthe salicella. On dead willow twigs. Diaporthe ambiens = . Valsa ambiens. On wych-elm and apple. **D. insignis. On bramble. D. scobina. On ash twigs. + D. crustosa. On holly twigs. Psilospheavia minima Cke. = Wal. vothtella (Fckl.) Sacc. On dead branch. {P. pomiformis (Pers.) = Melano- samma pomiformis. *t Melanomma _( Trematosphaeria) pavadoxa Wint. 1913 Jan. 1. +Strickeria obducens (Fr.) Wint. On dead wood. + Amphisphaeria umbrina (Fr.). D. Not. tGnomonia cerastis Reis. On leaves and petioles of sycamore. +Physalosporva (Dittopella) fusi- spora. D. Not. On alder. Leptosphevia vagabunda Sacc. = Sphaeria fuscella Sacc. Mycol. Ven. On previous year’s twigs of Ribes grossularia. Dasyscypha calycina. On living and dead larch twigs, fortu- nately only sparingly. D. leucophaea. On dead herb- aceous tems. D. sulpharvea. On dead herbaceous stems. Tapesia fusca. On decaying wood. Ciboria amentacea. On decaying alder-catkins. Helotium clarvoflavuum. On de- caying moss-grown branches. Mollisia atrata. On decaying thistles. Pseudopezia petiolaris. On petioles of shed leaves of horse-chestnut. Callovia fusariotides. On dead nettle-stem. }Karschia lignyota. On decorti- cated branch. Peyonospora ficarie. On leaves of Ran. ficaria. P. candida. On Primula officin- alts. Synchytvrium anemones. On living leaves of Anemone nemo- vosa. S. mercurialis. On living leaves and stems of Mercurialis per- ennts. Rhinotrichum niveum. On rotten wood. 28 Crossland: Mycological Meeting at Sandsend. } Clasterospovium opacum. On decaying wood. Brachysporium tingens. caying wood. On de- +Physarum stvanunipes List. +Badhamia populina List. On cast poplar bark. SEPT. 28th—Oct. 3rd. Geastey fimbriatus. Collybia contgena. On fir cones. C. succinea. Among grass. tMycena rubromarginata. *+M. seynit. *t IM. chlorantha. M. luteoalba. tM. nivea. *+M. simillima. 1M. collariata. Chlitocybe tumulosa. Pleurotus ulmartus. P, sevotinus. *+ Inocybe violacetfolia. tI. sindonia. + Naucoria triscopoda. Cortinarius (Tela.) brunneofulvus. C. (Lela.) glandicolor. Agaricus campestris. var. pratensis. In pastures. Stropharia squamoso. var. thrausta. *+ Hyevophorus persicinus. grass in woodland. H., olivaceoalbus. H, leporinus. Russula subfetens. R. fragilis, var. fallax. Lentinus lepideus. *+Panus farinaceus type. Fomes rvesupinatus. Hydnum stevenson. | Corticium leve. C. lactescens. *t Corticium confine. *t Tomentella ferruginea. Peniophora velutina. P. incarnata. The preceding seven on de- Among moss. On elm log. Among caying decorticated wood or on chips. Thelephora biennts. Clavaria luteoalba. C. acuta. C. straminea. The last three on the ground. C: funcea. .On wet decaying leaves, etc. Auricularia mesenterica. Puccinia veronice. On Veronica montana. { Dialonectria (Calonectria) Plow- vightiana Sacc. On dead bur- dock. Phyllachova ulmi. On _ living ulmus leaves. Lophiostoma caulium. On dead Epilobium hirsutum. Lophiodermium pinastyt. On dead pine-leaves. | Hysterium angustatum. {+ Mitrula viride. On bare bank under beech tree. Dasyscypha patula. On dead oak leaves. Phoma rusct. Ruscus. Ptychogaster alba. tT Graphium grove. cated branch. Fusicladium dendriticum. On apples. Stemonitis flavogentta. Brefeldia maximus. Trichia contorta. Cratevium leucocephalum. Badhamia panicea. B. varia=B. utricularis. On dead leaves of On decorti- KEY TO FIGURES ON PLATE 1. Fig. 1—Inocybe violaceifolia Sacc. Nat. size. 2—Section of same. Nat. size. 3—Spores of same. X 400. 4—Hygvophorus persicinus Beck. Nat. size. 5—Section of same. Nat size. 6—Spores of same. ™X 400, 7—Mycena seynit Quel. Nat. size. Fig. ’ 8—Section of same. Nat. size. *8—Spores of same. X 400. 9—Mycena nivea Quel. Nat. size. r1o—Section of same. X 3. r1—Spores of same. X 400. 12—A garicus bernardtt Quel. Nat. size. 13—Section of same. Nat. size. 14—Spores of same. X 400. Nos. 1 to 11 from Mulgrave Woods; 12-14 from Cullingworth. Naturalist, 29 THE ORCHIDS OF THE UPPER HODDER VALLEY. M. N. PEEL, Knowlsmere Manor. To the following observations on the variation and distribution of the orchidaceous plants of Upper Hodder is added a descrip- tion of the three forms assumed by Orchis incarnata and its supposed hybrid with O. maculata (recurva). As far as the specimens obtained in the neighbourhood in question are concerned it would appear that no hard and fast line of de- marcation can be drawn between the two species, but that under favourable conditions they will hybridise, producing inter- mediate forms. I am indebted to Mr. F. Arnold Lees for his notes on some of the specimens. ORCHIS MASCULA. Very common. In Knowl Hill Wood (limestone and very dry) the plants are extremely fine, the spikes reaching six inches in length. ORCHIS INCARNATA. Flowers in mid-July. Of this there are three forms (numbered I, 2 and 3 respectively). No. I occuis in three localities; (1) a bog on Ashnoti Farm ; limestone about 700 ft., with Nos. 2 and 3 and O. maculata. (2) a ditch on Gawker Faim, Yoredale or glacial drift, about 500 ft., by itself. (3) A bog on Slimro Farm, same subsoil as the last ; about 550 ft., with No. 2. Stem about i1 inches, stout, straight, stiff, hollow, brownish below the spike; spike I—2 inches, compact, even ; bracts biownish, three veined, longer than the twisted ovary ; flower, rose or dull pink, variegated darker ; sepals narrow, reflexed as in O. maculata ; tip not lobed, slightly compressed laterally ; spur stout, shorter than the ovary. Leaves four or five, green, unspotted sheathing, lanceolate, tapering pointed, concave, concave at tip.’ Tip of second leaf (and sometimes also of the third leaf) reaching to the summit of the spike, first leafshorter. This varies with the first leaf short and bract-like, hardly sheathing. Form No. 2. Occurs in the three following localities: (rz) Ashnott Bog with No. 1. plentifully (see above) ; (2) Slimro Bog, two or three plants also with No. 1; (3) a ditch on Fouiscales Farm (Yoredale, about 500 ft.) with No. 3. It is taller than No.. 1, spike longer, flowers the exact colour of dark O. maculata (recurva) ; lip more compressed than in No. 1 ; leaves reaching the base of the spike only ; varying smaller and less robust. In the specimens from Foulscales the leaves are wider, longer and stouter, reach- ing the summit of the spike, with a bractlike first leaf. Form No.3. The Hybrid? Ashnott Bog and Foulscales ditch. 1913 Jan, I. 30 Peel: The Orchids of the Upper Hodder Valley. More slender, taller, and less stiff than the preceding ; stem solid, sometimes brown below the spike; spike up to three inches; bracts less conspicuous and _ shorter ; flowers the colour of No. 2 ; sepals spreading ; lip 3, lobed hardly or not at all compressed ; leaves green, unspotted, tapering, pointed, sheathing, hardly concave, flat at tips, waved ; in some reaching the base of the spike, in others shorter ; varying with slightly spotted leaves. {I think so: there can of course only be crossing between cheek-by- jowl growths; and as there is no ew latifolia it must be with one of the two—Gymnadenia is an orchis—which there is on the site.—F.A.L.] No Gymnadenia was present in either locality when the above-named specimens were gathered in July, 1912. (NoTE.—In answer to a question, ‘ Why Orchis incarnata B. & H. should flower so late and (possibly) hybridise with O. maculata?’ the only answer must be the accident of site and elevation and all-powerful opportunity. But the relations of date don’t hold good for all England even. In the 1862 Edition of Babington’s Manual, the Cambridge Professor wrote of incarnata as ‘mostly quite past flowering when latifolia is in perfection in the middle of June.’ But what true broad-leaved majalis Wats. we have, on the limestone slopes and terraces of Teesdale, etc., is climatically compelled to defer its floriation well into June, at least in my experience, but it is sporadically rare and, not dominant, in suitable mires and slacks, as is wncarnata.—F.A.L.| ( ORCHIS MACULATA) Very common, growing in dry places, |: in bogs and in woods. Sometimes the ground colour is almost pure white. [O. vecurva Nyman is O. maculata L. without its O. praecox Webster (which is the earlier name for O. erice- torum). O. recurva has a sub-equal tri-dentate lip; the germen twists in maturation of individual flower until the lip stands uppermost ; leaves maculate infolding, sinu- ously recurving.—F.A.L.] (ORCHIS MACULATA\ Uncommon. Ashnott bog, some little 4 | distance from hybrid No. 3. A {O. ERICETORUM. | few plants mid. July, 1912, ail in ( a more advanced stage of floria- tion than O. recurva, O. incarnata, or hybrid No. 3. [O. ericetorum Linton (praecox Webster) the flowers are paler, often white; lip emarginately rounded with faint anastomosing lines. Both races or forms of the old ag- gregate O. maculata Linn. will hybridise with G. conopsea as wellas O. incarnata. The products mostly want names lo. RECURVA. Naturalist, Peel: The Orchids of the Upper Hodder Valley. 3x but the difficulty is to satisfactorily make out the exact alliance.—F.A.L. ]. GYMNADENIA CONOPSEA. (a) In hayfields, mostly on lime- stone; spike and stem short; flowers sometimes pure white ; flowers June—early July. (0) In bogs, taller and finer; spike reaching six inches or more in length; flowers larger, horizontal, then tilted sideways, purple pink ; sepals spreading ; petals converg- ing; lip with three blunt even lobes, unspotted; spur very long and slender, curved; bracts as long as the ovary inconspicuous ; upper leaves bractlike ; lower in- creasing in size, lanceolate, unspotted, straight, concave ; concave at tips. [This cross-pollinates with any other swamp pasture orchis there may be.—F.A.L.] Both forms are sweet. scented. GYMNADENIA ALBIDA. July, 1912. Two localities only. (1) limestone hayfield, dry, with H. chlorantha and G. conop- sea form (a) Eight plants. (2) Sandstone, hayfield, wet, with H. chlorantha and O. rvecurva. Two plants. Of one of these Mr. Lees writes, “The largest specimen I ever saw, and perfectly distinctive.’ [Lhe grand ascertained fact, of recent proof, is that close allies will hybridise (more or less efficiently marry), through the agency of insects, and afford us a not inexact parallel to the alliances of the human race. . G. conopsea is known to cross-pollen with G. albida and Hab. viridis, and I think it not unlikely that another year this hybrid, G. Schweinfurthii Heg. may be found in Bowland asin Scotland. The full germen’d specimens sent, seem to hint at pure breed, or only just enough refreshing stimulus to strengthen the strain of vegetative vigour.—F.A.L.] HABENARIA VIRIDIS. One locality only, and there very scarce. A dry limestone pasture near Newton, in rg1r and 1g712. Previously found by the Rev. Wm. Crombie. HABENARIA BIFOLIA. A damp meadow on Yoredale about 600 ft. One plant only, 1912. Differs from the next in the smaller size, smaller and greener flowers, straighter spur, more narrow sepals, parallel anther cells and more compact and even spike. HABENARIA CHLORANTHA. In three localities (a) on limestone, dry, fairly plentiful; (+) on Yoredale, damp, rare; (c) sandstone, damp, uncommon. LISTERA CORDATA. Bog on Waddington Fell, 1,100 ft. LIsTERA OVATA. Very common; often extremely fine. EPIPACTIS PALUSTRIS. One locality only, a bog on limestone (or a glacial clay containing many limestone boulders), about 450 ft. with Menyanthes and G. conopsea. 1913 Jan. 1. 32 Peel: The Orchids of the Upper Hodder Valley. [Eprpactis ‘ LATIFOLIA.’ I have an old note for this in Gibbs’ Wood, but it was almost certainly the next]. EPIPACTIS VIOLACEA (or media, atro-viridis). (See article on the Helleborines by Mr. F. Arnold Lees in The Naturalist, March, 1910). Grows in three colonies in Gibbs’ and Ash- not Woods on Yoredale and Limestone. Is troubled by insects but holdsitsown. Flowerslate July. Most of this wood was planted during 1809 or 1810. [Brought with young trees, I think.—F.A.L.] - Os The Home Life of the Terns. By W. Bickerton, M.B.0.U. London: Witherby & Co., 88 pp., 32 plates, 6s. net. Mr. Bickerton has written an extremely interesting account of the habits of the five species of British breeding Terns, which as far as the localities in which he has worked,*the writer can testify is very accurate. The author’s experience has, however, been limited to two localities, the first the well known Cumberland resort, Ravenglass; the second not named, but easily recognisable. Unfortunately it is impossible to make definite statements with regard to any particular species by the experience gained in one breeding haunt, as environment no doubt alters the habits of birds to some extent. With regard especially to the Sand- wich Terns, the birds on the Farnes are later in nesting than at Raven- glass and when they have finished their home duties at the latter place there are still many eggs or newly hatched young on the Farnes. The Author states also that this species does not choose to nest altogether in one particular spot, nor in one continuous area. This is certainly the case at Ravenglass, but on the Farnes they nest in two large colonies, as they doin one or two places in Holland. (He falls into a similar error with regard to the Lesser Tern, though quite correct as regards Ravenglass, does not apply to other haunts). It is interesting to.note that he has never seen a nest containing more than two eggs. It is certainly unusual to see more, but I have photographed one at Ravenglass containing three and have several times seen them with three eggs on the Farnes. It is somewhat curious that the watcher at Ravenglass considers that the light coloured young ones are hatched from light coloured shells and dark young ones from dark coloured shells, as this is the belief of Darling, the watcher on the Farnes, The author does not mention the fact that a nest frequently contains a young one of each shade. In dealing with the Arctic Tern, mention is made that in the particular haunt referred to there are many birds with white on the head, showing immaturity. Itis rather strange that with his experience at Ravenglass, he has not noticed that | the Sandwich Terns have, towards the end of the nesting season, but while still incubating, a considerable amount of white on the forehead, showing that they are assuming winter plumage before their domestic duties are finished. The author falls into a fault possessed by many bird photo- graphers, in assuming that he is the first to photograph a particular species. In Mr. Bickerton’s case, this I am perfectly sure is not intentional. The Roseate Tern was photographed on its nest long before the time he names, and I have photographs of both birds, nests and young. Mr. Bickerton’s experience with the Roseate is confined to eight nests and he concludes that they only lay one egg. I have seen many nests. One resort I know of will contain, I should say, about 50 pairs of birds, but the nests coming under my own observation have practically always had 2 eggs. There are many more matters one would like to touch upon did space permit. The illustrations, as might be expected by anyone who knows the author’s skill, are exceedingly fine and in practically every case excellently reproduced. The book can be thoroughly recommended as a careful and reliable account of the habits of the birds in the two particular haunts in which he has worked.—R. F. Naturalist, 33 NOTES ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF HORNSEA MERE. GEORGE BOLAM. I went to Hornsea Mere on 20th April, 1912, on behalf of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union Wild Birds’ and Eggs’ Pro- tection Committee, and remained till 2oth July, finding lodgings at the East Lodge, Wassand, which is the most convenient end of the Mere for observation. The following notes on the Natural History of the Mere may, it is hoped, be useful to future workers; but they are only the first impressions of a stranger to the district, and must not be regarded as anything more, nor as in any way exhaustive of the subject. The water of the Mere covers about 470 acres. Its surface is only about twelve feet above sea level, and nowhere is it deeper than ten or twelve feet. Its bottom is, in many places, covered by a considerable accumulation of soft mud, but here and there it is hard, stony, and ‘clean’; its ridges and islands being glacial deposits, in every way similar to those on the adjoining land. In several places round its margin there are large solitary boulders, chiefly of granite, or porphyry, and many smaller ones. Over the muddy parts Fresh-Water Mussels (Anodonta cygn@éa) are numerous and of large size; other fresh-water molluscs are also abundant. There are extensive beds of Reeds (Arundo phragmites), particularly at the upper end, varied by large ‘ fields’ of Reed Grass, or Manna Grass (Glyceria aquatica), Bullrushes (Typha latifolia), and two or three of the common coarse Sedges. Up till recently, these beds were extensively cut and used as straw for horses, etc..—' Flagging’ being the collective name given to the litter in the locality—but the practice has been almost wholly discontinued during the last year or two by Captain Constable, in the interests of the birds. Outside these beds there are considerable extents of Bog Bean, Equisetum, Iris, Pota- mogeton, and Yellow Water Lily (a few plants of the white Nymphea alba lately introduced in the bay behind the Lady Island are doing well, but have not yet spread), with many stately clumps of Great Water Dock and other lacustrine plants. In the ditches, Water Violet (Hottonia palustris), Arrow Head (Sagittaria), and Bladderwort (Utricularia vul- gavis) are common, and large corners are filled with tall growths of Hairy Willow-herb, Holcus, and other rank-growing plants. In the Low Wood, which, since the heightening of the water in the Mere, has become largely an almost impenetrable morass, trees and herbs are tied together with a tangle of Woody Night- shade ; ditches are bordered with tall Canary Grass (Phalaris 1913 Jan. 1. G 34 Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. arundinacea), and the monotony of the dense beds of Reeds and Reed Grass is varied by a little Skull-cap (Scutellaria galericulata), Gipsy-wort (Lycopus), Great Spearwort, Marsh Figwort, Milk Parsley (Peucedanum palustre), and Sium latifolium, some of them being forced up to an unusual height in order to reach the light amongst their tall companions. | Round the landward sides of the Mere some of the botanical features are the profusion of Spotted and Marsh-Orchis (O. mascula and latifolia), Meadow Rue, Valerians (V. dioica and officinalis), Lychnis flos-cucli, Ragworts (here called “Segrams’), Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia), and Lady’s Smock. In the woods, Enchanter’s Nightshade, and Tway-blade are much in evidence, and Epipactus latifolia was noticed. The Reeds are of unusually strongth growth, some of those near the Round House being measured last year and found to exceed 14 feet in height, while this season they promise to be even taller. I suppose 1912 will be long remembered as a bad season. When I arrived at Wassand much of the land was so dry and hard that the farmers could not plough it, nor get their corn sown ; while after the rains started they were so’ continuous that it left agriculture in little better plight. Some oats were not sown till well onin May ; many bean fields had to be plough- ed up as useless from “ blight’; and up to 20th July farmers were still trying to sow turnips, and most of the hay was out, much of it uncut. Up to the middle of May the weather remained dry, and, though it was cold, birds did fairly well. On 22nd May, rain and floods began, and it continued wet throughout the remain- der of the season. As some record of this may be of interest, as well to illustrate my remarks as for future reference, a copy of a summary of his records at Sigglesthorne (only a mile or so west of the Mere), kindly supplied to me by Captain Bethell, R.N., will be appended. As more particularly remarked upon ‘under the headings of the various birds, we had many nests, especially of water-fowl, drowned by the floods and storm of 22nd to 24th May, floods which were repeated at short intervals afterwards, though most of the harm to wild birds was then already done. The level of the water in the Mere is regulated by a sluice at Hornsea, the key to the gates of which is kept by Mr. Holmes at his boating establishment, as agent for and on behalf of Captain Constable, the sole owner of the Mere. The sluice- gates are seventeen inches high, so that, when they are closed, the water in the Mere can be raised by that amount. Of late years they have been, for the most part, kept closed, the owner of Wassand preferring to have the water-level high. Naturalist, -Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. 35 This, in itself, probably makes no great difference to the birds, provided no floods intervene ; but when a dry spring is followed by a wet summer the bad effect is obvious; though of course the same conditions would obtain—only slightly less aggravated—if the gates were not there and the water (in a dry spring) fell much below the outlet. In either case the level of the Mere must rise after rain until the water is able to escape over the outlet, and it only becomes a question of how far below the outlet the water falls, and, therefore, how much it must rise again before it can escape. When I first saw the outlet, the sluice gates were closed, and had been for long past, but owing to the very dry spring the water had dwindled (by evaporation and other natural causes) until it had fallen below the level of the outlet, so that at this time there was no overflow, and before there could be any it was necessary that the level of the Mere should rise at least 17 inches, unless the gates were opened. When it is remembered that under these conditions, and at the then level of the water, most of the birds made their nests, it will be readily understood how, when the rains came, so many of the nests were flooded. As a matter of fact the water in the Mere rose during the 22nd and 23rd May, more than 5 inches. Later floods were as great—perhaps even greater—but to confine oneself to the first will be sufficient. Had the sluice gates remained closed the water must have risen other 12 inches before it began to escape over the top of the gates, which would have meant wholesale destruction to the nests; but on the 23rd I got Mr. Holmes to open one gate and this had the effect of checking any further serious rise during that flood.* When the Mere is low, and the weather warm—and when as a natural con- tingent there is little inflow—evaporation alone will sometimes absorb more water than comes in, and the level of the Mere is then lable—as happened last year—to be lowered considerably below the outlet—z.e., below even the bottom of the sluice- gates. If nests were built under such conditions, and a flood came, there would be no possibility of saving such of them as were below, or nearly equal with the level of the natural outlet. With the sluice-gates in operation, the position is somewhat modified, and in the interests of the birds alone some such treat- ment as the following might be suggested ; it being only neces- sary to remark that there may be, and possibly are, other and weightier interests to consider. The best course would be to keep the water up to the level of the top of the sluice-gates in * Mr. Holmes informed me that when both gates are open—and with a normal inflow of water—the level of the Mere can be reduced one inch in the course of 24 hours. 1913 Jan. 1. 36 Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. spring, whenever possible. When it is in that condition there is no great chance of the Mere becoming flooded to any appreciable or harmful extent, as it has then a natural overflow in full working order. Should the water fall, however, during the latter part of April, or May, say more than a couple of inches. below the top of the sluices (the outflow having then, of course, ceased) great care should be exercised to ensure that, as far as possible, no further rise be permitted, say before the end of June; to avoid this either one or both gates being opened as far as necessary in the event of heavy rain coming. If careful attention was paid to this point, the rise, or fall, of the water could thus be controlled to the extent of the height of the sluice-gates—17 inches—which should, in any average year, be anample margin. Of course it assumes two important conditions ; first that the April level of the Mere can be got up to the 17 inch level, and secondly that there is a reasonable chance of maintaining it for a month or two somewhere between that point and the bottom of the gates—17 inches lower. Should the water, despite all precautions, fall below that point, of course it gets out of control, and all that can then be done is to set the gates open and keep them so during the remainder of the nesting season, ready to allow a free overflow as soon as the water rises up to them. In this way any serious summer flood could be made reasonably unlikely, if it could not be altogether prevented. Had it been followed this year it would have prevented the unfortunate drowning of nests which took place in May. Of serious human poaching on the Mere I am glad to be able to report that there was this year practically none. The local people understand pretty well that the place is preserved and looked after, and from the holiday crowds not much inconvenience was experienced. Along with Taylor, I, of course, took special precautions on big holiday days, and all those who were trespassing, and had to be turned back, took it in good part and went quietly away. Most of them probably came in ignorance, or through carelessness in not having read the printed instructions posted up in Holmes’ Boat House and in the boats. Some of them, more disposed to wit than their fellows, assured me that they ‘ were not naturalists but only harmless holiday-makers’ ! Few or no eggs were taken, I think, except those of some common bush- and hedge-building birds, which fell in the way of children, and the latter we never had much difficulty in keeping under control. There is, however, one very bad poacher at Wassand to whom a line or two may be devoted, although I am afraid that naturalists and birds alike must agree to put up with his constant presence and lay their plans accordingly. He has been known since the time of Linnaeus as Camis vulpes. Naturalist,. Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. 37 The coverts here are primarily devoted to his convenience, and some of the reed-beds on the Mere, and the Low Wood in particular, are his chief nurseries in Holderness. The latter is a sanctuary from which not even hounds could push him if he were minded to remain, and it is solely to his roving love of the open field that the Hunt has so often been indebted for the many good runs that have had their starting point here. The same sporting qualities have sufficed to condone the depre- dations he is continually committing amongst both game and other less generally appreciated birds. I have seldom seen Foxes so numerous, and so fearless of human presence, as they are at Wassand, and my note-book contains many interesting experiences of them; but I must here content myself with a summary of the remains of birds, etc., noted from time to time round about one earth on the borders of the Mere, which I used very frequently to visit, and in which a fine litter of cubs was reared this year. The litter was only one of several brought up in the immediate vicinity. Among these skeletons of the feast, the fresh remains of domestic poultry might be noticed almost daily, some fine Buff Orpingtons and other fashionable birds among them, more than once a large and full grown cock, whose size and age, if not his sagacity, might (one would have supposed), have deterred his being brought to so untimely an end. Wood pigeons, rooks (especi- ally after the young ones were fledged), rabbits, hares, rats, blackbirds, starlings, once the wing of a brown owl, and occasional pheasants and partridges, constituted the bulk of the remainder. Feathers and bits of various small birds were not unusual, and of birds more particularly under my care were the remains of several wild ducks, and on six occasons of a pochard. These ducks were all females, and no doubt taken from their nests. Public boating has for about 25 years past been allowed over the Hornsea end of the Mere, extending to about three quarters of the entire water area. Only a comparatively small portion of the Wassand end is now kept private, the boundary of the open water being marked by a line of posts stretching across the Mere just to the east of the Lady Island. The public boating is solely in the hands of Mr. Holmes, Captain Constables’ tenant of the boat-houses, etc., at Hornsea, and is allowed subject to regulations which are printed and posted up on Mr. Holmes’ premises, and in each boat; they do not permit landing except on Swan Island, and prohibit all trespass into the beds of reeds, etc., as well as any interference with birds or their nests and eggs. Before boating was allowed, Taylor tells me a large number of ducks used to nest upon Swan Island, and the adjacent islet, but only very few breed there now. The Lady Island is still 913 Jan. 1. 38 Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. a partial sanctuary for them, though, through the growing up of the channel which separates it from the mainland, it is liable to be visited by foxes, and other enemies, in dry seasons. As a matter of fact it was constantly so raided this year, prior to the rains setting in, and my removal of the planks which then spanned the channel. There are no other islands, and there can be no doubt of the beneficial effect it would have on the number of wild-fowl breed- ing here if the Lady Island were made an island in good fact by the widening and deepening of the channel. Nor would it be a very great undertaking to construct other artificial islands as breeding places in several of the shallower portions of the Mere. In addition to their usefulness for wild-fowl, there can be little doubt that the presence of more islands would soon add greatly to the picturesqueness of the Mere, and possibly to its value in other respects. A breeding sanctuary or two for birds, in some of the larger reed-beds, might also be made fox-proof by means of wire netting at comparatively little cost, and could probably have nothing but beneficial effects in every direction. A good slice of the Low Wood Morass, so enclosed, ought quickly to become a paradise for birds ; while its enclosure, instead of having any ill effect upon the place asa fox-covert, could easily be so arranged as to actually improve it in that direction, in that it might be much more possible to get a fox away from the wood on days when he was less inclined than usual to be moved. The Mere is plentifully stocked with Pike, Perch, Roach, and Eels, all of which grow to large size, and the excellence of the fishing is well known and appreciated. Should it ever be desired to increase its value, the introduction of Trout—at present there are none—would, in my opinion, be a good. paying investment. There are also Sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) in the Mere, some of those I saw in April and May being quite black both above and beneath. Similar black sticklebacks inhabit most of the adjoining watering places, in the fields, and the ditches, where they keep company with plenty of both Common and Great-crested Newis, the latter being, apparently, the most abundant species. The largest Pike Taylor has seen killed during his thirty- two years’ residence, he caught himself some years ago, and it weighed twenty-five pounds. In his record season he killed 1,800 pike, that too being some years ago. The largest single day’s bag made in his time was on 4th March, 1884, when Mr. Higgins, Vicar of Foston, and his curate, spinning with roach, killed thirty-six pike, weighing twenty-eight stone, of fourteen pounds to the stone, all big fish, the small ones being returned and neither counted nor weighed. The record Pike for the Mere, during the last thirty years, was caught at Hornsea- Naturalist, Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. 39 end, from Holmes’s boat-house, several years ago, and weighed 271 lb., measuring 3 feet 8} inches in length. During July of the present year I was in the boat with Taylor two or three times when a pike was wanted, and we had little difficulty in catching them, three or four each time, running from about three to eight pounds. The smaller ones were returned to the water. On Ist July, in the stomach of one of about five pounds, were two eels, one fifteen inches long, the other about a foot. Taylor has frequently seen eels in those caught before, but has never found any remains of birds in any pike he has opened. Last season, I was informed that pike were so scarce that actually none was caught ! Roach of upwards of a pound in weight seem to be common here. Holmes has a photograph of quite a number considerably exceeding that weight killed by one of his boats in one day’s sport a year or two ago. I saw several dead ones about the sides of the Mere from time to time, well up to a foot long, the largest being 144 inches, and occasional shoals of fish some of which were quite as large. Holmes’s record Roach, during the twenty-six years he has been here, was killed this spring, and weighed 2 lb. 134 ounces. Perch of a pound weight are also frequent. I saw some large ones in the water, and five caught by the children from Wassand, a day or two before I left, averaged more than a pound, the two largest being well over two pounds apiece. Of Eels I used to see many, and large ones, about the fringes of the reeds. Of one of them I had a leisurely view, under a foot or two of water, at the Wassand end of the Mere, on 11th July, and it was one of the largest eels I ever saw. It was lying half buried in the mud, and I rowed back to the boat- house for a gaff in order to try and catch it, but the gaff was very blunt, and it made off on my striking at it. In the thickest part it was quite as thick as the oars I was using at the time, and must have weighed some half-dozen pounds, I estimated, perhaps even more. Among insects, Midges are a feature of the place, and a sight worth beholding at Wassand. On a calm evening they come out in swarms, and fly over the tops of the trees in dense smoke-like columns which can be seen, with ease, across the width of the Mere. On the Hornsea road the crowds dancing under the lea of the hedges are often so vast that they make quite a haze on the landscape, often bearing a curious re- semblance to clouds of dust raised by passing motor-cars at a short distance. Mosquitoes—of at least two species—are a bane to anyone working about the damp woods. They are rather aptly called “ gimlet-noses’ by the natives, and almost every day my legs were more or less—generally more !—bitten through my thick 1913 Jan. 1 40 Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. woollen stockings. This nuisance deters most of the resi- | dents from wearing knickerbockers, and I was told, when I went so clad, that I should be obliged to get gaiters of some sort before the summer came. I did not do so but I suffered for it ! It was no doubt a poor season for Lepidoptera, as I noticed very few, and none of any particular note. I took a dead specimen of Hemerophila abruptaria floating on the Mere near Hornsea in April: a Small Elephant Hawk moth, flying at Heslop’s reeds on the evening of 27th June; a Gold-spangle, some of the common Wainscots, and other common things the same night; and saw several Mania maura on the wing, a Small Angleshade, Buff-tips, some Dianthecias, etc., during the next few days. Twin-spot Carpets were very numerous, some of them unusually dark varieties. The Swallow-tailed moth is common; also Gold-tail, Wood Swift, etc. The Gold Swift was also numerous along the edges of the reeds, etc., and beautifully bright in colour. A Humming-bird Hawk moth appeared at the rhododendrons about the boat-house from time to time, and I saw one also at Hornsea on 24th June. On the latter date Painted-lady butterflies appeared ; Green- veined Whites on 22nd April ; Large Garden White and Orange- tips on 8th May; the latter were fairly numerous later in the season. A large batch of Peacock larve were on nettles near the round-house. The willows in many places are bored by one of the large Sesza larve—probably S. bembeciformis. It may perhaps be of interest to remark, en passant, that I heard much talk of the swarms of white butterflies which appeared at Wassand last summer. ‘ They covered the fields like a snowstorm,’ I was told by more than one interested person, and their larve later ‘ate up all the cabbages and everything else’ in the cottage gardens. Of the mammals, Foxes have already received attention. It seemed to me extraordinary that there should be no Otters here. There were certainly none on the Mere this year, for I looked for any trace of them in vain, and Taylor, who pays great attention to all such things, and is thoroughly to be relied upon, told me that .he had never known but one during all the years he has been here, and that was many years ago. Stoats, Weasels, and Hedgehogs are as numerous as they are permitted to be. Taylor kills a fair number of each every year, but others are always coming in from neighbouring and less preserved estates. Stoats go under the name of ‘ clubbies,’ or ‘club-starts’ here, and I saw one or two, trapped and otherwise, from time to time. Taylor told me that they killed a polecat at Nunkeeling—a few miles north of Wassand—a few years ago, which he believes was a genuine wild example of Mustela putorius—or are we to call it Putorius putorius now ?— Naturalist, Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. 41 but he regards the Polecat as ‘ about extinct now,’ and has not seen one for many years. Mus sylvaticus is of course common, and is here generally called ‘ the dormouse ’—the true Dormouse does not seem to occur here—but although I handled many they did not vary from the ordinary type. Water Voles are common, but by no means abundant, less so, in fact, than the common Brown Rat, of which Taylor’s traps in the woods, etc., were always pro- ducing a few, his persistence in killing these worst of all common “vermin ’ being worthy of all commendation, keepers too often regarding rat-catching as beneath their dignity. Field Voles and Bank Voles are both abundant, the latter seeming to delight in the dampness of the Low Wood, and in the borders of the swamps. The Water Shrew does not seem to be very common, as I only saw one or two, all of the black- and-white form. The Common Shrew is no doubt common, though I did not see it often, while some of those caught were unusually small specimens, scarcely larger than Sorex minutus. The latter appears to be rather common in the Low Wood, where I trapped several examples from time to time. Bats were numerous on the few fine nights we had, but I found great difficulty in procuring specimens for identification, Taylor having a great antipathy to destroying any harmless animal for what he considers mere caprice. The Noctule is fairly abundant: one or two were shot, and many frequently seen, but they were not much noticed till near the end of June. A small boy at the East Lodge, however, had one when I| arrived there on 20th April, which he had seen a sparrow pull out of the ivy and begin to worry on the ground, from which he rescued it; but it died, either from his rough handling or the sparrow’s. On ist July, I captured twenty-one Noctules —three others escaping—in a hole in a tree in which a star- ling had already reared its young. Ofthose caught fifteen were adult females and six more or less ‘ fledged’ young ones. Several of the females were on the verge of becoming mothers, while some of those to whom the young belonged were giving milk. There was no adult male in the colony. The majority of the captives were allowed to fly again, and others were put back into the hole, but the latter was afterwards deserted. Other colonies occurred in other places. The Pipistrelle is abundant, several being captured or killed. The Long-eared Bat is also probably common, a pair or two being seen from time to time about the trees, and one was shot. Daubenton’s Bat is numerous over the Mere, and is no doubt the species which inhabits the boat-house, though I was unable to capture an example there. Several were knocked down on different evenings over the water. There was another species of bat fairly numerous about the buildings at Wassand—where there 1913 Jan.1. 42 Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. are also many Pipistrelles—but I was unable to secure specimens except on one occasion, on 27th June, when I got a Whiskered Bat, and this may have been the species. At Hornsea I also noticed several medium-sized bats on the wing which I felt convinced belonged to a sixth species, but they flew out of reach of my wand, and I could not identify them. From about the end of June a very pale-coloured bat was seen between Wassand and the East Lodge, but it could not be caught. In certain lights, in the dusk, and against the dark foliage of the trees, it appeared almost buff. Apparently there was only the single individual, and as it kept company with Pipistrelles I set it down as a pale variety of that species. With regard to future watching I should like to add that in John Taylor, the gamekeeper at Wassand, the birds on the Mere have the most efficient protector that your Society has ever employed, and this, of course, throughout the year, not for the nesting season only. He has been on the place thirty-two years, and knows birds well, and takes a keen and kindly interest in them. Unlike many of his brothers in the profession, he never shoots a vara avis, but, on the contrary, takes a lively interest in any that appear, and in their pro- tection, and will not tolerate their being interfered with by anyone under his control. I should also like to say that by placing his boats at my unreserved disposal, and by a number of similar thoughtful attentions, Captain Constable added much to the pleasure and usefulness of my sojourn at his gates, thereby placing me, and the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, still further in his debt. From Taylor, too, and indeed from everybody with whom I came in contact, I experienced nothing but kindness, and a desire to further in every possible way my own whims and the work the Union has at heart, attentions which rendered my stay at Wassand an unmixed pleasure, or what should have been so had the weather been only just a little more propitious. With regard to birds I have thought it advisable to include all the species seen. Where no entry occurs it may be taken that the species was not noticed by me. MissEL THRUSH.—Breeds numerously, and a nest of fledged young in the Hall grounds on 30th April may be noted as rather unusually early. SonGc THRUSH, abundant. FIELDFARE.—A party of six at Wassand on 27th April— a very cold evening; the last seen. BLACKBIRD.—1 wo or three partially pied birds were noticed from time to time round Wassand. A cock, with a considerable amount of white on his head, and one or two white patches in one wing, bred near the ‘stick heap’ at the back of the Naturalist, Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. 43, gardens, but the young showed no white in their nestling plumage. WHEATEAR.—Not seen in the immediate neighbourhood of Wassand, but odd birds were frequently noticed on that part of the shore of Mere nearest to Hornsea Bridge, and probably bred thereabouts. A pair or two nest on the sea banks. WuHINcHAT.—Not common, but a pair nested near the Stud Farm, another at Heslop’s reed-bed, on the south side of the Mere, and another pair near Holmes’s boat-house. A male at the latter place on the 24th May was the first seen. STONECHAT.—Not seen. REDSTART.—Numerous, and males in full song on the north side of the Mere, between Hornsea and Wassand, as also about the Hall, on the 20th April, and for a few days later, but they soon left, and none, I think, remained to breed—at least none were seen later. Rogpin.—Of course common. The foundations of a second nest were laid against the root of an up-blown beech tree* near the ‘Shambles Gate’ (into the Low Wood) on Ist June ; first egg laid on 6th, and one each day up to roth, when bird began to sit upon five eggs; hatched on 24th, fledged 7th July. The FLYCATCHER began to sit on 12th June, the first of five eggs having been laid on 7th; young hatched on 26th, but fell victims to an enemy (? jackdaw or boy) on 27th. The WReEN began to lay on gth June, laid each day up to 13th, when it began sitting on five eggs, which were still being sat on when they disappeared on 28th. Another second nest of a Robin against the boathouse wall fledged about 1st July. WHITE-THROAT.—Fairly common, several nests. First arrivals noticed at Hornsea on 30th April; a nest of fledged young on gth June; another next day. It is called ‘ Peggy White-throat ’ by the men at Wassand. LESSER WHITE-THROAT.—Also_ fairly common about Wassand. A male was in song at East Lodge early in morning of 29th April—a bitterly cold day. Several others noticed in adjoining woods later on same day. Nests at East Lodge (in garden), at keeper’s cottage (fledged 7th July), Boathouse, Wood, etc., and on roadside near Sigglesthorne. On 30th April birds in song were noticed in several places. BLAcKCAP WARBLER.—Common, but perhaps less so than Garden Warbler. A male was in song at Hornsea on 20th * This tree root was remarkable in that it sheltered, at the same time, nests of Coal Tit, Robin, Spotted Flycatcher, and Wren; all on the face of the little cliff of earth raised by the mass of roots. The young tits were fledged within a few days of the time the other birds began to build, or lay, but all the others started building on or about the same day—June 1st—there being only indications of their nests that morning. 1913 Jan. 1, 44 Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. April, when I arrived. Several about there during next few days, also round Wassand. On 28th and 2gth April numbers increased ; several nests seen. GARDEN WARBLER.—Common ; apparently more numerous than Blackcap. Several nests seen; one nearly fledged 14th June ; one building two days later—laid four eggs and hatched four young on 27th June; robbed, almost certainly by Brown Owl. Another building 21st May. GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN.—Generally present in the woods and Taylor has usually seen a nest in Boat-house Wood, but the fir trees are nearly all dead there now, and no nest was seen this year. On 15th May, however, I saw a single bird in Boat- house Wood, and another near the Hall a week or two later. These were the only individuals I saw. CHIFFCHAFF.—One was singing near the Hall on 21st April, but not heard again till 27th June, when two were singing during most of the day, the one in Low Wood, the other at Stick Heap, Wassand. One was in song in Low Wood again on 28th, but was never heard again anywhere in the locality. The WiLLow WREN was more numerous on and about 20th April, when I arrived, than later; a few nests, however, in most places. There were some just-fledged young on 2oth June. The species is not so abundant here as in many places. Woop WrREN.—None seen, and Taylor did not know it. REED-WARBLER.—Abounds all round the reedy portions of the Mere, but sticks very faithfully to Phragmites, and I saw no nests built except in the orthodox way, on the stems of that plant, and above water. Its chorus of song was.a treat to hear in the very early mornings—just before dawn, and while all the other birds were yet silent—and this was con- tinued without perceptible diminution up to the time I left (2zoth July). The first arrival was heard singing at the edge of Low Wood on 27th April. On 28th one—perhaps the same bird—took up its quarters on the margin of Boat-house Channel, and continued in daily song there throughout my stay, and bred there; but no others were seen or heard till 8th May, when many arrived, and were singing in various places round the Mere in early morning. On 25th May they had become numerous, and were very active, showing themselves on the top of reeds, etc., in a manner they had not previously done. Several were noticed building nests by this date, both sexes being so engaged. I did not disturb the reed-beds at this time, and the first eggs did not happen to be seen till roth June, when a very cursory examination of a small portion of Lady Island revealed three nests of five eggs each, all partly incubated, and one with young—also five in number—of a few days old. During the next ten days many other nests were seen about the margins of the reed-beds, several with Naturalist. Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. 45 young, but some still with eggs on 2oth June. On 5th July many fledged young were seen on Lady Island and elsewhere, but there was still one nest with two fresh eggs, and an old bird sitting upon another of five eggs. On Ioth July a pair was building a nest at Little Boat-house. SEDGE-WARBLER.—Common and abundant, but not so much so as the Reed-Warbler on the Mere itself. The nests thereabouts were chiefly in rough sedges and bushes, and none in reeds. A nest or two, also, in many of the hedges in neighbouring fields, and as far into the country as my. wan- derings led—never very far from the Mere. I went to Wassand on 2oth April, and next morning found many Sedge-Warblers round the Mere. Many more arrived early on 5th May, singing at first in fringes of reeds, etc., round the Mere, but within a few days giving place to Reed- Warblers there, and retiring to the scrub of Low Wood, etc., and the neighbouring hedges. There was a nest with six eggs on 28th May, and many fledged young by 2oth June. The GRASSHOPPER WARBLER was not noticed by me, nor did I hear of it. HEDGE-SPARROW.—Common, of course, and here called ‘ Cuddy.’ BEARDED Tit.—Early in April, 1911, Mr. St. Quintin turned down three pairs of these, and a week later three more pairs and two odd cocks—iourteen birds in all. This was near the boat-house. At first they flew high into the air, but eventually returned to the reed-beds at the bottom of Low Wood, and for some time afterwards were noticed roosting in trees at the edge of Boat-house Wood. Towards the end of that summer Ake thought he saw a pair accompanied by two. or three young ones, but this was by no means certain. On 21st April this year, when Mr. Wade and I rowed round the upper part of the Mere, and he kindly pointed out the various places and things of most interest to me, we saw three males and one female together, off Heslop’s reeds, or a little further towards Wassand. . John Taylor and his son had seen a male here some time before, and a female shortly afterwards. About the same spot, on 22nd April, I watched two pairs of the birds together, for some time before breakfast, and, with Mr. St. Quintin and Captain Johnstone, saw several later in the day, and I seldom visited this place afterwards without seeing some of the birds about. They were usually very fearless, coming down to the water’s edge to catch insects crawling from the water on the outer margin of the reed-beds, often within a boat’s length of me. On 30th April, and again the next day, I-watched at least two pairs collecting and carrying food to their young in the nest, and, marking the spot, had little difficulty a few days later in finding a nest, 1913 Jan. 1. 46 Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. built chiefly of reeds and lined with the flowering heads of last season’s growth—a typical nest, situated in a bunch of sedge (C. paludosa), one of a bed growing among thinly- scattered reeds, on the landward side of the main reed fringe of the Mere. I waded in to examine this nest on 3rd May, by which date the young had left it, and were moving about and being fed by their parents among the reeds, their progress being by climbing from reed to reed, not by flight, of which they were barely capable. They were most adroit at dis- . appearing into the coarse growth of last year’s sedge and in concealing themselves and moving about among it, almost defying capture, though several might be within a few feet of me at the same time. There were two nests here within a few yards of one another, and similarly situated in the same growth of sedge, and a third not more than twenty yards away, the young of these being all abroad in the herbage, while, — during the time I was watching these young being tended by their parents, I noticed several other adults carrying food (apparently all insects) to more distant nests, and on one occasion had no fewer than eight males ‘ pinging’ close to me among the reeds,'all mobbing a single female like a band of noisy sparrows! In addition to the ordinary note of ping, ping, a low titz, titz is also frequently uttered, and when I was near the young the plaintive ee-ar, ee-ary, mentioned by Saunders, was constantly repeated. On this occasion, as well as in Mr. St. Quintin’s company on 22nd April, the dragon-fly-like flight of the tits, when toying and following one another through the air (sometimes ten feet or more above the top of the reeds) was specially remarked upon. During the succeeding week or so I marked the site of at least two other nests here—making five in all in this reed-bed— to each of which the old birds were carrying food. On 8th May a pair was watched similarly engaged in the ‘jungle’ at the bottom of the Heronry Wood, and on 27th May I saw three recently-fledged young among the reeds nearer to our boat-house ; so that it is probable at least two nests oc- curred at this station. In any event it is certain that there were at least six, if not seven, broods safely brought off on the Mere during the end of April or beginning of May, the average number of young being probably not fewer than five. On 28th May I saw six young, pretty recently fledged, sitting side by side near the top of the reeds at the water’s edge at the mouth of our boat-house channel, sunning themselves in the early morning and waiting to be fed. On 12th May Mr. H. B. Booth and I saw several adults about Heslop’s reeds, and he took one of the nests which I had marked as fledged on the 3rd, and this he subsequently presented to the Museum at Hull.* *See The Naturalistfor June 1912, pp. 168-170. Naturalist, Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. 47 By 11th June several pairs were again carrying food to young in their second nests, and some were still so occupied up to the second week in July, these second nests occurring both in Heslop’s reeds and in the bed to the east of it, as well as at the bottom of Heronry Wood. Owing to the number of fledged young on the wing by this period, it was not easy to actually fix the position of these second nests, but it is pretty safe to say that at least six and almost certainly seven, first broods were reared, and probably as many second broods hatched before I left. By this date (20th July) all the second broods had not left the nests, but on the early morning of gth July, while I was paddling round the reeds on the south side of the Mere, I found a railing, which runs some distance into the water and marks the eastern extremity of the reed-beds here, covered with a little throng of small birds, warming themselves in the early sun’s rays, and ever and anon catching flies on the rails and the adjoining reeds, as well as occasionally picking them from the surface of the water. Of this gathering the majority were certainly Bearded Tits. As the boat drifted clear of the reeds, and came suddenly upon this little company at too close quarters, most of the birds took fright and disappeared into the herbage. Besides tits it contained many young Reed and Sedge Warblers —and possibly some adults—and a single Whinchat, and, as I lay quietly waiting, many of them gradually resumed their posts on the railing. There was nearly constant motion going on amongst them, and it was impossible to make sure of an exhaustive tally, but I succeeded in counting at one time upon the rail no fewer than twenty-nine Bearded Tits, all of which were in immature plumage, and I had no reason to suppose that that represented the whole gathering. The manner in which they clustered together much reminded me of Budjerigars, as I have seen them in an enclosure, while their chatter of Zitz, fitz, and their flight as they disappeared into and over the reeds, on being disturbed, was such that I entered them in my journal as ‘ Long-tailed Tits’ ! The black stripes on the back are very distinct in this plumage, and the fawn-coloured tints of the rest of the plumage makes the birds look scarcely more yellow than the breast of a female Whinchat. It was to bask in the early rays of the sun that no doubt brought about this gathering—such mornings were particu- larly scarce at the time—but as already noted, all the birds, tits and warblers alike, were also actively engaged in fly- catching, and it was the fat-bodied and rather sluggish Golden- yellow Midge (Chirvonomus plumosus) that provided the piece de résistance of the banquet. On my way back to Wassand the same morning I en- countered a family party of seven young Bearded Tits in the Ig13 Jan. t. 48 Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. reeds near the boat-house, probably the produce of a second nest, and I had, earlier, seen some adults not far from the same place, as well as in the Round House reed-beds, thus demonstrating that the unusual collection of twenty-nine— however many more the party may have contained—did not represent all the tits on the Mere, and with such evidence before us the success of Mr. St. Quintin’s introduction scarcely requires comment. The birds are now gradually extending themselves to all the reedy portions of the Mere, and another breeding season will probably find them both numerous and well-distributed round it. Personally I attach no importance whatever to the doubts expressed about their migratory instincts leading them away from the Mere, but as denoting a less exclusively reed life than one might at first expect of them, it may be mentioned that I have seen a few of the tits hunting the bushes and lower tree branches in the Boat-house Wood where it borders the reeds, and that on 30th April, when walking through the fields towards the Mere, I was surprised to meet a male Bearded Tit in a low hedgerow quite a hundred yards from- Heslop’s reed- bed and dividing a grass field from a fallow one. He mounted high into the air, after one or two shorter flights, in a manner not unsuggestive of the dancing flight of a pipit, and then made straight back to the reeds, ping-pinging as he flew, and presenting, as usual, the somewhat ludicrous appearance of a bird unduly hampered by its length of tail ! The only probable enemy the tits are likely to have on the Mere is the Sparrow-Hawks which occasionally haunt it, and to these they would probably fall an easy prey, but these may safely be left to John Taylor to look after. BLUE Tits and GREAT Tits both common; various nests seen. Coat Tit.—None were seen until 15th May, when one was observed gathering fur for its nest from the dead stoats and rats in the ‘ gamekeeper’s museum ’ near the boat-house. No doubt it nested thereabouts, for one or two fledged broods were noticed about Wassand later. As already mentioned, a nest in an uprooted beech tree on the borders of Low Wood was fledged on 12th June. . Marsu Tit.—Never seen, nor did Taylor know it. LoNG-TAILED Tit.—Taylor has usually known a nest in Boat-house Wood every year, and sometimes one elsewhere, but none this year anywhere on the estate, and I did not see a single bird. WREN.—Common. A nest—as usual—in the boat-house, fledged early in June, and a second nest was built, and the bird was sitting in it, when I left on’ 20th July; several other nests elsewhere. Naturalist, Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. 49 CREEPER.—Numerous, more than half a dozen nests were seen ; one at little boat-house, with eggs in it on 22nd April, another building in our boat-house roof on 25th, reared brood which were fledged on 24th May, and the old birds immediately set about building a second nest, one of them being busily engaged in doing so on 26th. Another nest in Low Wood was incubating on 22nd April; a fourth, in Rookery, also sitting same day; and a fifth in our garden at East Lodge. Prep WaAGTAIL.—Common, there being several nests round about, one in the conservatory over the front door at Wassand, and another at the keeper’s cottage. WHITE WactTaiL.—A male, one of a pair, was seen on a young cornfield near Heslop’s reeds on 26th May, but I could not be certain whether his partner was a White or a Pied Wag- tail—she was of the ill-defined type which might pass for either. I could not find them later, and saw no more of M. alba. YELLOW WactTalIL.—Several pairs breed round the Mere, one in the field below Heslop’s reeds, another in ‘ Armitage Field ’ on the opposite side of Mere, and several about Holmes’ promontory and at Hornsea end. Some also were noticed in fields along the sea coast. A pair was first seen on 26th April, on side of Mere below ‘ Round House,’ a field in which they do not breed but in which Taylor says he has frequently noticed the first arrivals of the season. Several pairs had arrived by 3oth April. TREE Pipir.—Numerous in April, many nests, but only a small proportion of the birds which lingered for a week or two round the Mere eventually remained to breed here. Several were in evidence on 21st April—my first day on the Mere—a further considerable increase in numbers taking place on 26th. The MEApow Pipit was numerous when I arrived on 20th April all round the Mere, and continued so for a week or two. Many then moved on, a considerable number remaining to nest in all suitable places, fields, etc. A nest with almost fresh eggs—five of them—which I saw on 2nd May, fledged on the 28th. GREAT GREY SHRIKE.—Taylor has seen it here in winter. RED-BACKED SHRIKE.—I could discover no trace of this bird this year, and none certainly about Wassand or the Mere. Taylor saw one last year not far from Hornsea Brickworks, the only example he had ever noticed here. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER.—Common, there being a nest every year against the boat-house, another against the Hall, one on the keeper’s cottage, another on East Lodge, etc., etc. A single bird arrived at the boat-house on 11th May, the first seen this year, and a nest, begun to be built there on the 18th, 1913 Jan. 1. D 50 Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. began to lay on 28th, and to sit on five eggs on Ist June; young hatched on 15th, and left the nest on 27th June. Nest in the beech tree root began to be built on or about ist June—on which date there was only a ‘scrape’ on a bank of soil and an odd bit of lichen in it,—first egg laid on 7th an d fifth egg on 12th, when incubation started. Young hatched on 26th, but disappeared next day. A nest against Taylor’s cottage had half-grown young on 27th June. They were fledged during the next week, and by 6th July the birds had built a new nest, about a foot away from the old one, and were at that date incubating a second clutch of five eggs. PIED FLYCATCHER.—Not seen by me, but Taylor has occasionally seen it in spring in other years. SwaALLow.—Numerous, there being fully fifty individuals over the Hornsea end of the Mere when I arrived on 20th April. Many nests in buildings round Wassand, and one in back porch at East Lodge, begun about Ist May but not finished till 20th; young—five of them—fledged end of June, and while still engaged in feeding these outside, the old birds within a few days started building a new nest. MARTIN..—_Was not numerous this year, but a few nests were seen on houses at Hornsea, and at farms, etc. One or two of the birds, with Swallows, were seen skimming over the Mere on 20th April. SAND MartTin.—Many always over the Mere, and large numbers were there on 20th April. A flock of some hundreds, apparently fresh arrivals, passed up the Mere on 11th May. On 19th May, just at the darkening in the evening, a compact flock of quite fifty passed swiftly overhead at Wassand, flying due north, though not very high. GREENFINCH.—Common, and about the end of June assembled in flocks, old and young together, to feed on seeds of Scotch elm (Ulmus montana), on the sides of the road at Wassand; for a few days almost to the neglect, apparently, of other food. HAWFINCH.—Not seen by me, but Taylor observed that a pair nested near his cottage a year or two ago, the only ones he had ever seen here. GOLDFINCH.—According to Taylor and others was fairly numerous here some twenty odd years ago, but the numbers have been much reduced by birdcatchers. It is now again picking up and increasing, especially since Taylor began to systematically shoot down the Jackdaws—one of the worst enemies to this and other small nests. By everybody locally the Goldfinch is called ‘ Red-cap.’ One was in song in East Lodge garden on 21st April, two pairs on roadside between there and Hornsea; pair in a garden in Hornsea on 26th. On 28th April I watched a pair building a Naturalist, Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. 51 nest in a large thorn at ‘ the Mere End,’ Wassand, but this nest (like so many others) was, without any apparent cause, aban- doned a week later, after having been completed. The female did all the nest-building, though accompanied in all her journeys to and from the ground for materials by the cock, who contented himself by singing his approval. A brood of five was success- fully brought off close to the entrance to Wassand ; another in the grounds of the Hall; and two on the road-side elms on Hornsea Road. Another nest in an old ash tree—skilfully concealed amongst a bunch of ‘ keys ’—was built about the end of June, in the park close to East Lodge, and hen still sitting on nest (too high up to examine) when I left Wassand on 20th July. In all quite half-a-dozen nests were seen, from which broods got off. SPARROW.—Of course common, but not so excessively numerous here. I more than once noticed a male ‘ worrying ’ a cockchafer on the road-side, an observation I have often before made in other localities. TREE SPARROW.—Not uncommon, and several nests seen ; one at East Lodge, another at Wassand, and one or two about Hornsea. A pair was feeding young, in a decayed willow in the Heronry Swamp, on 14th July. CHAFFINCH, of course common. MounTAIN Fincu.—A pair seen at the south side of Low Wood on morning of 26th April ; another pair on Hornsea road, north side of Mere, same afternoon, both males singing and in summer plumage. On 28th April, while watching Goldfinches building at ‘ Mere End,’ saw and heard a male Brambling in full song in the adjoining wood. This bird was also in full plumage. On 8th May, I came upon another (or the same) male in Low Wood, in full dress, singing right in the middle of ‘jungle,’ but nothing more was seen of them. LinNET.—One of the commonest birds here, nesting in road-side hedges, bushes, in the gardens, in willows, etc. in Low Wood, and elsewhere. REDPOLL.—A few pairs breeding here— about the usual number’ according to Taylor and others. A nest in roadside tree opposite Lady Island; another in high hedge near East Lodge. A pair was watched building on 20th May ; probably three nests or so, in all, on the Mere side. BULLFINCH.—Several nests; one fledged close to Hall in June ; another found sitting on five eggs in Heronry ‘ swamp,’ in a low sallow bush, overgrown and overshaded by reeds, beyond the margin of tree growth. Another nest in ‘ Fraser Wood.’ CoRN BuNTING.—Several pairs breeding on south side of Mere, round Heslop’s reeds, etc. Seems to be more numerous along the sea-coast fields. Those which came to breed on the 1913 Jan. 1. 52 Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. Mere side did not arrive there till 12th May, on which date I noticed the first I had seen, in ‘ Armitage Field,’ on the north side of the Mere. A pair on the opposite side settled into their breeding quarters the same day, and by 20th May each breeding pair—perhaps half-a-dozen in all—had established itself where it intended nesting, and the cocks were in full song. YELLOW HamMeER.—Fairly numerous along the road sides, etc., but none nesting about the actual margins of Mere ; called ‘ Gouldies’ locally. REED Buntinc.—Numerous ; breeding in all the rough margins of the Mere. First young were fledged about the end of June and second nests began early in July. I photographed one sitting on four eggs in Heronry Swamp on 14th July; another found with one egg at Heslop’s reeds on 8th July, which, four days later, began to sit on 4 eggs. ' STARLING.—Abounds, to the detriment of woodpeckers and some other birds ; throughout the summer a few hundreds were nightly roosting in some of the reed-beds ; later in the year these become the resort of ‘ millions,’ as I was told by the natives. By ist July I estimated there might be 5,000 Starlings roosting in Heslop’s reeds, but they increased rapidly, and a few days later the number had certainly been doubled. Before I left (on 20th) there could hardly have been less than 50,000, I should think, though such sums in arithmetic are rather beyond me ! A pair nested and hatched two young in an ash tree in the park, im the same hole which at the time contained a White Owl’s nest and young one: the two sets of young being sepa- rated only some three feet from one another (but see account of White Owl, page 24). Others drove away our only nesting Green Woodpeckers. Jay.—Has been killed out, and is rarely seen in neighbourhood now. Thirty years ago it was not uncommon, Taylor tells me. MaGprie.—About Wassand itself has almost disappeared with the Jays, but several pairs breed on adjoining properties only a few miles off, and I saw an occasional passing bird. JACKDAW.—Would be very numerous if not kept rigorously under by Taylor. Tries to nest in every available tree, and odd broods get off. Many roost in the rookery. CARRION Crow.—Only kept down by constant killing. HoopEpD Crow.—Taylor shot one just before my arrival on 20th April. I saw one flying over the Mere on 21st. Com- mon in winter. Roox.—There is a large and increasing rookery in, Low Wood ; other groups of nests about the Hall, in ‘ the Gladiator Field,’ etc. Lark.—Numerous all round the Mere, breeds in the adjoin- ing fields. Naturalist,, Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. 53 Swirt.—Numerous and often in large flocks of several hundreds over the Mere. Some of the workpeople told me when I went to Hornsea that ‘to see a Swift was-a sign of rain.’ It generally proved to be a true proverb this year, for after they came we had rain on most days! Quite a dozen were hawking over the Mere on 30th April; in the evening we had seven degrees of frost. A fine spring day on ist May with S.E. wind, was our first ‘ balmy’ day, and Swifts became numer- ous. Many breed at Hornsea. NIGHTJAR. Very rarely seen here. Taylor and I heard one (the first he had ever heard here) purring in the park on the evening of roth June, but I heard or saw no more of it. WRYNECK and NUTHATCH, unknown here. GREEN WOODPECKER.—laylor says this bird only appeared at Wassand last year for the first time during his residence (32 years). This year we had at least two pairs in April, but only one pair apparently remained to attempt breeding. They bored a hole in an ash tree near the Boat House, with great diligence, and apparently completed it by roth May. I noticed them first engaged at it on 25th April, by which date the hole was already large enough to allow a bird to get quite out of sight in it. The chips were allowed to fall to the ground at the foot of the tree. The ‘ nest’ was seemingly ready for eggs —if the hen had not actually begun to lay (for it could not be examined)—by roth May and next day a ceaseless persecution by Starlings began. Several of these had by that date nests in the vicinity—some of them already having young—one or two being within twenty or thirty yards of the Woodpecker’s tree; but as already noted there were considerable numbers of non-breeding Starlings roosting in the reeds on the Mere throughout the summer. A few—nearly always in pairs, sometimes two or three pairs in company—of these Starlings had sung and whistled on the tops of this and neighbouring trees all along, and a casual look at the hole had sometimes been taken by the more inquisitive of them, but up to the evening of the gth May they had not shown any disposition to interfere with the rightful owners, and the Woodpeckers had remained unmolested. That evening, however, I noticed the Wood- peckers beginning to resent a too frequent visit by Starlings to the neighbourhood of their hole, and had made up my mind that it would be advisable to get Taylor to shoot some of them at once. Next morning the persecution had become incessant and it continued so throughout the day, in spite of the fact that for several hours I remained in the vicinity and did all I could to keep the Starlings away. One Woodpecker in particular (probably the male) kept up a continual battle with the intruders, chasing them away from the hole with loud cries, and on one occasion I saw him (if it were the male as sup- 1913 Jan. 1. 54 Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. posed) actually come to grips with a Starling on one of the branches close to the nest. He caught the Starling (apparently about the neck) in his bill, and with much fluttering and shaking the birds fell to the ground—a distance of twenty feet or so— locked in close embrace. On the ground they fought savagely, though the grass, etc., there hindered my view—I was within about twenty yards of them with my glasses—both Starling and Woodpecker shrieking and chattering alternately. In such a struggle one would naturally expect the formidable bill of a Woodpecker to be an effective, if not actually deadly weapon, and, anxious to see the outcome, I did not interfere, although cautiously advancing a little closer. After an encoun- ter of certainly a full minute, the Starling made its escape and flew off, apparently none the worse, and the Woodpecker rose after it, but did not pursue. On the contrary, it mounted up to the neighbourhood of the nest again, and there began chasing away the two or three other Starlings which had been chattering there all the time. ; Seeing that it was outnumbered, and apparently tiring, I then went to its assistance, and pelted the Starlings away with stones. Of course this also frightened the Woodpecker, but that seemed to be the lesser of the two evils. Whenever the Woodpecker went in pursuit of a Starling it repeated its ‘vain-call’ loudly, and except on that one occasion the Starlings appeared to consider discretion the better part of valour. Taylor was, unfortunately, otherwise engaged that day, but I got him down at night with his gun, when he shot three Starlings from the hole, and missed or wounded a fourth, within half-an-hour or so. We only gathered two of these from the long grass, etc., both females, in dark, almost spot- less plumage, with purple gloss* and very yellow bills. The eggs in the ovary of one were not larger than No. 3 shot; in the other three or four were perhaps the size of peas. Next day (the 11th) Taylor shot four more Starlings from the hole, but did not gather them. On 13th he shot eight, and five more on the 15th. Of these I dissected seven, three males and four females. One of the latter might have laid in the course of a day or two; the others all very backward, no eggs larger than say, No. 7 shot in any of them. Two of them had dark unspotted plumage, two being duller and much freckled, including the one with the large eggs. All, males and females alike, showed purple reflections. May 2oth, another female shot, eggs very backward, plumage unspotted ; 21st, two more shot but not gathered; 24th, one shot at and wounded, if not *T attach little importance to this so subtle distinction—purple or green reflections being chiefly a question of how the bird is held with respect to the light. Naturalist, Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. 55 killed, but lost in dusk: 27th, another female shot, eggs being again very small. After this date no more came actually to the hole so no more were shot, but many non-breeding Starlings remained about, and some of them at least appeared ready to breed if nesting holes were found. Yet all holes were not occu- pied and it can scarcely be supposed that the birds made any really serious efforts to breed. Had Taylor been available at first, more Starlings might have been killed at the hole, as it was seldom, between say gth and 27th, that a few were not to be seen about it, often going into it, and the cocks singing just outside. Altogether, 25 were actually shot and several more believed to have been wounded. I do not think that the Woodpeckers were seriously inter- fered with by the shooting (without it the Starlings would cer- tainly have effectually prevented their nesting), but after the 1oth they appeared to abandon the hole. One or other of them occasionally appeared in the vicinity during the next day or two, but after the 13th they disappeared altogether, and were not seen or heard again anywhere on the estate. GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER.—Never seen by me, but Taylor has frequently seen one or two in other years, and believes they have sometimes stayed to breed, or at least they have remained over the summer. KINGFISHER.—When I arrived at Wassand one of the first birds to attract attention was a Kingfisher, having its nesting hole in the bank just below the bridge over the ditch at the East Lodge. It frequented the place for a week or two, but never more than a single bird was seen, and it eventually dis- appeared. I examined the hole (which no one else went near as the soft mud of the ditch would have betrayed the foot- marks) and found it bored fully 3 feet into the bank, as measured with a stick; the bird was frequently noticed leaving it up to about the first week in May, and in former years there has been a nest here. A Kingfisher at times made use of the platform in our Boat House to fish from and batter its captures against, but there was never more than one seen, and apparently no nest brought off this year. THE CUCKOO was common, but not plentiful around the Mere. I saw and heard two individuals on 21st April, Taylor having heard the first of the season on the previous afternoon. No more appeared till 26th, when one was heard in early morn- ing, and one heard every now and again afterwards up to 5th May, when several arrived and remained. The last was heard on 25th June; one seen on 26th; these of course adults. No eggs were seen, and only one young one. It was hatched by Meadow Pipits in the park, and was just a few days fledged when the hay was cut. It was still there on 17th and 18th July, flitting about from one haycock to another. 1913 Jan. 1 50 Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. BARN Ow1.—A pair or two usually nest about Wassand and ‘always have done.’ This year there were at any rate two, and probably a third nest, up the road near Sigglesthorne, where birds were frequently seen. One brood was fledged about Boat-house Wood early in June. The second nest was in the Park in an ash tree three hundred or four hundred yards from the Hall. Taylor and I disturbed the two old ones from this hole in passing on evening of 8th June. Next morning I went to look at it, and found it contained a single young one, apparently about a week old, one of the adults again leaving the hole when I kicked the tree, almost immediately followed by a Starling ! On climbing the tree I found that the hole extended down- wards into the trunk for some distance, and upwards into one of the principal limbs. At its bottom was the young Owl, while tightly wedged into the upper extremity of the hole was the Starling’s nest containing two partly incubated eggs, the distance between the two nests being just three feet, both birds using the common entrance. The young Starlings were duly hatched and reared up to the fully fledged state, but one at least of them would then appear to have fallen a victim to the Owls, as on 11th July I took the picked and dry skeleton of a young Starling from beside the young Owl: of the second no trace could be found, but a week previously it had been noticed that the young Starlings had left their nest. The size of the cavity was such that the Owls could have reached the Starling’s nest at any time, and from the situation of the latter it was improbable that the young could leave it without falling head- long down beside the young Owl ; while once down at the bottom of the hole it would require considerable exertion on their part to get out of itagain. Ifin these circumstances the Owls departed from their usual ‘ non-avivorous’ habits, who could blame them ? In the expressive language of Holderness, Taylor described the temerity of the Starlings as ‘ fondbrazant.’ No other remains of birds, it may be added, were discovered in the rejected pellets of the Owls, examined from the nest from time to time, nor other traces of an avine diet. On several occasions freshly killed mice and voles occurred beside the owlet, sometimes partly devoured, and the exuvie chiefly consisted of the remains of these. An old White Owl was frequently to be seen in the evenings, hunting over the rough and boggy bit of ground near Heslop’s reed-bed, which abounded with voles and was also a favourite resort of both Kestrels and Brown Owls, and it was more than once remarked that when a-White Owl chanced to be prowling there when a Brown Owl arrived, the former immediately cleared off, as though it recognised that its dark cousin claimed to have first fruits, and brooked no poaching on his demesne. . Naturalist, Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. 57 Brown OwL.—Common, and the keeper would be glad if it were less so, as it is a well known robber of the nests of small birds, and when pheasants used to be reared here was more than once caught in the act of taking chicks from the coops. That, however, is an old and often told story. In 1912 there were as usual several broods of Brown Owls reared at Wassand ; one in Boat-house Wood, another near the Round House. I several times noticed one of these owls hawking over the reed- beds in the gloaming, and more than once saw one drop into the reeds where these were growing in a foot or so of water, and where it seemed very unlikely that the prey could be anything else than birds of some kind. Common Buzzarp.—Taylor’s son—William—saw one soar- ing over the Low Wood about mid-day on 14th May. Ona23rd May I picked up an unmistakeable feather from the back of a Common Buzzard. A pair was reported to have been seen soaring together over Grimston Garth (a few miles south of Hornsea) on 12th May. James Taylor, another son of the keeper, saw one at Catwick Covert, two or three miles west of Wassand, on 2nd June, and was on one occasion very close to it. Occasional Buzzards have been seen by Taylor in former years. SPARROW Hawx.—As common as the keepers allow it to become ; there is usually an attempted nest at Wassand, sometimes two. From the date of my arrival I occasionally noticed a Sparrow Hawk prowling round the Mere. There was only a single nest this year. KESTREL.—Always a pair or two about Wassand, and usually a nest. Several pairs breed on adjoining properties. CORMORANT.—At least one or two may be seen on the Mere almost any day throughout the year, fishing, flying over, or holding up their wings to dry on one or other of the posts protruding from the water. The‘ boundary posts’ are favourite perches and are sometimes all occupied at the same time. The landing stage on the Lady Island is another frequently used seat, and on it I have seen castings containing remains of perch, roach, etc. There were seldom fewer than four or five Cormor- ants on the Mere during my stay, and I frequently watched one or more of them ringing upwards to depart northwards, or arriving thence at considerable altitudes; the line of flight (always about the same) pointing across ‘ Armitage Field’ in the direction of Flamboro’. Most of the birds were in black plumage, but I never saw one in summer garb. On 29th June a white breasted one was present on one of the posts, and the same or another similar bird was seen again on 12th July. The white on the breast was not very pure. HERON.—With the well-known Heronry here, is of course always present in considerable numbers. Mr. Wade had visited Wassand and counted the nests about a week before my arrival, 1913 Jan. 1. 58 Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. and ascertained that there were 32 occupied. On 6th May, and again two days later, I counted 33 nests, all containing young, and there were two more apparently not at the time occupied, though beneath one of them I picked up an egg recently sucked (no doubt by Rooks) which had been quite fresh. Many of the young were at this date almost fledged, but in several nests they were yet quite small. On 17th May a fledged young one, hardly able to fly, was caught in the park, having no doubt attempted to leave the wood too soon, perhaps scared by the Rook-shooting party that day. I saw young abroad almost daily after this, though it was quite ten days later before the bulk of them had quitted their nests, and it was not till the beginning of June that they began to be seen numerously on the fringes of the reed-beds, and fishing round the Mere. When in the Heronry Wood, or ‘ Jungle,’ on 27th June, I disturbed many fledged young, roosting with some of their parents, in considerable gatherings, on the ground beneath the trees; and found in one or two places, several yards of ‘Flagging’ (the local name for reed-grass, etc.) quite paddled down by them. At one time on this occasion, I counted fifty- ‘seven Herons on the wing, above me. On 14th July there were six nests in the Heronry, all within quite a small area, containing late young ones ; in two of them the young being practically fledged, some of them sitting out on the branches near their nests ; in a third they were slightly less forward ; in two others about half grown; and in the sixth quite small, apparently not above a few days hatched. I was unable to say that some of these nests had not been counted in my estimate of thirty-three of 6th May, but at least one or two of them had been built since that date, and one of them was that beneath which I had picked up the sucked egg. Throughout my stay at Wassand numbers of Herons might be seen every evening leaving the Heronry just before dusk, while after dark the loud ‘ franks’ of yet passing birds testified to still later departures. Most of them shaped a south-westerly course, nearly over Wassand, but many also went west and north-west. During the first few weeks of my visit practically all fishing was done in these directions, and at a distance, a Heron being rarely seen on the Mere sides. As the demands of the young became more pressing, however, the old birds began to do more fishing nearer home, and, latterly, considerable numbers of both adults and young might be seen sitting about the fringes of the reed-beds, in many of the more open courses, and elsewhere round the borders of the Mere. At dawn and dusk I have seen them there in dozens. Frogs were then numer- ous there, and probably formed a chief attraction, as also were eels in several places. In the early mornings I used frequently Naturalist, Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. 59 to watch the arrival home of the Herons to their wood, often “coasting ’’ down on partly closed wings from high in the air. While I was lying in the boat during a thick fog, early in the morning of 14th July, two Herons passed, ‘ honking,’ over within 20 or 30 yards of me, flying up the Mere towards the heronry. A third, close in their wake, was passing much nearer, but saw me and swerved off, though his fright was not great enough to cause him to drop a fish which could be dis- tinctly seen, carried cross-wise in his bill—quite a fair-sized fish, probably a Perch or Roach, of some 6 or 8 inches in length. Herons have increased much here of recent years. John Taylor came to Wassand 32 years ago, and during his first year there was only a single nest. No Rooks built in the vicinity at that date, nor for some years later, but within the last few years Rooks have been encroaching more and more upon the Herons, and this year the nests are much intermingled, to the apparent considerable uneasiness of the Herons. PURPLE HERON.—Mr. Sheppard has been good enough to draw my attention to the fact that there is a male Purple Heron in the Hull Museum, which was shot on Hornsea Mere in 1862. BITTERN.—Has been a frequent visitor to the Mere during the cold months of the year. Taylor has seen not fewer than twenty during his thirty-two years’ residence, on one occasion, a few years back, one standing upright in the reedy ditch near the Boat House, within a few yards of him. A Bittern has never been heard ‘ booming’ here, however. G Lossy IBpis.—Captain Constable saw one on the Mere side four years ago, Taylor being in the boat with him at the time. In 1909 two were shot at Burton Constable. One of Captain Constable’s tenants shot one near Hornsea about the same time, and had it stuffed: it is now in the Hull Museum. One or two others were seen a year or two later. MutE Swan.—The tame, unpinioned birds on the Mere have latterly increased to about fifty, a sufficient stock, beyond which Captain Constable is not anxious that they should go, and the eggs have been taken this year and last. The number of Swans . on the Mere is subject to some variation, little bands coming and going from time to time. On 8th June we could only count 35 ; a day or two later there were 42; on gth July I counted 47, and between these dates various intermediate numbers. Nests are scarce considering the number of adult birds present ; only three or four birds show any brown immature feathers, and yet last year there were only 5 nests. This year there was a like number, two upon Swan Island, one on the Green Island adjoining, one on Holmes’ promontory at Hornsea, and one in Heslop’s reeds. Eggs were late in being laid, the first nests, containing two or three eggs respectively, being taken on 18th May, when incubation was just beginning. On 8th June a 1913 Jan. 1. 60 Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. nest of 4, practically fresh, was taken on Green Island. By e Ist July most of the birds had cast their quills and were in- capable of flight, though when I left on the 2oth, half-a-dozen or more were still flying about. WxoopPER.—Wild Swans occasionally visit the Mere during winter. Mr. Taylor writes me that a flock of eighteen, all immature birds, arrived there on 5th November of the present year, but they only remained for two days. SHELDRAKE.—An occasional visitor. A pair was at the Wassand end of the Mere, with other ducks, early on the morning of 24th April. On 5th July a flock of 14 came flying up the Mere while I was out in the boat, about 5 a.m. They were rather high in the air and did not alight, but turned back towards Hornsea. On roth July eight left the top end of the Mere, with other ducks, when I took the boat out about 7 a.m. MALLARD.—Always present in considerable numbers, and a fair number breed—probably as many as the foxes will allow, several ducks being taken off their nests about the woods, etc. I saw the first young ones on the 6th May, one brood was quite small, another about the size of Teals, near the Boat House. On 7th May a brood ofa few days’ old was seen on Lady Island. By the 21st June there were many broods about in all parts of the Mere. Most of the drakes were then in full eclipse dress, some still changing. By the end of June quills were being quickly shed, all drakes except one or two being now in eclipse, and many of them incapacitated from flight. GADWALL.—MTr. St. Quintin saw a pair here in April last year. I thought I saw a drake on 12th May this year, but was too far off to be sure of it. On 6th July a female rose from Heslop’s reeds. On roth May a suspicious duck was seen but not well identified. Except on these occasions no Gadwell were noticed here this season, and certainly none bred here. SHOVELER.—This duck was disappointing this year, and I suspect is frightened off by the foxes, its nests, often far from the water, being very liable to suffer. No broods or nests were seen, and I do not think we had any at the Mere itself; but they must breed somewhere at no great distance, as adults were almost constantly present. In other years there have usually been one or two nests here, seldom more, but they have been gradually decreasing of late. None has been shot during the last year or two, those seen being spared in the hope that they might increase again. Formerly a fair number used to be shot every autumn. I saw the first Shovelers on 26th April—a pair—but a month previously Taylor had seen several pairs about. Two drakes were together on the morning of 28th April, a pair on 7th May, and again on the 15th. Later on the latter day, when out with Mr. St. Quintin and Mr. Meade Waldo, we saw two drakes several Naturalist, Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. 61 times, three together on one occasion, and once a pair. On the 16th May I watched a pair actually tread near Lady Island. They were at the same place again on the 18th, and two other drakes were together on the opposite side of the Mere. On the 4th June there were four drakes together on Holmes’s promontory ; on the 5th three pairs and six drakes in a flock, at Heslop’s reeds—nine drakes in all; on the 29th a flock of fifteen drakes rose from these reeds; on Ist July thirteen drakes were together at the same place, and three or four odd ones in other parts, and a pair—male and female— at Wassand end; on the 5th July about a dozen drakes were together at the Wassand end in the early morning ; on the 6th, eleven were there at 4 a.m., and six more at Heslop’s reeds—seventeen in all; on gth July sixteen drakes together, which, as usual, flew right away on being disturbed, and several more—perhaps six or eight—were in twos and threes in other places; on 11th July a single drake ; on 13th about fifteen drakes together, and later in the day I disturbed three well-fledged young from Heslop’s reeds which had certainly not been bred here; on 14th July, at 3 a.m., I saw three drakes arrive on the Mere from high overhead; and on the 15th, again about the same hour, five of them came in from far away westwards, and six more about an hour later. On other dates were similar occurrences. TEAL.—Always a few pairs present, but seldom appear to nest here. On 21st April I counted at least twelve pairs on the Mere, and about as many, often more, during the next week or two. On 28th April I saw six females together in a flock, besides many others in pairs, etc. Two or three pairs were seen on 7th May, but by the 18th they had become scarcer. On 23rd May I saw a male and two females together ; on 25th May I sprung a female from her nest in Heslop’s reeds, and the fledged young were there later; on 5th June at least three pairs were on the Mere, and about a dozen birds were together on the 29th; on ist July a flock of thirty- nine together, besides several smaller lots and odd birds in other parts of the Mere. They all depart westwards like the Shovelers, and were also often seen arriving thence. On goth July many more were seen, and again on the 15th. GARGANEY.—It may be well to add here that a Garganey— a bird Taylor had never known to occur there before—was shot at Wassand on 2nd October, 1912. It was a female, and has been preserved. WIGEON.—Six were seen together on the Mere on 2oth April, and a pair, in full plumage, together on the next day, besides others mixed up with other fowl. A pair was still here on the 25th April, but none was seen later. PocHarp.—About a dozen pairs were on the Mere on the 1913 Jan. 1. 62 Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. - 21st April, when Taylor said they were just beginning to arrive ; quite: fifty birds on 22nd April, and there were even more by the 25th. Some have always bred here during Taylor’s time—thirty-two years—and the numbers are pro- bably increasing. On 30th April I counted ninety-two at the upper end of the Mere, in addition to which there were certainly many more in other parts. On Ist May some of the ducks were beginning to lay, and there was a marked falling off in numbers from about this date, but something like fifty pairs stayed on the Mere throughout the remainder of summer, a large proportion of which no doubt bred, or attempted to do so. On the morning of zoth May I counted fifty-seven males on the water in various places, and this probably did not include all. Numbers of ducks were with them, and others were doubtless on their nests. The first of the ducks began to sit about the middle of May, but some were still laying by the 2oth, on which date I saw a pair treading. Many nests were undoubtedly drowned by the floods on the 23rd and 24th May. The first young appeared on 18th June, at the bottom of Heronry Wood. On Ist July four young were brought off from a nest at the boat-house channel, and Coots were chasing them! On the same day two nests in Round House reed-bed produced only two young each. During the next three weeks several other females were seen followed by only two or three young each, in one case by only a single chick, and five was the largest brood seen. This was the produce of nests averaging about nine or ten eggs each! The Tufted Ducks which escaped drowning hatched better. By Ist July drakes were beginning to cast their quills, and a week later most of them ‘ flappered’ to the shelter of reeds etc., instead of flying as heretofore, on being disturbed. Turtep Ducx.—Taylor reports that very few of these have hitherto bred here. There was one nest last year, however, the first since the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union visited the Mere a few years ago, he thinks ; and in that year he did not consider there were more than two nests. Large flocks of these ducks appear every spring, a few staying, but the majority going elsewhere by May. On 2oth April there were certainly two hundred on the Mere. They appeared to become still more numerous during the next week or two, but about the beginning of May they decreased daily and rapidly. Only about six pairs were visible on the 7th May, and on several subsequent days when I tried to count them. A week later they increased again to about twenty pairs, and approximately that number remained to nest, or to attempt it, for many of the nests were destroyed by the floods from the 23rd May onwards. At the end of June a further considerable increase in numbers took place, apparently of birds drowned out some- Naturalist, Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. 63 where else, which had abandoned further nesting operations for the season, and from this time onwards there were pro- bably nearer a hundred than fifty birds on the water. The first young were hatched on 5th July from a nest on boat- house channel. Two more broods came off on Lady Island the next day. Each of these produced six young, the nests on Lady Island having contained only six and seven eggs respectively, all having hatched. A few days later seven young were brought off in Heslop’s reeds, and other broods were nearly as numerous when I left. This is in strange contrast to the Pochards, which have only broods of one, two, three, and four young at most. One Tufted Duck’s nest which I had located was still unhatched on roth July, when last visited, and others were still incubating a week later. By 6th July most of the drakes had begun to loose their powers of flight, having a week or so previously gone into eclipse plumage, but a few were still flying, and in drake’s plumage, on the 18th July. : GOLDEN-EYE.—There were several on the Mere on 2oth April and the following few days. A pair—the drake in full plumage—on the 26th; on 27th a flock of twenty-seven immature, one or two of them males in ‘ patchy’ plumage ; twelve in another flock on the same date, eleven of them being adult drakes !. None were to be seen the next day, nor later. ScauPp Duck, COMMON SCOTER, and GOOSANDER have all been occasionally observed, and shot, on the Mere during winter. There are, of course, several other birds, not men- tioned in this paper, which occur at the like season, but a passing reference to the above may not be without interest. Woop PiGcEon.—Numerous, and here called ‘ Stockie.’ STOCK-DOVE.—Also numerous, nesting in hollow trees, in several cases ousted by Jackdaws, but resumed possession of the holes after the intruders had been shot. TURTLE-DOVE.—There has usually been a nest or two at Wassand, but none this year, though a pair—perhaps more— were breeding at Sigglesthorne, only a mile or so distant. I saw a single Turtle-Dove fly into the Low Wood on the 21st April, but no more till the 21st May, when again a single bird appeared, flying over Boat-house Wood. Taylor heard one cooing in Fisher Wood, west of the park, on 23rd May, and again in the park on the 7th June. These were the only instances this year. PHEASANT (no artificial rearing done now) and PARTRIDGE are both fairly numerous, and would be plentiful but for foxes. RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE.—One or two have sometimes been shot, but none seen this year. QuaIL.—Has occurred, but none this. year. 1913 Jan. 1. 64 Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. LANDRAIL.—Usually a few about, but none heard this year; nor did I hear of one. SPOTTED CRAKE.—One found dead on the side of the Mere, in early autumn, a few years ago, was the only one Taylor had seen or heard of; but of course such a bird, in such a place, is very likely to be overlooked. A pair bred this year in Heslop’s reeds. I first heard the call-note on 29th May, across the Mere, in advanced twilight, and again many times during the following week or so, at dusk and dawn, always proceeding from the same spot. By 7th June the calling had almost ceased. On the morning of the 8th June I waited from 2 a.m. to hear it, in vain till about 3-45, when a fox ran into the reeds and started the bird calling, and it kept on for about ten minutes. The note is audible a long way off; in calm weather a mile or more. Standing talking to Taylor near his cottage, about midnight on 5th June (a dull, misty, but calm night) I could distinctly hear the Crake calling, and took the trouble of following the sound right down to Heslop’s reed-bed, in order to be sure that it was the bird ‘singing’ in its accustomed place. The distance, as I afterwards meas- ured it upon Captain Constable’s 25-inch Ordnance sheet, was 1833 yards in a direct line. The bird was not heard again till 15th July, when, in early dawn, I was in the boat just outside the reeds, and it suddenly called, rather low, quite close to me. It was almost immediately answered by low notes of ¢wit-twit, evidently from several young ones close at hand, though it would have been little short of a miracle had they been seen in the thick covert. I had no doubt, however, of their presence, nor of their identity, the note of the adult being easily recognised and the young evidently responding Poni, WATER-RAIL.—Numerous here and always has been so, and is even more common in winter than summer. Some years ago a friend of Mr. Constable’s, wishing to obtain some eggs, spent a morning in the Low Wood, in spring, before the herbage had grown dense, and when the ground used to be much drier than it is now, and found five nests with eggs. This year, not having any particular occasion to find a nest, I did not go much about in the likely places, and only actually saw one, but the birds were being constantly heard and seen in many places round the Mere, and there were numbers of broods. WATER-HEN.—Common, of course, but not so numerous as might be expected. Foxes levy a heavy toll on them and their usually easily accessible nests. Coot.—Of course numerous, but not excessively so. They do much harm to the crops in the fields bordering the Mere, and many are shot by the farmers. Last winter they had a Naturalist, Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. 65 formal coot-drive one day and killed about ninety. The_bird has not a good reputation here in respect to other wild-fowl and their nests and young. I saw two nests, each with a single egg, on 21st April, and another with two eggs; and by the end of the month many were incubating on from four to seven eggs. In some later nests eggs were more numerous, one with eleven being seen, and another with nine. Several broods hatched by 12th May, but the majority were about a week later, and eggs were still numerous—many of them fresh—up to beyond the middle of June. Many nests were. washed out and destroyed by floods and the gale on 23rd May. Early in July the majority of the adults had lost their quills, and were unable to fly, and the noise a flock of them made in flapping to the shelter of their reed-beds, on the appearance of a boat, was remarkable, and might be well described as “a scutter of coots.’ STONE CuURLEW.—Taylor has seen an occasional bird in former years, and this year I saw one on 2nd May in a field of late oats near Heslop’s reeds, and judging from the cries after it had disappeared behind the small hill there, it was probably not alone. RINGED PLOVER.—A pair was seen on Holmes’s promon- tory, where there is a shingly beach, on the 11th and r3th May, and there was an occasional bird there, and on the south side of the Mere, during the next few weeks; but no nests. _ PEEwitT.—A pair or two breed in fields adjoining the Mere, but they did not arrive and begin to nest till quite late. The first were seen on 2nd May, and young were not hatched until June. OySTERCATCHER.—One was seen flying over the Mere on 15th May. Woopcockx.—None were seen by me. Last year there was one nest at least at Wassand, and possibly two, but none this year. Sometimes they are numerous round the Mere in winter. SNIPE.—Not known to have bred here and never heard drumming. Almost any day, however, from 20th April to r1th May, one or two could be flushed from certain parts of the Mere side, but there was no appearance of nesting. I saw four on 21st April, and two—not together—on 11th May. Sometimes the birds were in pairs, but as often not. On oth July a single bird was seen flying over the Mere in early dawn, the first since 11th May, but no more up to the time I left. DuUNLIN.—One, with full black breast, was at the Hornsea end of the Mere on 4th May, and a pair, also in summer dress, was there on the 11th, and again (on the south side of the Mere) two days later. On 2nd July an immature bird was seen near Hornsea Bridge. There were no nests. SANDERLING.—One in full summer plumage was seen on the sea beach at Hornsea on the evening of 21st May. 1913 Jan. I. 66 Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. SANDPIPER.—Not known to have bred on the Mere, and did not do so this year, although a pair took up a position at the bathing-house, apparently quite suited to their require- ments, and seemed to be intent on breeding. Why they did not do so was not very apparent, and it may possibly have been due to the foxes. The first seen was a single bird on 6th May. A pair was at the bathing-house next day, where they remained till the 23rd, after which they seemed to wander away. There was a second pair at the Mere End at Wassand on 23rd May, but no more were seen till 9th July, when two flew past together, but did not alight in view fa were not seen again. REDSHANK.—Though not known to have nested hee these birds are seen every autumn, but not usually so early as this year. None bred this year on the Mere side, but perhaps may have done so not very far away. I saw a single bird at the Hornsea end on Ist June, and one at the same place a few days previously, and an occasional bird is well known there. A party of half a dozen was at the Wassand bathing-house on 22nd June, one at the boat-house on Ist July, and considerable numbers were calling overhead on and about 18th July. CURLEW.—Many were heard passing over at night on 20th April, and seven were seen flying together over the Mere on the early morning of 20th June, and again several on the nights of 22nd and 23rd, but Taylor was surprised to see and hear them so early in the season. Many were calling from overhead on the 11th and 12th July, and occasionally up to . the 2oth. WHIMBREL.—A solitary individual was on the Mere side at Hornsea on 4th May, and another flew whistling over on the roth. The BLack TERN was not seen by me, nor by others this season, but from descriptions it appears to be a not very unusual visitor to the Mere in autumn, and it is usually seen at the Wassand end. SANDWICH TERN.—I saw two adults flying together over the Mere, looking for fish, on 30th April, and they passed quite near to me. ComMoN TERN.—Not unknown as an occasional visitor to the Mere. A very tame individual, in adult plumage, fished about Holmes’s boat-house, and rested on his boats and staging, for a few days prior to 14th May, when I took several photographs of it, and again on the 17th. It remained a few days longer and then disappeared. BLACKHEADED GULL.—Formerly bred here, but not for many years past. None were seen in April this year, but two pairs arrived on Ist May, after which one or two, and Naturalist, Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. 67 sometimes a dozen or more, were often to be seen on the Mere. CoMMON GULL.—A pair or two of adults are seldom absent from the Mere, and there are often a few immature birds about. Three adults were here on 21st April, and several on ist May and other days. HERRING GULL.—Never absent during my stay, when large flocks often arriving and departing, Flamborough way ; washing themselves in the Mere, sitting on neighbouring fields, fishing, etc. There were both adults and immature birds, the former being the more numerous. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL.—Very frequently seen with the Herring Gulls, both adults and immature ; seldom less than a few pairs about the Mere, most of them being in nearly mature dress—probably in their last year of adolescence. GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL.—On Ist May two pairs were on the Mere, one nearly adult, the other not quite so far advanced. Four similar birds were seen again on 25th May. Others, or the same birds, were noticed at different times later, but there were never more than four together, and no adults. KITTIWAKE.—A young bird, alone and very tame, was on the Mere on 22nd April. It was not seen again, nor were any others. i GREAT CRESTED GREBE.—There have always been a few nests of these on the Mere. About thirty years ago there were only a pair or two of the birds, but under Taylor’s pro- tection they have increased, and some ten years later there were eight nests in one season, arecord that has not since been equalled. Latterly, there has seldom been more than three nests. There were at least three pairs, and probably four, of the birds on the Mere this year when I arrived on 2oth April, and in any case the number very soon increased, for a month later there were six or seven pairs at least. I saw only four nests with eggs, but not wishing to disturb the place unnecessarily, I never systematically hunted for them, and it was scarcely more than accidentally that those seen were found. One of the nests was at the Hornsea end of the Mere, in the bed of ‘ flagging’ opposite the outlet—a site that is generally tenanted by at least a pair of the birds. Another was off the Heronry Wood, and the remaining two in Heslop’s reeds, within fifteen yards of one another. The bays of the latter reed-bed have always been the most favoured nesting site, several nests being sometimes seen here in close proximity to each another. In addition to these four nests I saw the newly-hatched young—four of them—from a nest near the entrance to the boat-house channel, and I was aware that there was another in the bay behind the Lady Island, and a 1913 Jan. 1 68 Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. seventh on the margin of the Round House reeds. There was, I think, yet another pair of birds on the Mere, and I can confidently say that at least seven pairs attempted to nest this year, and that five of them, at any rate, succeeded in hatching their young, despite the very unfavourable weather conditions. From these five, nineteen young were duly hatched and left the nests. Whether they all survived, or how many of them did so, it was impossible to say, as up to the time I left they never appeared to quit the shelter of the reeds, and it was only by long and patient watching that any of them were seen. I rather feared that at least some of them must have met an untimely end, but from his previous ex- perience Taylor looked forward with confidence to seeing them abroad after they had grown older.* It will not be over- looked, however, that, if they lived, the first-hatched brood must have been about nine weeks old by the z2oth July, another seven weeks, and the youngest of the five more than a month. I do not know what is the normal period of incubation with this species, nor whether that period is known to be lable to considerable fluctuation, depending perhaps on the tem- perature of the nest, climatic conditions, and so forth; but my experience with regard to three of the above nests was interesting. The’ first nest seen was in Heslop’s reeds, and this I watched the birds building on the afternoon of 21st — April. I rowed past the nest a few days later, but did not push into the reeds to interfere with it, as it did not appear to contain eggs, and I felt sure that it could not do so. On Ist May I went to look at it again, and then found that it contained four eggs, three rather dirty, one white, and, I concluded, therefore, fresh. I took some photographs. of it and left it. It was seen in the near distance from time to time during the next ten days, and incubation was proceeding in a normal manner, but on 12th May, when I took Mr. Booth to see it, the nest was found to be empty, and I feared some ill must have befallen the eggs. There was, however, nothing to suggest this, and the nest was a good deal paddled down, as though it had been recently occupied, and it still remained warmer than the surrounding water. I did not think there had been time for the young to have hatched, but it is almost certain that they were, for I do not think there was any other such early nest in the vicinity, and next day the 13th, when I spent a considerable time in watching the place; I saw two young grebes there with their mother, and no doubt there were * This expéctation was not fulfilled. On 12th November, Taylor writes me that he had only seen two young this year. Naturalist, Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. 6y more which were not visible on account of the thick herbage. I saw them again on the 15th (two if not three of them), and again on the 25th, and on 11th June I watched a male fishing for some time just outside the reeds, and saw him catch and carry a small fish of about an inch long into the reeds, no doubt for the young, although these were not seen that day. He had previously made several other journeys to the reeds, apparently with food too small for my glasses to detect. The second nest in Heslop’s reeds was seen on 12th May, when it was certainly empty. Four eggs were afterwards laid and the bird began to sit on the 20th. When I went to look at it on 11th June two eggs had already hatched, and the young had taken to the water, diving near the nest, while the other two eggs were both chipped and young dis- tinctly cheeping in them, and they were safely hatched later. The third nest, at the bottom of Heronry Wood, had two eggs, both rather dirty, when I first saw it on 25th May. On the 28th it had four eggs, and the old bird was beginning to sit. On 12th June it was found to have recently hatched. I was not prepared for this, and it was only casually that I happened to look at it that day, but all the four eggs had hatched, as demonstrated by the remains of their shells. The nest at the Hornsea end of the Mere had three eggs, then a little incubated,’on the 8th June, and it hatched off a day or two previous to 21st June. Four recently-hatched young, from.a fifth nest near the boat-house, were seen on 25th May, when they were not more than a day or two old. The apparent discrepancy in the periods of incubation is very remarkable, but there is no doubt of the facts as above stated. In one case it was certainly twenty-two days; in another apparently only sixteen or seventeen days at most; and in a third it would seem to have been even three or four days shorter. The ‘ seaworthiness’ of a grebe’s nest is well known, but it was so well illustrated at Hornsea this year that I am tempted further to enlarge upon it. On 22nd May, as already stated, we had a heavy rain all day, with a strong easterly wind ; the 23rd was also very wet, with half a gale blowing from east to north-east, clearing up in the afternoon: More than an inch of rain apparently fell at Wassand. - On the afternoon of 23rd I walked down to Hornsea and _ per- suaded Mr. Holmes to open one of the sluice-gates, thus some- what relieving the pressure, but the Mere was much flooded, all the ditches running very full, and more water was coming in than this allowed to escape. At the Boat-house the water was on the 23rd standing fully five inches above its level two days previously. As a natural consequence many nests were flooded, the wash of the storm assisting materially in the destruction of Coots’ nests, etc. The Grebes’ nests in 1913. Jan, 1. 70 Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. Heslop’s reeds were built not more than two inches above the | water at its low level, and they were, moreover, from their - situation on the northern margin of the reed-beds, subjected to almost the full force of the ‘ lipper’ raised by the storm ; but they rose with the water, and on the 23rd both the empty (hatched) nest, and that containing eggs, were found to be still above the flood. Upon the one containing eggs the Grebe was seen calmly ‘riding the storm,’ with considerable wavelets breaking against her, and she weathered it in safety, though a coot’s nest within a few yards of her—more sheltered than she was, which originally stood about a foot higher than her humble home—was completely washed out and destroyed, along with many others elsewhere, and a like fate overtook even a Swan’s nest ten or fifteen yards further back in the reeds, and therefore much less exposed to the storm, and about a like distance from the sitting Grebe. I took the boat in to make sure of the facts, and found the grebe’s eggs almost awash with every wave, the nest barely half an inch clear of the water, and at the same time I picked up floating eggs of coots and swan close to it. Similar observations were made upon the Heronry Wood nest later, it also rising with the water, and being saved, while other nests perished round it, though they were there not so much exposed to the gale as those on the south bank of the Mere. From experiments I made, I believe the Grebes may themselves assist materially in the floating of their nests, by mechanical means, when occasion arises. Dascuicx.—There has usually been a nest or so on the Mere every year, but this season there was certainly none. Mr. Wade saw a single bird when he was taking me round the Mere on 2ist April, and I heard one calling the same afternoon, but no more were either seen or heard during my stay. On 23rd May Mr. Holmes reported that a small Gull had been about his place during the storm of the previous day. He described it as being ‘ pure white, without any black on head,’ and it was smaller, he thought, than the Common Tern that had lately been frequenting the neighbourhood of his boat-house. It had disappeared before I heard of it, however, and was not seen again. About the beginning of June some of the workmen at Wassand tried to describe to me ‘a very bright-coloured bird ’ which had settled for a minute or two on the pathway in the yard quite near the blacksmith’s shop and which had been seen from the windows. It was said to have been very gay in colour—red, green, and blue—and a little larger than a Kingfisher, but I could make nothing of it. On 30th May I saw two ducks together, along with some Naturalist, Bolam: The Natural History of Hornsea Mere. ax Mallards, Shovelers, etc., near Holmes’s promontory at Hornsea, which I could not identify. They were very dark, showing almost no light in the wings or underneath, and were not much larger than Teal.. I set them down as ‘ escapes’, and certainly not ‘British.’ They were not seen again. On 24th May, and for some time later at intervals, I listened to a song on the landward border of Heslop’s reeds about which I could not satisfy myself. It was, I think, the note of a Crake of some kind, but had a very curious Bunting-like ‘lilt’ about it, and if it belonged to either the Water-Rail or Spotted Crake—both of which were nesting and calling there- abouts—it was a note I had not previously heard, and one which I did not think belonged to them. To commit a bird’s song to paper’is no easy task, so much depending upon the reading and intoning of the words by different people, but in my journal I entered this one as tick-tick-tick, ting, ter-r-r-r, repeated at intervals, with a cadence strongly recalling the song of a bunting. It was, however, uttered by some bird from the densest of the herbage. APPENDIX. Captain Bethell, R.N., kindly gave me the following note of his rainfall records at Sigglesthorne; for comparison, some of the figures from the two previous years being added. The fall is in inches and decimals, and for the weeks be- ginning with the dates given. The records for the earlier periods of rgro0 and rogr1r had unfortunately been mislaid. Igo. IgIt. IgI2. i _ April. 25 falls: “o.00 8 0-06 May 5 Or15 peep na 0-94 lho 2°01 DE ai 20 0°42 8 June 5. 0-00 june ae 1.48 June 13’ fall o-oo ibe AS Oras 9 37 Pat 0:68 6ALO) 1°88 RBA G5 O'51 ey 0°99 wi 520, | age ke 1°55 July 4 RO. cilihy 3 v1.0:22 3 80 1°42 fy ee 0-01 Pedi (owe o0)-079) july? “7 0:24 say. 18 0°57 hei iy ame Eto 676, mt ket 0°63 aS 0°88 yA Oe 1913 Jan.1, 72 Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union: Annual Report, 1912. INCOME AND EXPENDITURE STATEMENT, 12 months to November 30, 1912. INCOME. Lae: Gs Members’ Annual Subscriptions .. 112 0 6 Levies from Associated Societies PSs Special Appeal Fund (contrva).. .. 2 2:70 Life Members’ Subscriptions (contra) 16 15. 6 Sales of Publications— Baker’s North Yorkshire 2 2 Lee’s West Yorkshire .. 1 1 .0 Porritt’s Lepidoptera ,. 011 4 British Arachnida, . 0. i) — bo Or C2 EXPENDITURE. S. Expenses of Meetings 03 4 18 Printing and Stationery (General A/c) PA Postages, etc. (Hon. Secretaries’ A/c) 13 18 Clerkage. (Hon. Secretaries’ Account) 10 90 Printing and Stationery (Hon, Treasurer’s ACCOMUE) = wale ieets 0 12 Postages (Hon. Treasurer’s Account} ails: Cost of Publications :— Annual Report, 1911 ..f5 7 8 1912 (est.) 6 O O ” ”? —" wa COM, SUMGRES ZY: sihabet, ‘Sigh tien |v eats s 1 rate ath ae (a Less —Provision in A/cs iio) mel Ras ere: Meat wife 8) —_ 3° 7-48 Naturalist ?— POM Special Appeal Fund (contra) opine O Subscriptions SO5as00 0 Life Members’ Subscriptions (contra) 1615 6 Sundry Sales.. .. 011 10 “ Naturalist ” Recognitionfee .. 5 0 O Subscribers - £99 19 3 100 11 10 Life Members’ Copies 6 15 0 Exchanges.. = aalaeG Binding and sundries 2 5 8 Rostares® -Eiye caper gales ——— 119 7 2 Balance, being excess of Income over Expenditure during 1912 .. .. 56 9 10 £250 6 6 £250 6 6 BALANCE SHEET, November 30, 1912. LIABILITIES. ASSETS. sad, fs, wc. 1 SS 6b £.aSen dle Amounts due from Union— Cash at Bank 72136 GENS * Naturalist ” 2 oA eS6 LO Cash with Hon. Sec- Annual Report, 1911. ce Bory “8 Tetaries .. .. 5 5 0 0 Sundries (Printing, etc.) 25 19 6 SSS ———— 145 14 0 41: APS Annual Report, 1912 (estimate) 3 Ge ORAS 8) Less ; Cash due to Hon. Subscriptions received in advance 313 6 IBGICOr eles) Pai eure mS Life Members’ Account .. .. |... 4518 O 138 19 6 SHeyigalecacy ACCOURL.s Semen aco) ONO Subscriptions in Arrears, 1912 27 16 4 i A aGiieelens wae DOT ant ay’ Less : Amount written off as unrealisable.. 10 3 4 —— 19 1 8 Audited and found correct, Balance, being excess of : aa Liabilities over Assets JNO. W. STATHER, wesc 2 eer A i FRASER ROBINSON. L Dec. Ist, 1911 rete Ups yeey Pcl ess: Income in excess 9/12/1912. of Expenditure during POLD) i Ap da 56 9 10 76°19. 3 Less: Special Appeal Fund 13 14 6 ———— 638 4 9 {221 5 6G £221 5 6 Nore :—The Union has a stock of Publications, and there is also a liability on Life Members’ A/c, not included above. H. CULPIN, Hon. Treasurer. Naturalist, NI (WO A YEAR'S SCIENTIFIC WORK: BEING THE YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS’ UNION’S FIFTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT, FOR 1912. — Presented at Hull, 14th Dec., 1912. THE ANNUAL MEETING AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNION was held at Heckmondwike, the town of its incep- tion, on the 16th December, IgII. The Naturalist, for February, 1912, contained a report of this successful meeting, and the Presidential Address of Mr. Alfred Harker, M.A., F.R.S., F.G.S., on “ Petrology in York- shire,” appeared in that journal for February and March. The FIELD MEETINGS for the year have been five in number, full reports of which have appeared in The Naturalist, and these reports have had an added interest given to them by illustrations. The excursions were as under :-— Yorks. S.E.— 4th May, Riccall Common. N.E.—25th-27th May (Whit Week), Bridlington. Mid-W.—15th June, West Tanfield for Hackfall. S.W.—11th July, Askern for Shirley Pool. N.W.—3rd-5th August (Bank-Holiday), Tebay. N.E.—28th September to October 3rd (Fungus Foray) Sandsend for Mulgrave Woods. The Marine Biology Committee met at Robin Hood’s Bay, t1th-15th October. Excursion programmes have been printed and distributed prior to each of these Field Meetings. The best thanks of the Union are due to the various Landowners who so kindly granted facilities and privileges; and also to the Railway Companies for a continuation of cheap travelling facilities. EXCURSIONS FOR 1913 will be as follows :-— Yorks. S.W.—Maltby (Easter), March 22nd to 24th. N.W.—Kirkby Stephen (Whit Week-end), May roth to 12th. Mid. West.—Burnsall, Saturday, June 7th. S.E.—Stamford Bridge, Saturday, July 5th. N.E.—Great Ayton, August Bank Holiday week end), August 2nd to 4th. N.E.—Fungus Foray, Sandsend for Mulgrave Woods, September 2oth to 24th. The ANNUAL MEETING for 1913 will be held at York by the kind invitation of the York Philosophical Society. ” 1913 Jan. 1. 74. Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union: Annual Report, 1912. The AFFILIATED SOCIETIES.—The number of these Societies is now 38 having a total membership of 2925. The Earby Naturalists’ Society has been the only addition during the year. The MEMBERSHIP OF THE UNION now stands at 403. The following new members have been elected during the year :— Mr. J. C. Barker, Northlands, Walkington, Beverley. Mr. Jonas Bradley, Stanburg, Haworth. Miss E. Branson, Girls’ Grammar School, Normanton. Miss M. Booty, M.A., The High School, Selby. Mr. J. Digby Firth, F.L.S., F.E.S., Leeds Modern School, Leeds. Miss E. Howlett, 75 Selborne Street, Liverpool. Mr. Albert Megson, Fern Villa, Headlands, Ossett. Mr. John Mennell, 27 Neville Street, York. Mr. Richard Slack, Heather Cottage, Kildwick, via Keighley. Miss Edith Silcox, 31 Wheatley Lane, Ben Rhydding. Mr. John Wm. Stones, F.R.G.S., 7 High Street, Staveley, Chesterfield. Mr. Thomas Charles Turner, Regent House, Anlaby Road, Hull. Mrs. Warde-Aldam, Frickley Hall, Doncaster. Earby Naturalists’ Society. OxpiTuAaRY.—It is with regret that we record the death of the following members during the year, viz., Rev. Canon Fowler, M.A., P. Fox Lee, R. H. Philip, and Thomas Newbitt, F.G.S. ‘In Memoriam’ notices of these gentlemen have appeared in The Naturalist. DIVISIONAL SECRETARIES AND LOCAL TREASURERS.—AS in past years these gentlemen have rendered valuable services in their respective spheres of office and the thanks of the Union are due to them. They have been re-elected. ' GENERAL COMMITTEE.—The following have been added to the permanent General Committee :— Prof. W. Garstang, M.A., F.Z.S., Leeds. W. B. Haley, Heckmondwike. J. F. Musham, F.E.S., Selby. S. H. Smith, Heworth, York: WINTER LECTURE SCHEME.—TIn accordance with the in- structions of the Executive, the List of Lectures issued in 1906 has been revised by the Secretaries, and will be issued to the affiliated Societies early in 1913. VERTEBRATE SECTION, West Ripinc, Report.—Mr: Riley Fortune, writes :— Summer migrants were, if anything, a little later than the Naturalist, Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union: Annual Report, 1912 73 average dates in arrival, with the exception of the Swift. Many species were very scarce; this was especially noticeable in the ranks of the swallow tribe and some of the Warblers, the Willow Warblers especially. Some localities which usually abound with them, were almost devoid of their lively presence. The Wood Warbler, which arrives at a later date was, however, as abundant as ever. Spotted Flycatchers were very late in- deed, but eventually turned up in full numbers. Corn Crakes too were plentiful. - The nesting season has been an unfortunate one, especially for ground-breeding birds, many nests having been destroyed by the cold and excessive wet. Partridges, in some localities, suffered very heavily. In one wood I found several nests of tits drowned in the nest boxes put up for their convenience. The moorland birds, Curlews and Golden Plovers, behaved in a peculiar manner. They arrived at their breeding haunts about the usual time and were about the moors for a week or ten days, when the severe weather drove them into the low- lands, where they were found in flocks at the time they should have been busy with family matters. Nesting Snipe have been unusually plentiful. One noticeable feature has been the increase in the num- ber cf White Wagtails in Wharfedale and Airedale. The late stay of Swifts is also worthy of remark. Many interesting notes have appeared during the year in The Naturalist, and a fuller report will be sent later. Tue East Ripinc.—Mr. E. W. Wade writes :—The season 1912 has been as remarkable for the prolonged rains and absence of sunshine as its predecessor was for a record spell of hot dry weather, and the contrasting effects of the two upon bird life afford much interesting food for comparision. Owls, the Long-eared Species in particular, have. scarcely bred at all in the East Riding, the birds being still in flocks at the end of April. The Tawny Owl was more fertile, but many non-breeding pairs were hanging about the usual haunts all the spring. The Barn Owl bred late and laid small clutches. The non-breeding of the resident species of Owls in an un- favourable season is effectually proved. In searching for the cause of this infertility one is driven to the conclusion that the excessively wet autumn and winter had killed off the mice, and their food supply being scanty, interfered with the pro duction of offspring. On the other hand, Rooks, Crows, and the Corvidae generally bred early and produced full clutches, the sunny April and May evidently giving them a plentiful food supply. The first young Rooks were shot on 27th April. The other partially migratory species were well up to the usual nesting dates. Blackbirds commonly reared three broods, ig13 Jan.t. 76 Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union: Annual Report, 1912. and Robins, which were exceptionally early with their first broods, in many cases reared a second. Migrants arrived on the average slightly earlier than last year, and commenced breeding in good time, and some of them, e.g., the Common Whitethroat, after their second broods had been destroyed in June, were generally in full song and apparently breeding in mid-July. The ground breeders, Skylark, Titlark, Whinchat, etc., were completely driven from their nesting grounds, and had almost disappeared from our meadows in the summer months. Warblers, said to be scarce in some localities, appeared in the usual numbers, but the cold wet summer seems to have driven off some of the later migrants. The Spotted Flycatcher was particularly late in appearing, and scarce, while Swallows, House Martins and Swifts were below the average number. The Swallows and House Martins reared two or three broods, but many young perished when fully grown. The Whinchat, Lesser Redpoll and Goldfinch, remain the scarcest of our small birds, and must continue so until more vigorous efforts are made to stop the depredation of the pro- fessional birdcatcher. The season for game birds opened full of promise and ended in disaster. Pheasants and Partridges laid early and large clutches, and the latter, which had almost disappeared from our Holderness claylands, appeared again in greater numbers than for many years, no doubt owing to local migration from the wolds, but nearly all the young were destroyed, hatching eggs being floated out of the nests in some localities. In only one part of Holderness have coveys of young birds © been seen. The season is the worst since the record of 1878 when the wet, though not lasting on through July and August, wiped out the young broods of pariridges even more effect- ually than in the present case. The Stone Curlew has again been specially protected on the Wolds, and has held its own, while there is room for hope that a slight increase has taken place in the number of young reared. Spurn and Hornsea are dealt with under the Protection Committee’s report. BEmptTon.—The weather has seriously interfered with egg- gathering, and the climbers believe that, apart from the scarcity produced by irregular climbing, eggs have not been so numerous as last year. Of rare visitors, the immigration of the Little Auk in February, already fully reported in The Naturalist, has been the most remarkable. An immature Black-tailed Godwit was shot on _ the Humber on 3rd February. Naturalist, Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union: Annual Report, 1912. 77 Two Sclavonian Grebes in immature plumage were shot on Sunk Island on 17th February, and two more were observed THe NortH Ripinc.—Mr. T. H. Nelson, writes :—Redcar, like other East Coast towns, received its share of the incursion of Little Auks in the early part of the year. There had been strong ‘easterly’ weather for several days when, on January 20th, my wife saw about forty Little Auks, in small parties, flying low down near the water just beyond the breakers. One lot of these came within five yards of where she was walking, and she noticed they uttered a short little note ; another lot of five also passed close by her, and another alighted on the sea near a wrecked steamer. Later in the day she found a very fine specimen washed up at high-water mark. After this date numer- ous examples of these little visitors were found ; one man picked up a dozen in the course of a mile walk, and the local bird- stuffers had scores brought tothem. On February 1st a blizzard of arctic severity, with a north-easterly gale, swept the coast, continuing for three days. Hundreds of Little Auks were seen flying before the storm, and many were found on the beach between Saltburn and Teesmouth. Reports of ‘rare Arctic birds’ were also sent from inland places remote from the coast, along the foot of the hills, and the villages between the coast and the moorlands. For a precedent for the invasion of this little northern sea-fowl we must look back to the year 1895. An extraordinary flight of Brent Geese occurred during the storm in February ; large flocks were noticed crossing the rocks on the east of the town, where a shooter, with an ordinary 12 bore and No. 5 shot, bagged eight birds one morning. On January 18th, an immature male Smew was shot at the Teesmouth, and a fine adult example of the same species was obtained in a marsh in the neighbourhood on the 25th. The duck tribe was well represented; Scaup, Golden-eye, Tufted, Wigeon and Mallard were very numerous; and for several days I noticed two Scaup drakes and a duck on a small pond a few yards’ distance from my house. The Hawfinch continues to increase in the localities referred to in ‘The Birds of Yorkshire.’ A considerable addition is also noted in the numbers of nesting Nuthatches in a preserved park on the Cleveland Hills. A great Skua was recorded near Redcar on September r2th, and, on October 3rd, a Baillon’s Crake (female) was obtained by Mr. J. M. Charlton on some marshy ground at East Harlsey, near Northallerton. The usual shore-birds appeared at the Tees estuary in August and September, and the autumn migration has been in full force since the beginning of October. Lapwings, Skylarks, Field- fares and Redwings have been crossing almost daily ; an im- mense flight of Hooded Crows was seen on the 18th; on the same day I flushed a Woodcock in my garden, and this species 1913 Jan. 1. 78 Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union: Annual Report, 1912. with two Little Auks were seen on 18th October, an unusually early date. Water-rail, Snow Buntings, and Shore-larks were observed on the 21st. Two Fork-tailed Petrels were picked up near Thirsk. MAMMALS, REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS AND FISHES COMMIT- TEE.—The most important occurrence reported is that of the Marten near Hebden Bridge, identified by Mr. H. B. Booth, which if truly wild will most probably be the last Yorkshire survivor of the species. Numerous other interesting records have been sent in. Mr. A. Whitaker refers to the decrease in number of bats near Barnsley since the cold spring of 1908. Mr. Rosse Butterfield notes Natterer’s Bat at Stanbury, near Keighley, and Mr. H. B. Booth the occurrence of the Whiskered and Daubenton’s at Hornsea Mere. The Pigmy Shrew is reported from Brompton Moor by Mr. W. J. Clarke, and from Holden Ghyll by Mr. Rosse Butterfield. The great abundance of Short-tailed Voles about York is noted by Mr. Oxley Grabham, and the increase of Hedgehogs in Wharfedale, by Mr. H. B. Booth. A. BROWN & SONS, LONDON, HULL anp YORK. ‘THE NATURALIST’ for 1912. Edited by T. SHEPPARD, F.G.S. and T. W. WOODHEAD, Ph.D., F.L.S. * Tastefully bound in Cloth Boards. Price 7/- net. Contains 4o8 pages of excellent reading matter; 19 full-page, high- class plates ; and numerous tllustrations throughout the text. THE volume includes many valuable and attractive articles by some of the most prominent naturalists and leading scientific men in the country, and forms a handsome, well- illustrated, and most acceptable present to all interested in out- door life. Pirate IV. THE NATURALIST, 1973. “BLLY Poyep “Oso VosusOyy Jo ua i : a ar ‘yi ; 5 mv ponospeoy? | / ee wy Spann Ny ye - tg fs burslf yn ” ery Hoy yey taarfo gr Fas Lite Ante LUA DE ye ye PP 9H ao do Ed ay / J MMOD 4, * hes ed houeren CON 1a) Wan. - VY to Oe Ki 4? & ; fo yomos yu WE (Mop. ee Y a ot AAMAS 0 we ptarine Vale a vor fo- AOD UMA LE aia 7 ‘sen Ls y \y YP poupyy Oe) Sal Yep? cer new aie 2p UPD Yash gi pig We neyo he PIE +1 Usaha 74 mapnine Y hynk \ yee Ym prupn mo pane A oy ypreyys we pare WY wansh yy , muy Yd os PY ses bry YP ItOQ VY PIO et yy YPy at weyryslfy las pry *Y) “es asta tgs)? hunny vy fry mer YY, IY/ UA PI bray NY is et da Pe is, “ oe AL, UV = AMAA ANY] AOI AG] & Ui 0 hyenfogs >, a "> syssauian ( — pore MMITTT OTT py TT iy Wi 7} WVMHTY y pay Maser ee ITT LULL TO Mj, q OF ( WU LV«4 & 1) WVHMIOUG uid, hw NUE TTY pO TeuUUU NTT dawns) PrVVeommenes TUT ANON WY Hog b oOo, . HISV V 4X Ni 0 5 ee s ‘ “vols UVAKTAL NI ATO, hy W447 XNTIN k q ONNY ATA Y c) MAMA, VAS NOY] / NES, re esa aa . saan pp0vfp, IIS lo W dae 7 EY / i 89 NOTES AND COMMENTS. AN OLD PLAN OF HORNSEA MERE. In view of the report on the natural history of Hornsea Mere which appears on pages 33-71, it is of interest to repro- duce herewith a plan of ‘ Hornsea Meer’ by R. Pele, dated ‘Anno Dominy 1778,’ which we recently saw in the possession of Mr. Ringrose, of Hull, and of which Mr. Ringrose kindly allowed us to take a copy (Plate IV.). It will be seen that in those days there was a “ Kirkham’ and ‘ Fish House,’ while around the Mere were Hither Field, Far Field, and Land Wike. In the north-west corner was Brockham Stone and Brockham Gate; on the north shore is the suggestive name “Goose Hill,’ while there was apparently a ‘ Spaw ’—at that time so fashionable—in the north-east corner. The most in- teresting item, however, is the “ Decoy,’ situated at the south- east extremity of the Mere. So that Hornsea, in common with Meaux and Scorborough, once possessed its duck decoy. A SPRING OF ‘ VICTRIOLIC QUALITY.’ The following quaint description of the plan appears on the manuscript :— This Meer les on the West side of the town of Hornsea, in the East riding of Yorkshire, and is the Property of Marmaduke Constable, Esqr. It is situated within a Mile from the sea, extends 467 Acres of Land, is plentifully stored with varius kinds of Fish, as Pike, Perch, Roach, Eels, &c. There are in it 4 small Islands, to which an Incredible number of sea Fowls resorts in the summer season to breed, but on the approach of Winter they all leave the Country. There are above several Swans, & generally 2 or 3 Pleasure or Fishing Boats upon it. At the North-East end of it is a Spring of a Victriolic Quality nearly as strong as Scarbrough Spaw.’ eae X XX’ usually indicates something good, and under that number the British Ornithologists’ Club has recently issued a massive Bulletin containing the ‘ Report on the Immigrations of Summer Residents in the Spring of IgII; also notes on the Migratory movements and Records received from Lighthouses and Lightvessels during the autumn of Ig10. By the Committee appointed by the Ornithologists’ Club. Edited by W.R. Ogilvie Grant.’ The_title is fairly comprehensive, but hardly conveys an adequate idea of the mine of information the Volume contains in reference to the movements of over 30 of the more important species; details of which are elucidated by no fewer than 20 maps. The Report contains the digested and summarised reports from nearly four hundred correspondents. Certainly ornithological science owes a great debt to Mr. Ogilvie Grant for his herculean efforts as editor. 1913 Feb. 1. G 90 Notes and Comments. PERMIANS OF DURHAM. Part 5 of Volume IV. of the Proceedings of the University of Durham is entirely occupied by a substantial and valuable memoir dealing with the Stratigraphy and Tectonics of the Per- mians of Durham (Northern area). Illustrated by diagrams and photographs, Dr. Woolacott’s paper well summarises all previous papers on this difficult series of rocks, and in addition contains particulars of much of the author’s own field work. After dealing with the ‘ foundation’ (the Coal Measures floor) he refers to the lithological divisions, marl slate, Upper, Middle and Lower Limestones, paleontology, thrusting, breccias, cellular structures, etc. Altogether it is a very creditable piece of work. STRUCTURE OF MESOXYLON. By the aid of many magnificent photographic reproductions of microscopic sections of coal-balls, from Shore, Lancashire, Dr. D. H. Scott gives a valuable contribution to paleeobotany in The Annals of Botany, Vol. XXVI., No. CIV. His paper is on ‘ The Structure of Mesoxylon Lomaxii and M. poroxyloides,’ and he concludes that the genus comes very near Cordaites, as shewn by the characters of the pith and wood, and further indicated by those of the associated leaves. The affinity with Poroxylon is somewhat more remote, and the genus is best placed in the family Cordatteae ; it is at present definitely distinguished from Cordaites only by the presence of centripetal wood in the stile of the stem. Mesoxylon thus forms the last link in the chain of fossil types connecting the Pteridosperms with the typical Cordaites of the Upper Palaeozoic. MASS OF ANHYDRITE AT HARTLEPOOL. At arecent meeting of the London Geological Society, Mr. . T. Trechmann read a paper on “a Mass of Anhydrite in the Magnesian Limestone at Hartlepool.”’ Apparently the har- bour at Hartlepool owes its existence to the erosion of a mass of anhydrite of great thickness, proved by borings and other evidence to exist in close proximity to the Upper Magnesian Limestone upon which the towns of Hartlepool and West Hartlepool are built. The anhydrite is included in, and repre- sents the time-equivalent of part of the Middle and the greater part of the Upper Limestones. The contrary view, that the anhydrite belongs to the overlying red beds here faulted down, is said to be erroneous. Very large quantities of anhydrite were originally deposited with the Magnesian Limestone, the subse- quent hydration and removal of which is chiefly responsible for the collapse, degradation, brecciation, and other alterations that are such obvious features of the formation in its present condition. Naturalist, News form the Magazines. OL MAGNESIAN LIMESTONE FOSSILS. The distribution of organisms in the Magnesian Limestone was largely influenced by the quantity of sulphates present in the surrounding water. The Shell Limestone is a chain of reef-knolls, in the building up of which limited numbers of forms take part, probably induced by current action in the Permian Sea and lying more or less parallel with the old Permian shore-line. The increasingly unfavourable conditions prevail- ing towards the top of the Shell Limestone bring about a dwarfing and gradual extinction of the typical Shell-Lime- stone fauna. The distribution and present condition of the Upper Magnesian Limestones in Durham is curious. The Permian succession is more complete in the southern than in the morthern area of the county. Various sections in the Upper and Middle Limestones in the Hartlepool area were described, among them the recent sinking for Blackhall Colliery, where the entire series was pierced, including the full thickness of the Shell Limestone. 7O°% Mr. Gerrard’s report on the output of minerals for the Manchester ‘district during 1911 appears in The Quarry for January 1913. In The Entomologist’s Record, Vol. XXIV., No. 12, the Rev. G. H. Raynor describes a collection formed in Essex sixty-six vears ago, which contains a few interesting northern records. The Entomologist for January announces the death of Thomas Boyd, the entomologist, which took place in February, 1912. Other more recently deceased entomologists are Peter Cameron, George C. E. Brabant, and Arnold Wullschlegel. In Knowledge for January is a lengthy and scathing article on the alleged perfect arrangement and classification of the specimens in the new London Museum at Kensington Palace, by ‘ A Provincial Curator.’ His views coincide with those expressed in our columns some little time ago. Mr. D. Sharp, F.R.S., describes a new beetle, Bladius gulielmi, from Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, in The Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine tor January. No figure of the species is given. In the same journal Mr, Porritt confirms the record of Platvcleis voeselit for Trusthorpe, Lincs., first made by Mr. Wallis Kow. Mr. J. K. Stanford records in British Birds that he recently was “observing migration’ on the Holderness coast, and ‘obtained’ the following birds, ‘noteworthy owing to their rare occurrence ’ :—Fire- crested wren, shot; red-breasted flycatcher, shot; Blyth’s reed-warbler (it “was very tame, and was “ obtained’’’), barred-warblers (a male ‘obtained’ and a female shot). Messrs. Hutchinson & Co.’s Customs of the World, which is_ being issued in fortnightly parts, keeps well up to the standard of the first number in the wealth of illustration, and in the quaintness of the cere- monies and people portrayed. Some of the ground drawings and ‘ sacred drawings’ illustrated therein are not so very much unlike the cup-and- ring markings occasionally found carved on the rocks in the north of England, as at Ilkley. 1g13 Feb. Ee 92 ; FOSSIL FOOTPRINTS NEAR SCARBOROUGH. J. A. HARGREAVES. In December last, Mr. Arnold Wallis and Mr. Stevenson observed several footprints in fallen blocks of rock at the foot of a cliff about 33 miles north of Scarborough. Further visits were paid to the place and eventually the specimens were removed to the Scarborough Museum. Fossil footprints, though well known from Triassic and Wealden strata, both in this country and elsewhere, have not long been known from Oolitic rocks. About 18 years ago Mr. Rowntree obtained a footprint from Fossi! Footprints near Scarborough. Cayton Bay, which Mr. Lamplugh pronounced to be probably crocodilian. In 1907 and again in 1908, Mr. Harold Brodrick, of Birk- dale, found a number of footprints in Lower Oolitic fallen blocks at Saltwick, near Whitby. The specimens were removed to the Whitby Museum and are described and figured in The Naturalist for August, 1908, pp. 301-302. The footprints recently found are in blocks of unevenly bedded sandstone, which had evidently fallen from a rather high cliff. They are somewhat weathered. The district where they occurred is difficult of access, and is rarely visited except by shore fishermen and gravel gatherers. Naturalist, Hargreaves: Fossil Footprints near Scarborough. 93 The cliff, which is capped by about 50 ft. of boulder clay. is in the Upper Estuarine Series. The blocks apparently belong to beds just above high water mark, which are irregular, shales and sandstones alter- nating, the sandstones in several cases being lenticular, some of them being strongly false bedded, although at least two of the beds are more persistent and practically horizontal. The fallen slabs are not identical in appearance, so that it is probable the footprints persist vertically through the strata for at least some distance. Unfortunately, the beds being at the foot of the cliff, it would be difficult to lay bare the rock in situ, thus Fossil Footprints near Scarborough. exposing the old Oolitic floor, though efforts will be made to find the footprints in the cliff itself. At present it is difficult to state whether the stratum is lacustrine, estuarine, or marine, as with the exception of = fragments of wood, no fossils have been detected. “About a dozen blocks have been found. Although most of the footprints may be roughly grouped in two sizes, one group being 5% or 6 in. long, and the other 3 or 33 inches, they do not seem to be the fore and hind feet of dinosaurs, which in many cases differ largely in size. Their position on the blocks shows that this is not the case, hence they would appear to: have been made by animals of different sizes, as shown by the: various sizes and shapes of the footprints. 1913 Feb. 1. 94 Hargreaves: Fossil Footprints near Scarborough. The sand of which the rock is composed is coarse, so that only the rough outlines occur, and in some cases the toes appear jointed. Some of the fossils are casts in relief, and some are imprints. With two exceptions, all the footprints, when distinct, are three toed, in some cases long and slender, in others broad, each toe being markedly conical. Presumably they have been made by dinosaurs. Some of the prints show that a claw occurred at the end of each toe, and the feet are ‘ in-toed.’ The Cetiosaurus, of which species there are bones in the Scarborough Museum, is the only dinosaur recorded from these rocks by Fox-Strangways, but its foot was too large for such impressions. MJegalosaurus is also recorded from Corallian rocks at Malton, but this animal is hardly likely to have made: the footprints. The prints vary much in thickness, probably partly due to pauses in walking, and partly to varying plasticity in the floor. Many footprints are imperfect, and others are confused by two or more impressions intermingling. There are many shallow grooves on the stones, some ex- tending over a foot in length, which may have been made by the tail. If this is so it must have been attenuated, as the grooves are only half an inch wide, theugh in one case the groove: widens to an inch and a half. smaller but equally long and distinct impressions occur several times, in various directions. These consist of two narrow grooves } inch apart. The right hand groove is the more pronounced and persistent. Such an impression might have been produced by small spines or tubercles on the under side of the tail. At least two of the blocks apparently contain the casts of raindrops. The dongest stride measured is 22 inches. In one block are four footprints ina line. The stride is about g} inches, and the prints vary from 90 x 95 mm. to 75 x 75 mm. _ There is a fifth and larger footprint at right angles. The photograph (page g2) shows three footprints g2 x 80 ; 8075; 70x70 mm., of which two belong to the same animal and give a stride of ro} inches. A large block contains at least g impressions. These indicate strides of 22 inches, 83 and 114 inches. Five of the prints are of the larger and four of the smaller type. On another block is a print, the only one of its kind. This contains four toes and measures 83 x68 mm. The most interesting block of all contains the largest footprint, which measures 150X160 mm. Near it are two foot- prints evidently belonging to a different animal, and a third of quite a distinct type. Naturalist, Jackson: The Bearberry on the Southern Pennines. 95. Two of these, like all on this block, are imprints, are long and narrow, and not at all ‘splayed.’ They do not cover half the area of the other large footprints, the toes being almost parallel with each other. They also show signs of joints. They do not seem to have any connection with any other imprints. Near them is a footprint showing the ‘ pad’ and the tips of five toes. This is markedly distinct from all other impressions and almost suggests a crocodilian imprint, in which connection it may be mentioned that a vertebra of Teleosaurus is recorded from Castle Hill. What appears to be an imperfect second similar print appears on the same block. Altogether not fewer than thirty prints have been counted, rejecting all doubtful specimens. For the photographs I am indebted to Mr. A. E. Peck, F.L.S., and Mr. A. I. Burnley. 7-O: THE BEARBERRY ON THE SOUTHERN PENNINES. A. BRUCE JACKSON. WHEN driving in the Peak District last summer with my friend, Mr. T. E. Routh, I took the opportunity of looking up the Bearberry ( Arctostaphylos Uva-urst) in the two South Pennine localities recorded by Dr. Moss in The Naturalist, 1908, p. 288, and was glad to find it still plentiful in both the South-west Yorkshire and North Derbyshire stations. A keeper who showed me the plant on the hillside knew of its occurrence on more than one clough on the Derwent Moors. He called it ‘ Uvers’ under which name it is known to local herbalists who come in numbers from Sheffield and Manchester to gather it for medicinal purposes. An infusion of the leaves is said to be good for kidney complaints.* No doubt the Cowberry (Vaccinium Vitis-id@a) is gathered as well as the Bearberry as both plants grew in close association, but the wholesale collection of both species, which I am informed takes place, must soon lead to extinction so far as the rarer plant is concerned No fruits of the Bearberry were seen, although a careful search was made for them. I have looked repeatedly for Arctostaphylos on the moors near Fox House but have so far been unable to verify the records of its occurrence there by the earlier botanists. One of Whitehead’s original localities, ‘Stenior Clough, near the source of the Derwent.’ is quite close to the spot where I saw it on the Yorkshire Moors. This species attains its southern- most limit in Derbyshire. * Bentley and Tremen (Medicinal Plants, Vol. 1II., 163, 1886), state that the leaves have astringent properties, and are reputed to havea specific effect in certain diseases of the kidneys and bladder. 1913 Feb. 1. 96 THE NUPTIAL HABITS OF THE BLACKCOCK. EDMUND SELOUS. In an article contained in the roth section of The British Bird Book, lately issued, which deals with the ‘ Grouse Sub-family,’ there is no reference to certain facts concerning the nuptial habits of the Blackcock, which I have put upon record, although these facts quite contradict what is generally stated on the subject, which The British Bird Book now repeats. This silence, from whatever cause proceeding, is not in the interests of truth, and moreover does great wrong to Darwin, whose brilliant and most original theory of sexual selection my observations most strongly confirm. I should like, therefore, to point out that in 1907, in Sweden, and in 1908, in England, I watched these birds at their courting-place, from April 12th to May 6th, and from May 6th to 16th, respectively, very closely and carefully, and noted down, 7m situ, everything that took place. The principal facts which my notes bring out are the following :— (rt) In every case, with one single exception, the cock birds courted the hens by a slow, formal, pompous display, in which every special point of the plumage was carefully and elaborately shown ; a display of which I have never seen any account, and which is absolutely different from the supposed one of “dancing ’—supposed, I mean, in this connection. By this display, alone, the hen, which was obviously conscious of its nature and purpose, was won, if at all. She was hard to win, and frequently left the ground heart-whole, but whenever she did yield, or came near to yielding, it was always in response to the courtship, and she then showed unmistakable evidence of predilection, and what may well be called fascination. The approach of another hen provoked jealous rage on the part of her rival, leading either to fierce combats between them, or the chasing away of one by the other. In the single exception referred to, a male did not court, but perseveringly endeavoured to gain his end by force, in which he was uniformly unsuccessful. (2) The so-called dancing, or leaping into the air, of the cocks, though the general excitement arising from the flying in to the courting ground of any hen, would often set it off, was never specially addressed to the hen, nor did she show any inter- est in it. It was distinct from the courtship, and played no part init whatever. Observation went to show that the dancing has been developed along different lines, being probably, in its origin, a challenge to rival males. The fact of these species practising two kinds of antics, or set movements, during the nuptial season, distinct from each other, and not used for the same purpose, is very interesting, and, from the point of view Naturalist, THE NATURALIST, 1973. PLATE Ve Fic. 1.—Conerete ‘Trunk Head,’ Stream Dyke. Nov. 12th, 1912. PB pS See eee aS Photos by] [H.S. Harker. Fic, 2.—Sea-ward end of Stream Dyke Jooking east. Nov. 12th, 1912. THE NATURALIST, 1913. Prare VI. Fic, 3 —Stream Dyke, looking up stream. Nov. 16th, 1912. Photos by] [H.S. Harker. Fic. 4.—Water from Stream Dyke, looking east. Nov. 16th, 1912. a alte Tile ; aa of Gat ak A 4, ae wy Selous: The Nuptial Habits of the Blackcock 97 of sexual selection, most significant. This dancing however, was uniformly so poor, compared with an example of it which I once saw in Norway, that its maximum development would appear to be only exceptional. (3) The actual fighting of the cocks was very little, com- pared with what may be called the make-believe of it, and, as is the case with the Ruff, showed evidence of deterioration, owing to the far greater—the paramount importance of the formal courtship, which alone influences the hen. The only way in which superior martial prowess might possibly have availed with her, was through the driving away by one suitor, -of rival suitors, but as the hen kept passing on over the arena, thus coming into the standing-places, upon it, of other males (for, as with the Ruff, each had his special one) by whom she was, in turn courted, while the mere act of pursuing any bird took the pursuer away from her, I do not think it can count for much, nor is it of the smallest use unless the courtship is pleasing. I saw a striking instance of this, in which the hen, having been twice thus prevented from giving effect to her choice, flew away as aconsequence. For the fighting of the cocks, as such, the hens cared nothing. Suitors could only recommend themselves through the prescribed form of courtship. (4) There was no attempt, on the part of the cock birds, to collect harems. The hens came in sparingly, and, having made their choice, flew away and were not followed—nor did they stay long if they found no bird to their liking. In England, more particularly, where the assembly was a larger one, the cocks always greatly outnumbered the hens. (5) All the notes of the male birds seemed to have reference to each other rather than to the hens. The courtship was gone through in silence, unless some note was uttered which was too low for me to hear. Of all this there is no mention in the article alluded to. Nothing is said about the anything but ‘ indifferent ’ conduct -of the hen, showing so clearly her power of choice—rigorously exercised—and consequent paramount position—all as inferred by Darwin, but still so constantly denied. Again we are told -of the cocks dancing to the hens—a mere frantic motion which -does not specially set off any of the special points of the plumage. No hint is given as to the totally different kind of display, in which all are carefully emphasised, by which the hen to be won, must be courted; and yet, strange to say, this display has been actually described, but unconsciously, in the letterpress devoted to the Pheasant—for the courting of both these birds is essentially (though not, of course, exactly) the same. How has all this error arisen? Very simply, asl imagine. Various authorities, having seen male Blackcocks jumping about in the morning, have assumed that this was their nuptial display 1913 Feb. 1. 98 Selous: The Nuptial Habits of the Blackcock. before the hen; and other misconceptions have followed this fundamental one. With regard to the accuracy of my previous notes: “‘ An Observational Diary on the Nuptial Habits of the Blackcock in Scandinavia and England,” which was published in The Zoologist for 1909, I have never had better opportunities for observation, especially in England, which yielded the best results. Everything I saw I noted, and also everything I did not see which has been stated or implied for a good many years. In England, at any rate (and my observations here corroborate those made in Sweden) I saw everything in full swing, and from the earliest moment,* always being on the spot before dawn, which sometimes necessitated starting at midnight. I did everything, within my power, to further- scientific truth, and have indeed produced immensely strong evidence in favour of the Darwinian theory of sexual selection. It would seem, how- ever, that, since the theory itself is (officially) out of favour, such evidence is not wanted. ‘Burial it brings; here’s a state of things!’ My enquiries also indirectly give support to a statement made by Mr. Abel Chapman in regard to the snow-burrowing habits of the Red Grouse. This, apparently in the opinion of the writer of the article in question, stands in much need of it, in which ‘ parlous state’ it is left by him. The Swedish forester, however, who sometimes acted as my guide, told me that, in winter, the Blackcock habitually burrowed in the snow, and he further averred, speaking as assuredly of the one as of the other, that they often had to support themselves by eating their own excrements—that this was, in fact, their habitual practice. In regard to the first point the statement of such a man must surely carry conviction, nor should it, in my opinion, be lightly dismissed in regard to the other either. f (OS The Nineteenth Report of the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, refers to the period from April Ist, 1910, to March 31st, 1912. Much progress seems to have been made in the geological and botanical departments. At present the archzxological collections are stored. ‘A commencement has been made also in the matter of lectures to school teachers.’ * This applies, for the most part, to Sweden also. What I mean by the qualification here is that, as I left on May 6th, things may have “come on’ more afterwards. It seemed, however, to be going the other way. This, I believe, was owing to the birds being disturbed, and be- coming unsettled, through shooting—here, as ever, the gun.and observa- tion are antagonistic. In England I saw, as I believe, both the rise and the zenith, as well as the decline, but there was no discrepancy as between the two countries. + The habits of the Termites, or White Ants, should be remembered in this connection. Naturalist, ‘99 . COAST CHANGES AT HORNSEA. T. SHEPPARD, F.G.S. (PLATES V. AND VI.). In The Naturalist for April 1912, pp. 114-120, we gave a series of photographs illustrating the coast changes at Hornsea, one of which showed the sea-ward end of the Mere Stream, or © Stream Dyke.’ These had been taken just before the journal appeared. Since then, the storms of November last have played havoc with the coast-line in the Hornsea neighbourhood, and even the photographs taken within a few months of each other show remarkable differences. After a storm and unusually high tide early in November, great quantities of sand were carried over the low cliffs and into the field beyond, just south of the remains of the Pier. The fields were also flooded, but most of the water drained off as the tide fell. The mouth of the Stream Dyke was entirely blocked with many tons of sand and gravel, and the outfall shown in the photograph in The Naturalist for April last, was entirely buried. The recent rains had caused the waters on Hornsea Mere to be unusually high, and the Stream Dyke was running at a rate rarely known. These waters cut through the accumulation of sand, and formed an exit to the north of the proper ‘ clew.’ The stream is at present so powerful that it entirely cuts off the walk along the sands to the south of the town. Fig. r (Plate V.) shows the concrete ‘ Trunk Head’ of the Stream, entirely covered by the sand. Fig. 2 (Plate V.) shows the new channel cut by the dyke, and its course over the sands to the sea. Its former outlet, with the iron cage, is shown to the right of the picture. Fig. 3 (Plate VI.) is from a photograph taken looking towards Hornsea Mere; the stream, instead of flowing straight into the sea, has taken a turn to the right (north) and has cut through its former channel, which can be seen to the right of the photograph. Fig. 4 (Plate VI.) is taken from the same point as Fig. 3, but looking towards the sea. It shows the fresh water finding its way across the sand to the sea, whereas formerly it was an insignificant stream and flowed on the opposite (south) side of the groyne. The remains of the roadway shewn to the left of South Cliff Cottage, in The Naturalist for April 1912 (Plate VIII.), have now entirely gone, and the ‘ last remnants’ of the old sand- bank, shown on Plate X. in the same publication, have also disappeared, In am indebted to Mr. H. S. Harker for the trouble he has taken in securing the photographs which are used in the illus- tration of this note. 1913 Feb. 1. I0o YORKSHIRE COLEOPTERA IN 1912. E. G. BAYFORD, F.E.S. FURTHER to the note in The Naturalist for January, page 82, one addition to the county list, made in 1g12, deserves special mention, viz., Helops pallidus Curtis, found in profusion at Spurn by Messrs. Stainforth and Walsh. The northernmost records given by Fowler are Harwich on the East Coast, and Wallasey, in Cheshire on the West. Since 1891, the date of publication of Fowler’s volume dealing with the species, the known range on the west has been extended northward across the Mersey to Formby, midway between Liverpool and South- port, where it has been taken by Prof. Hudson Beare. On the East Coast, Mr. Claude Morley, F.E.S., records one specimen ‘on Felixstowe sandhills, dead, and imperfect,’ and adds ‘I should have some hesitation in including my very poor specimen if I did not know that the species occurs just across the river at Harwich and in other localities along the Essex Coast.’* The locality in which Messrs. Stainforth and Walsh found the species is the most northern point yet recorded for it, and is about 120 miles as the crow flies from Felixstowe, which is the southern extremity of the County of Suffolk. It will be interesting to note how long it will take to link up these widely distant localities ; the coast lines of Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, intervening between them, presenting a coast line of about two hundred miles in extent. In this connection it is noteworthy that Mr. Horrell’s capture of the allied species H. striatus Fourc. at Cloughton is the first and only known record for the North Riding. In addition to the tollowing, which comprise the more interesting records, are those referred to in Mr. Horrell’s notes on pp. 103-104. The initials are those of Drs. Corbett and Fordham, Messrs. FE. C. Horrell, E. W. Morse, T. Stainforth, M. L. Thompson, G. B. Walsh and E. G. Bayford. * signifies the first record for the riding in which it has been found. ; + signifies new to the county list. t signifies new to the British list. Carabus monilis F. Extraordinarily abundant around Brad- LOE. «ij, WeC. * Notiophilus quadripunctatus Dej. Eston Nab, near Middles- borough. G. B. W. *Dyschirius globosus Herbst. Bubwith, near Selby. W. J. F. * The Coleoptera of Suffolk, p. 9o. Naturalist ‘Bayford: Yorkshire Coleoptera in 1912. IOr Chlaentus vestitus Payk. Bridlington. T. S. nigricornis F. Bubwith and West Colling- ~ worth. W. ye oe: *Acupalpus dorsalis F. Skipwith. W. J. F. *Bradycellus similis Dej. Skipwith. W. J. F. * Harpalus froelichit Sturm. Skipwith and et W.S-F. Pterostichus versicolor Sturm. Skipwith. W. J. F *Anchomenus oblongus F. Bubwith. W. J. F. *Bembidium rufescens Guer. Bubwith. W. J. F. lunatum Duft. Sandholme. T. S. * Noterus clavicornis De G. Shirley Pool, Askern. H. H. C. Hydroporus umbrosus Gyll. Skipwith. W. J. F. *Agabus femoralis Payk. Skipwith. W. J. F. *Dytiscus circumcinctus Ahr. Bubwith. W. J. F. Philydrus minutus F. Skipwith. W. J. F. + Helochares punctatus Sharp. Thorne. H. H. C. tLaccobius minutus L. Skipwith. W. J. F. * Helophorus aenerpennts Thoms. Skipwith. W. J. F. * Hydrochus elongatus Schall. Thorne. H.H.C. _Cyrophaena gentilis Er; Helmsley. G./ Bay W: . manca Er. Helmsley. G. B. W. Gymnusa variegata Kies. Kildale-in-Cleveland. M. L. T. * Piulonthus cephalotes Gr. -Koundhay? "E> Wr M: tT : nigrita Nor. Kildale-in-Cleveland. M. L. T. * Cafius fucicola Curt.’ Withernsea. G. B. W. * Lathrobium terminatum Gr. Skipwith. W. J. F. t+ Cryptobium glaberrimum Herbst. Skipwith. W. J. F. *Deliphrum tectum Payk. Doncaster district. H. H. C. *Philorhinum sordidum Steph. Skipwith. W. J. F. * Homalium deplanatum Gyll. Meanwood. E. W. M. Pseudopsis sulcata New. Eston-in-Cleveland. M. L. T. Hydnobius perrisit Fair. Eston-in-Cleveland. M. L. T. *Choleva anisotomoides Spence. Doncaster district. H. H. C. Rybaxis sanguinea L. Hornsea Mere. T. S. | * Tyichopteryx. bovina Mots. Doncaster district. H. H. C. *Subcoccinella 24-punctata L. Doncaster district. H. H. C. tAnisosticta 19-punctata L. Doncaster district. H. H. C. *Gnathoncus nannetensis Mars. Adel. E. W. M. Micropeplus margaritae Duv. Adel. E. W. M. Ms TES 6- -pustulatus Fs" Sandali- Beat. “HH. ¢, obsoletus Er. Edlington. W. E. Sharp, F.E.S. SU ae parvula Sturm. Sandall Beat. H. H.C. Ips 4-guttata F. Saltburn. M. L. T. *Rhizophagus nitidulus F. Meanwood. E. W. M. *Monotoma longicollis Gyll. Adel. E. W. M. Enicmus fungicola Thoms. Meanwood, E. W. M Laemophloeus pusillus Sch. Barnsley. = Ge Bs. t Nausibius dentatus Marsh. Barnsley. aGe Bb 1913 Feb. 1. 102 Bayford: Yorkshire Coleoptera in 1912. t+Silvanus unidentatus Ol. Sandall Beat. H. H. C. Cryptophagus distinguendus Sturm. Roundhay Park. E.W.M. - bicoloy Sturm. Doncaster district. H. H. C. Litargus bifasciatus F. Sandall Beat. H. H. C. * Dermestes undulatus Brahm. Breighton. W. J. F. *Cryptohvpnus 4-pustulatus, F. Breighton. W. J. F. Athous longicollis Ol. Breighton. W. J. F. Limonius cylindricus Pk. Bubwith. W. J. F. Lampyris noctiluca L. Yarm. W. J. F. Grammoptera tabacicoloy De.G. Helmsley. G. B. W. Orsodacna cerasi L. and var. glabratus F. Helmsley. G. B. W. +Longitarsus suturalis Mars. Eston-in-Cleveland. M. L. T. *Phyllotreta tetrastigma Com. Bubwith. W. J. F. ‘gi ts exclamationis Thunb. Bubwith. W. J. F. *Chaetocnema conducta Motsch. Forge Valley. E. C. H. Phaleria cadaverina F. Spurn. T.S. + Helops pallidus Curt. Spurn. T.5., and G. B. W. Grypidius equisett F. Bubwith. W. J. F. +Erirhinus bimaculatus F. Bubwith. W. J. F. +Nanophyes lythri F. Hatfield. H. H. C. Since the above report was prepared and_ presented, Dr... Sharp, .F.KS., has ..deseribed” (22. Mo. Mag yeaa I., Jan. 1913) under the name ‘gulielmi’ a species of Bledius new to science, founded on three specimens taken by Mr. W. E. Sharp, F.E.S., in Yorkshire. From a note by the latter gentle- man on p. 14, we learn that he took four specimens, and that the precise locality was the banks of a small stream at Lin- thorpe near Middlesbrough. To the long list of good things included in the report, we have thus to add for the first time an insect new to science. —_—_+e—___ Mr. C. J. Gahan has been appointed first keeper of the new department of Entomology at the British Museum. ‘In his ‘ Notes on Hydretonocrinus,’ printed in The Transactions of the Edinburgh Geological Society (Vol. X., pt. 1), Dr. F. A. Bather describes and figures specimens from Yorkshire and Derbyshire. From our contributor, Mr. T. Petch, who is now in Ceylon, we have received three valuable papers, reprinted from the Annals of the Roval Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya. ‘There are further notes on the Phall- oideae of Ceylon, Revisions of Ceylon Fungi, and the Ustilagineae and Uredineae of Ceylon. The plates accompanying the first paper are re- markably fine. We have many times had the pleasure of referring to the interesting and well written articles on natural history subjects, appearing in the Yorkshive Observer, in its ‘Out of Doors’ column, and in numerous special articles. And we have always looked to its columns for the most detailed accounts of the meetings and excursions of the various scientific societies in the county ; but surely journalistic perfection has been attained in the well illustrated report of the meeting of the vertebrate section of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, held at Leeds a little while ago, Naturalist, 103 NOTES ON THE BEETLES OF SCARBOROUGH. E. CHAS. HORRELL, DuRING the past year I have determined the following additions to the Beetle Fauna of the Scarborough District as defined in my note in The Naturalist for February, 1912, p. 49. Mr. Bayford has again been so kind as to confirm my names for nearly all the species. With these additional records, and sev- -eral already published in Canon Fowler’s ‘ British Coleoptera,’ and by Mr. Stainforth in the Transactions of the Hull Scientific Club, with which I was not acquainted when compiling my last year’s list, the number of species and varieties of Beetles now known for the District as defined in the above note, is the respectable total of 1,057. A dagger (t+) denotes new records to the Yorkshire Fauna. An asterisk (*) occurs before new records for the Riding. It will be observed that of the 54 records, 11 are additions to the Yorkshire List. Unless otherwise noted all the following have been found by myself :— Bradycellus cognatus Gyll., Clough- Oxvtelus nitidulus Grav., Rainclifie ton. Woods. Dichivotrvichus pubescens t Payk., O. sculpturatus Grav., Langdale Raincliffe Woods. End. Pterostichus versicolor Sturm., Scar- Eumicrus tavsatus Mull., Ayton borough. (leg. W.-C. Hey-:). Calathus mollis Marsh., Cloughton. Scydmenus collavis Mull., Rain- Bembidium lampras Herbst. var. cliffe Woods. coeruleo-tinctum Rtt., Clough- | *Silpha opaca L., Scarborough. ton. Cholzva chrysomeloides Panz., The B. nigricorne Gyll., Hellwathbeck. Carrs (leg. W. C. Hey.). *B. riparium Ol., Forge Valley. *Micropeplus margavite Duv., Patvobus assimilis Chaud., Silpho Hackness. Moor. + Atomaria basalis Er., Raincliffe Haliplus fuluus F., Raincliffe Mere. Woods. Gyrinus marinus Gyll., Snainton Limnius tuberculatus Maull., Forge (legs. WiC. Hey). Valley. *Tachyporus solutus Er., Hackness Parnus auriculatus Panz., Lang- and Raincliffe Woods. dale End (leg. W. C. Hey). Mycetoporus splendidus Grav., Sea- Phyllopertha horticola L., Hack- mer Carrs. ness. Tachinus laticollis Grav., Rainclifte Corymbites pectinicornis L., Lady Woods. Edith’s Drive (W. Pearson). ‘Ocypus ater Grav., Scarborough. Dascillus cervinus L., Ayton (leg. Othius myrmecophilus Kies., Hack- | WirelGe bey). ness. Toxotus meridianus L., Forge Lathvobium fulvipenne Grav., Rain- Valley. cliffe Woods and Silpho Moor. | +Zeugophova subspinosa F., Lang- +Medon pocofer Peyr., Cloughton. dale (about 40 examples). Stenus bipunctatus Er., Langdale | +Longitarsus ochroleucus Marsh., End. Cloughton. S. palustris Er., Rainclitfe Woods. A phthona nonstriata Goeze, Rain- *S. flavipes Steph., Raincliffe Woods cliffe Woods. tOxvtelus tnustus Grav., Forge | + Phyllotreta crucifere Goeze, Hack- Valley. ness and Langdale End. t A curious locality for this salt-marsh species. 2913 Feb. 1 104 Reviews and Book Notices. + Phyllotreta vittula Redt., Hackness, Polydrusus micans F., Hackness.. Psylliodes picina Marsh., Forge Phyllobius vividieris Laich., Lang- Valley. dale End. * Helops striatus Fourc., Cloughton. Sitones crinitus Herbst., Raincliffe * Apion cracce L., Langdale End. Woods. A pion ononts Kirby, Scarborough. Coeliodes quercus_F., Raincliffe +4. bohemani Thoms., Raincliffe Woods. Woods. t Nanophyes lythri F., Hackness. Brachysomus echinatus Bonsd., | + Ceuthorrhynchidius dawsoni Bris., Cloughton. Scarborough. Polydrusus tereticollis DeG., Forge | +Phytobius canaliculatus Fahr., Valley. Forge Valley. :0:— The Making of the Earth, by Prof. J. W. Gregory. London: Williams & Norgate, 250 pp., 1s. net.—In this well-bound and very cheap volume Professor Gregory summarizes the history of our planet from the time it was a nebula. He deals with ancient climates, formation of the earth’s crust, earthquakes, upheaval, plan of the earth, geographical elements, the biosphere, first life on the earth, etc. Rocks and their Origins, by A. J. Cole. Cambridge University Press, 175 pp., 1s.—Under the heads of Limestones, Sandstones, Clays, etc., Igneous Rocks and Metamorphic Rocks, Prof. Cole gives a charming account of the origins of the principal rocks that form the earth’s crust. By the aid of several good illustrations his stories are made doubly ‘inter- esting. The book is one that can be read and appreciated by a beginner. Dana’s Manual of Mineralogy, by W. E. Ford. Thirteenth Edition. London: Chapman & Hall, 1912, pp. vi. + 460, 8s. 6d. net.—‘ Dana’s Manual’ is almost a household word in English scientific circles, and no words of ours are needed to draw attention to its excellent contents. Suffice it to say that a new edition—the thirteenth—has been issued, which speaks well for the popularity of the volume. There are nearly 4oo good illustrations in the text. Gem-Stones and their Distinctive Characters, by G. F. Herbert Smith. London: Methuen & Co., pp. xiv. +312, 6s. net.—Dr. Smith’s connection with the Natural History Department of the British Museum peculiarly qualifies him for the task of writing a general treatise on Gem-stones, and he has been particularly successful. He deals with the subject from the practical, geological, and jeweller’s point of view, and in a series of forty chapters gives an admirable history of the subject. There are numerous plates, some being coloured. The latter, showing the forms of crystals in their natural colours, are all that can be desired. The Work of Rain and Rivers, by Prof. T. G. Bonney. Cambridge University Press, 144 pp., 1s. In this little handbook Professor Bonney gives a good summary of the work of rain and rivers in moulding the earth’s surface, and deals with (1) Carving and carrying, (2) Making of valleys, (3) Transport and deposit of materials, (4) History of a river system, and (5) Man’s learning of Nature’s lesson, We notice on his first page that Professor Bonney considers that ‘ of late years geologists in North America, and the younger school of them in England, have often manifested a tendency to exaggerate the effects produced by glaciers and ice-sheets,’ and his remarks (pp. 112-113) in reference to the dry valleys in Cleveland are very definite. He will have none of the younger geologists’ views that they are lake overflow channels, but ‘ they are the dry beds of streams which had already flowed far, not of those near the beginning of their source.’ We await with interest Professor Bonney’s promised ‘ demonstration’ that the form of these valleys is irreconcilable with any such glacier-lake origin. At present Professor _Bonney’s attitude seems to be like that of ‘ our Bill,’ who was the_only one in step in his regiment ! Naturalist, 105 RAINFALL RECORDS AT WIRKSWORTH, DERBYSHIRE. THOMAS GIBBS. My late father made regular observations of rainfall at his residence, Bridge House, Wirksworth, from the beginning of 18go until his death in February, 1911. As the guage has now been moved to another station and the record thus broken I propose in this paper to summarise the 21 years’ record. Wirksworth is situated at the head of the valley of the little river Ecclesbourne, a tributary of the Derwent which joins the principal stream at Duffield 9 miles to the South, and at the South Eastern corner of the great limestone plateau of West Derbyshire. The town itself stands at an altitude of between 450 and 700 feet above sea level and is situated in an amphitheatre of high hills, Barrel Edge, an escarpment of Kinder Scout Grit about a mile to the North-East exceeding tooo feet and the limestone plateau of Middleton Moor, about two miles to the North West, reaching 1173 feet above sea level. Between these two eminences a ridge of about 750 feet elevation closes in the valley on the North. The gauge was 500 feet above sea level, and its receiving surface was one foot above the ground. Unfortunately for the first five years of the term only the years’ totals have been preserved, so that we have complete daily and monthly records for a period of sixteen years only. In the following table (page 106) I give the monthly and yearly rainfall from 1895 to 1910, both years included, and also the totals for the five years 1890-1894. The average yearly rainfall for the whole period of 21 years was 32.73 inches. The wettest year was 1900 in which the total fall was 41.27 inches or 1.24 of the average. The dryest was 1893 with a fall of 22.77 inches or 0.70 of the average. The wettest three consecutive years were the last of the series, viz., 1908, 1909, and 1910, the average for the three years being 36.36 inches. The dryest were 1892-3-4 with an average of 27 inches. In the second table (p. 107) I give the average rainfall for each month for the sixteen years 1895-1910, together with the percent- age which each month’s average bears to the year’s fall. For the purpose of comparision I have added similar figures taken from two other records covering the same period, viz. :— Burton-on-Trent, from the Reports and Transactions of the Burton Natural History and Archaeological Society, and Wetwang, East Yorkshire, from Dr. H: R. Mill’s paper in “The Naturalist,’ 191I, pp., 251-3. 1913 Feb. I. 106 Gibbs: Rainfall Records at Wirksworth, Derbyshire. #2 FSOrFMONDOARAMALrONTHSS Ss OO E19 D MH OD S Wi GUANO 9 Er 6 9 SD HS ° BSSODABDAANGQSATAADAOrErOoOsreoS ran AHA AA 69 60 0 OO OD HOD NI ODN NN 09 09 OD OO H s MOO ENAMNDARDHEABHRUIORS = ADANSASHEALEAHDOHS Q DID HOA ODIO Mr AANDMANO1O s HDMODMOnHOMOOHOONM = -HHADEASCHHOSHEONSD 7, “HAO OA OMHMNS HHH O1D : SCODEMAEMErEOLFXHNAMMS 3 S SDAHMAWDAAUMEOOCHAMIS Oo AMHHNAMAMEONEMOAION : AWDMOAODHOSCAHAOCHMDHHD a DAW rAGAODHAAOsaE eH Nn SOMOMOCHHHHARHONAS op AWDOHOSCHOHEMNOHORAHAN 3 gral EN GAYE Bo iE= Oo SO1GN Sh = 100 A "NNMMOHAMOHHENMMDNW bod S Sse treorrsocomnunatoee ae WDAABSOMANDHBOMNSS Ace “DHORHHMAMASHBMOHHM PS TOSRMNDOHONHOMA AAS ra SAAMHHODASMW HOM DISCOS = AMMA ONE RONKHA HS ea MONEFARODrRONHEEANON a DWM AANUAOAWDAAHOLDNADS Ss SOANAMHAANHOANAMMAA . ArSSrantonmonHtor a ‘NAFSHSSSSSSAHSOEN a ABANMHAMANRAAMAH DAHOMOrAOCOrRHAHMOA€ e -DOOSOSRSANSTHOSSOSD Ss "AMMAR ANB HANHAN MHS : AHMIMOMHOMMN rE HHH = MOSH oO HSS DADS on “SA HNNYOD ANB HHHNNOD 39 OO 4 © ano = oc 5 Soto oO CADIQD CID DIN eR HS — NANA HONAAHM Se tHe Hanm 4 | SASSASSESSSeNsssenesc o DWDONDDDNDNDDDDADARBHAHDABASS H Cn a a ne ee ee ee ee From this second table it will be seen that along with a general agreement there are certain differences in the ‘distribution of rainfall throughout the year in the three localities. In all the wettest months were August, October and December, but while at Wirksworth, the first place is taken by December, with October second and August third, at Burton August is Naturalist, Gibbs ; Rainfall Records at Wirksworth, Derbyshire. 107 | WIRKSWORTH. BURTON. WETWANG. | = ‘ Averages fperectaees for years | of year’s sacroeesi Percent’ ges. spy enae re \Percent’ ges. é 1893-1910. Totals. 1895-1910. 1895-1910. | January 2-92 8-7 1-90 Ee ee ye February 2-55 7:5 1-65 6-5 1-66 6-6 March 2-66 79 1-75 6-9 1-99 8-0 April 2-31 6-9 1-70 6-7 1-67 6-7 | May 2-18 6-5 2.00 7:8 1-70 6:8 | June 2°35 7-0 2-03 8-0 1-98 Vi) ; July 2-61 (lai 2-27 8-9 1-84 7-4 August 3°40 10.1 2-97 11-7 2-84 11-4 | September 2°27 6-7 1-71 6-7 1-50 6-0 _ October 3:59 10.5 2-69 10-5 3-00 12-0 November 3°09 9-2 2-10 8-2 2°37 9-5 | December 3°79 11-3 | Pil 10-6 2-68 10-7 | 33°68 | 100-0 | 25-48 | 100.0 24:98 | 100-0 easily at the top, October and December coming next and being practically equal, while at Wetwang, October is the wettest month, followed in order by August and December. At the other end of the scale the three dryest months are at Wirks- worth, May, September and April in the order named; at Burton, February, April and September, and at Wetwang, September, February, May. By grouping the months in the four seasons, viz. :—Spring, March, April, May; Summer, June, July, August; Autumn, September, October, November; Winter, Decembor, January, February, we get the following results :— PERCENTAGE OF YEAR’S RAINFALL. | Season. | Wirksworth. Burton. | Wetwang. ee Be. aie aes Spring ars 21-4 | AT | Summer .. 24°8 28-6 26-7 | | Autumn .. 26-4 25°4 a is Winter 27°5 24:6 24°3 | | | 1913 Feb. 1. 108 Gibbs: Rainfall Records at Wirksworth, Derbyshire. It will be noticed that at Wirksworth, the Winter is the wettest quarter; at Burton, the Summer, and at Wetwang, the Autumn; while at all three stations the Spring is the dryest. At Wirksworth and Burton, the figures for the Winter and Summer quarters are practically reversed. This may probably be accounted for by the greater proportion which thunder-rain bears to ordinary cyclonic rain in the lowlands as compared with the hill country ; thunderstorms being of course more frequent in the summer months. The last point which I wish to bring out is to answer the question ‘‘ What is the true average yearly rainfall at Wirks- worth.” ? The average for the 16 years, 1895-1910 was 33°68 inches, that for the 21 years ending Ig10, 32-73 inches, but even the longer period is not sufficient to form the basis ofareliable average. Thisis proved by comparing the averages at Burton and Wetwang for the years 1890 to 1910 with the complete series of 35 and 29 years which the records respect- ively cover, the figures being :— Burton 1890-1910, 24-70 in. 1876-1910, 26-22 in. Wetwang 18go-I9gI0, 25-40 in. 1876-1910, 26-28 in. The considerable deficiency in the average for the shorter periods is accounted for by the fact that the omitted years, viz.: at Burton, 1876-1889, and at Wetwang, 1882-1889, were with very few exceptions, years of more than average rainfall. As Burton is not very far distant from Wirksworth (about 20 miles) and 35 years is generally considered a fair period from which to deduce an average, I have used this record from which to deduce the probable true average rainfall for Wirks- worth. As stated, the Wirksworth average for the years 1890-1910 is 32°73 inches; the Burton average for the same period is 24-70 inches. The Wirksworth average is therefore 1-325 of the Burton average. Applying this ratio to the Burton 35 year average of 26-22 inches we get an estimated 35 year average for Wirksworth of 34-74 inches. 7O: Hull Museum Publication No. 90, being the 42nd Quarterly Record of Additions, contains pictures and illustrations of old shipping views, Roman remains, numerous short notes, and a reprint of Mr. Sheppard’s paper in The Naturalist on Early Microscopes. A. Brown & Sons, 28 pp., nGE Guide to the Collection of Gemstones in the Museum of Practical Geology, by W. F. McLintock. London: Fisher Unwin, 92 pp., od.— This Guide deals not only with the collection as displayed in the Museum, but also with the general properties of gemstones, the characters by which they may be identified, the various methods of cutting them so as to enhance their beauty, and the processes by which they have been imitated, modified, and in some cases artificially formed. All the more important gemstones are represented in the Collection, both in the rough state and also cut, polished, and, in a few cases, mounted as articles of jewellery. The Guide is illustrated. Naturalist, 109 RITTERIA NEMORUM KOCH. C. F. GEORGE, M.R.C.S., Kirton-in-Lindsey. (PLATE VII.). TuIs mite is one of the most interesting as well as the most abundant and most widely distributed of all the Rhyncholo- phidze I have met with. Individual specimens differ consider- ably in appearance from each other in size, shape, and colour when alive, or when long preserved or compressed, hence the necessity of examining their structure before deciding their specific names. I have fortunately been able to supply Mr. Soar with a living and rather fine and typical example of Ritterra nemorum, and he has made a good drawing of this individual. The representation of the wrinkles is a rather difficult matter, the creatures having the power as well as the habit of altering them at will. This habit is also to be observed in other members of the Velvet mites. With regard to its anatomy, in The Naturalist, for May, 1907, page 180, is a figure of the mite (by mistake named Erythreus) and also a good enlarged figure of the mandibles and palpi. The crista is rather difficult to make out, especially in the living mite, in consequence of the number and position of the rather short, thick, and dark papillz in its neighbourhood. The upper part of it is indicated by the round mark seen in the figure on the anterior and central part of the cephalothorax. I have, however, been able to dissect it sufficiently for Mr. Soar to make a much enlarged drawing (see Fig. A). It consists of a chitinous rod, with a more or less oval form of loop at either end, the anterior one being the larger. With- in these loops, but on a higher level, there are two stigmata, each furnished with a tactile hair projecting obliquely outwards (the posterior ones only are shown in the figure). The whole is placed on a wider and irregularly broader chitinous plate. It will be observed that the crista differs somewhat from any one of those figured in The Naturalist for May, I9gII, page 200. This fact seems to indicate the importance of examining this structure in all the Trombidiide. Lamarck, in his Azstoire Naturelle des Sans-Vertébrés, published in 1818, divided the Acari into those having six feet and those having eight feet. The six feeted ones into three families (1) Astoma; (2) Leptus and (3) Caris. Since Lamarck’s time these six-feeted mites have been proved to be only the larval forms of mature mites. In the proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, for 1910, Vol. XVIII:, page roo-roz, XII.,* will be found * Note on Leptus phalangu and Leptus autumnalis and their parent earthmites by William Evans, F.R.S.E. 1913 Feb. ‘1. IIo Northern News. an account of how Mr. Evans was able to trace the development of Leptus phalangw to its next or nymphal state. Having cast its larval skin and obtained another pair of legs it was easily recognised as Ritteria nemorum. The life circle then is as follows :—First the mature female, Autteria, lays eggs. These eggs hatch and develop into small larve, which become parasitic on Phalangium opilio and perhaps also on other species of Phalangium. On reaching their full larval development they cast their skins, leave their hosts and become nymphs, and these ultimately develop into adult mites, Retterta nemorum. Of course the same process is passed through by other species, but this is so far as I know the only case of a Trombidium being fairly traced from one stage to another, although it is many years since I traced the development of a parasitic larva of the Great Water Beetle to its nymphal stage of Hydrachna, but this was a much easier matter as the Beetle could be imprisoned in an aquarium until the larva became developed into a free swimming mite. 7O.; NORTHERN NEWS. Dr. Alfred Russel Wallace was 90 years of age on 8th January. According to the Press, a tay has been found in the Washburn Valley. A great auk’s egg, said to be ‘ the very finest of its type,’ was sold at Stevens’ rooms recently for 220 guineas. The Rev. Hilderic Friend has described three new species of worms, from Nottinghamshire, to the Royal Microscopical Society. “Natural Gas from a Bradford Bore’ has been announced in one of the Yorkshire papers. But it has no reference to any public speaker. The zoological collections formed by Thomas Pennant in the eighteenth century have been presented to the Natural History Museum, South Kensington, by Lord Denbigh. At a recent meeting of the Royal Society, Dr. T. Rettie read a paper on ‘A Gregarine: Steznina rvotundata noy. sp.—present in the mid-gut of bird-fleas of the genus Ceratophyllus.’ Mr. C. Crossland favours us with a reprint of Parts. III. and LV. of Contributions to Halifax Bibliography and Authors, which are devoted to Natural History items. They occupy 72 pages, and are reprinted from the Tvansactions of the Halifax Antiquarian Society. Mr. A. Leslie Armstrong, of Sheffield, sends us the following note in reference to ‘A Blackbird Suffragette.—_‘ A remarkable instance of what appears to be the far-reaching influence of Mr. and Mrs. Pethick Lawrence has recently been brought to my notice. A pair of blackbirds during last nesting season elected to build in the boundary hedge of the Lawrence’s villa at Dorking, and, presumably, to show their loyalty to ‘the cause,’ founded the structure upon a large piece of the Daily Chronicle containing news of Suffragette activities, which had been carefully laid in the desired position. Other fragments of the same newspaper were woven into the nest itself, a large piece was hanging from it on one side, and one or two pieces were prominently placed about the margin in convenient positions for study during the weary hours of incubation.’ Naturalist, REE ON THE ORIGIN OF THE ARANEIDAL FAUNA OF YORKSHIRE. WM. FALCONER, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield. Tue Naturalist who studies plants and animals in a living state in their native haunts in order to discover for himself the fascinating details of their life history, habits and instincts, is often led in consequence of his observations in the field, to the consideration of other subjects equally interesting, but from their very nature highly speculative in character. In none of them is there more scope for surmise and theory than in the endeavour to trace the origin of the existing fauna and flora of any area, with all the varied and difficult problems -which they present as the resultant of the manifold and complex influences to which they have been subjected, and to which, as living organisms endowed with a certain capacity to adapt themselves to the external circumstances of their environment, they have responded, through the immense period which has elapsed since their creation. Such small and economically useless creatures as spiders, which keep mostly in strict seclusion and do not therefore obtrude themselves upon one’s notice, have never at any time been subjected by man to such general and continuous obser- vation as the larger, more conspicuous and useful animals and plants have been. Neither do their soft bodies adapt them- selves to permanent record in the rocks; nevertheless they can boast of a considerable antiquity, for out of the countless myriads which must have lived, died, and left no sign, some 250 fossil species, a large proportion of which are referable to existing genera, are known to science, the most ancient example having been unearthed in Upper Silesia from Carboniferous strata of the Paleozoic Epoch. The remains of 180 of them, however, were not preserved in the sedimentary rocks, but in a much more effective medium for the purpose—amber. Had this testimony of the rocks been wanting their world-wide distribution and highly specialised form would still have pointed to the same conclusion. The County of Yorkshire from its geographical position and its relatively small size, can only be regarded as a part of a very much larger area, and consequently in treating of the origin of its spider population, consideration must be given not only to the known distributional range of the various species outside its limits, but also to the factors which, in the past, may have governed it. This has already been done to a greater or less extent in the case of the larger organisms, the range of which, both in time and space, has been fairly fully ascertained, so that it is possible to state with some degree 1913 Feb. tf. 112 Origin of the Araneidal Fauna of Yorkshire. ‘of probability from what quarter they entered and in what direction they spread over the British Isles. As their geological records show, spiders have an equal antiquity and must necessarily have come under the operation of the same natural laws and been acted upon by the same influences, and we may therefore feel sure that they came to this country in a similar way to their larger and better known neighbours. The most generally accepted theory of plant and animal distribution, and the one which most accurately accords with known facts is that of Prof. E. Forbes’s* specific centres from which the different forms diffused as organic and physical conditions permitted to the surrounding districts; utilising as a means of access to the British Isles those land connections which anciently united them at different times to adjacent parts of the Continent, but which subsequently were entirely, or as in the case of the one to the north, of which the highest points, now known as the Orkneys, Shetlands, Faroe Islands and Iceland still remain above the sea, only partially submerged. It is probable that, since the creation of the existing fauna and flora, several such oscillations of levels—long periods of de- pression and elevation—have occurred, each producing impor- tant modifications in the distribution of land and sea and undoubtedly also giving rise to corresponding variations in temperature and in the quantity and duration both of winds and rains. Any one, or combination of new conditions, whenever they obtained cannot but have exercised the greatest and most far reaching effects on the various organisms, favouring some which would rapidly increase in numbers and overrun large tracts of land, but adversely affecting others which would as quickly decrease and eventually give way before the more vigorous and dominant forms. Physical causes alone, however, are not sufficient in them- selves to account for the present distribution of plants and animals. Other influences not of a material kind like those already enumerated, have had an equal if not greater share in determining the limits of their extension. Just as the organism which failed to adapt itself to the demands of its physical environment, would give way before one which could, so would it also be eliminated if it failed to respond to the co-existng organic conditions while the more adaptive species would in- crease and flourish. These directing forces are still operative, imperceptible as of yore, and chief amongst them in its power to influence distribution is that keen competition for a due share of the food so vital to every form of life, which is the result of the strenuous conditions of overcrowding, which, induced by the enormous multiplication of individuals, obtains * Flora and Fauna of the British Isles. Mem. Geol. Survey. Naturalist, PraTE VII. THE NATURALIST, 1913 i) = A > ie SS — ST ES Re A (i = oe wit, ~ SouLss Fig. B.—Ventral aspect. x 40. ee Fig. A.—Ritteria nemorum Koch. Fig. C.—Crista. x 84. ; ‘< >= 2a Ka 7 fa ie ; : A t= i ; s = Se i a > . a. > cs 1 = - ' & = J ade 29 Cte ee aa? ¥ ae a a een RE. Sova Le oe . ae ae 4 . . iT < " ‘ , , Origin of the Araneidal Fauna of Yorkshire. E¥3 so continuously in both the animal and vegetable kingdoms. This must have operated also in the case of spiders and helped to produce those wonderful modifications of structure and modes of life, the one adapted to the other, which have enabled them to occupy the most diverse situations, and to become one of the most widely diffused animals on the face of the earth. While some are not particular what these situations may be, the greater number have appropriated to themselves special habitats, in the absence of which it would be useless to search for them; for example, Tegenaria derhamii Scop. confines itself to buildings; Evigone longipalpis Sund. and Halorates re- probus Camb. haunt the sea coast ; Drapetisca socialis Sund. and Styloctetor penicillatus Westr. frequent tree trunks ; Salticus scemicus Clerck searches walls; Evansia merens Camb. is an inhabitant of ant’s nests; Tvochosa picta Hahn hunts over sandy tracts; Argyroneta aquatica Latr. attaches its bell-like retreat to the submerged stems of water plants; Purata piraticus Clerck, P. hygrophilus Thor., Dolomedes fimbriatus Walck. live in watery places and can on occasion descend into the water; Misumena vatia Clerck. lurks in flowers to seize their insect visitors. Such specialisation amongst spiders is far from being exhausted by the examples given above. This same diversity of structure and mode of life has in itself a tendency to dissemi- nate the species, for the necessity under which these creatures are often laid of finding an unoccupied habitat of the kind required and in competition with others of enlarging the area from which a sufficient supply of food can be drawn must constitute an ever present and all powerful incentive to spread. To assist them in this dispersal, they have acquired the power, extraordinary in creatures unprovided with wings and re- markable also for the simple means by which it is apparently accomplished, of sailing through the air. No combined move- ment is made, but each individual rises and floats away by itself. Single floating threads are not easily detected, and it is very probable that this habit of aviation is much commoner and more widespread among spiders than is usually supposed. The intending aeronaut climbs to the top of a post, gate or bush, and elevating its abdomen, emits from its spinners a long filament on which is is borne rapidly through the air to a considerable distance and often at a great height. Most naturalists will have at least read the accounts of this phenome- non in White’s Selborne Letter XXIII. to Hon. D. Barrington and Dr. Lister's De Araneae as given in Kirby and Spence’s “ Entomology’ Letter XXIII, but if not can readily turn to them. It is difficult to believe, however, that nothing more than the filament and the assistance of the wind is needed to effect this wonderful flight. Under atmospheric conditions of tg13 Feb. 1. II4 Origin of the Araneidal Fauna of. Yorkshire. moisture and varying temperature, the threads descend, and reinforced by fragments of webs blown from their moorings by gusts of wind form the familiar ‘ gossamer showers.’ Among those specially addicted to the practice are adults of the smaller and less weighty kinds, species of the genera Erigone, Savignia, Dicymbium and Cdothorax, and in spring and autumn the young of many others. Darwin in the‘ Voyage of the Beagle,’ Chapter VII. mentions that on several occasions thousands of a small spider of the same species but of both sexes and all ages settled on board the ship when 60 miles from land and could therefore have only done so after a lengthy aerial flight. In Chapter I. of the same work he states that spiders are among the earliest inhabitants on newly formed oceanic land, a striking testimony to their powers of dissemina- tion. Mr. W. H. Hudson, in his ‘ Naturalist in La Plata,’ also relates a remarkable instance of aerial dispersal on a gigantic scale which he witnessed near Buenos Ayres. In this case the filaments of a countless number of spiders, represent- atives of four different species awaiting more favourable meteorological conditions to continue their journey, were in such abundance as almost to hide the grass and thistles beneath them and formed a continuous band twenty yards wide which was followed for two miles without finding the end. The interchange of natural vegetable productions obviously furnishes an easy and simple means for the accidental trans- ference from place to place on the earth’s surface of even soft bodied creatures like spiders which are, moreover, tenacious of life and able to endure long fasts. Their eggs may also thus be carried, or if the trees. in the cracks and beneath the bark of which many kinds conceal their egg sacs, should become derelict, they are often drifted a considerable distance before again reaching land. Instances of living spiders of various species being brought to this country from foreign lands in consign- ments of bananas, oranges, logwood, etc., are now frequent and familiar. Examples of the kind may be frequently found in museums, and at any seaport with foreign trade, collections of exotics, some of them new to science, may now be made. Circumstances do not favour these aliens, and as a rule they either get no chance to establish themselves or fail to find a suitable habitat. Some few which are natives of a warmer climate are known to have done so, having found congenial shelter in greenhouses, hothouses and nurseries and are believed not only to have been introduced but also disseminated in such places with exotic plants. Two of these have been met with in Yorkshire—one, Theridion tepidariorum C. L. Koch is now very common in most British greenhouses, and the other, Hasarius adansonii Say., very much rarer in hothouses. (To be continued). Naturalist, II5 FIELD NOTES. BIRDS. Glossy Ibis in Holderness.—On October 18th, 1912, a Glossy Ibis 9, was shot at Carlton, near Aldborough, in Holder- ness, by Mr. Wood, of Humbleton, who reported that he saw another bird, which he did not secure. Apparently it is a bird of the year, showing flecks of grey on the crown of the head and throat, with very little of the metallic gloss observable in adult birds.—E. W. WapeE, Hull. Little Auks in Holderness.—On January 15th, 1913, a Little Auk was picked up dead in a Timber Yard at the Victoria Dock, Hull; the bill completely shattered by coming into contact with a shed. It was in very emaciated condition. —E. W. WapE, Hull. {Another specimen, in very good condition, was sent to us by Mr. J. Wilkinson, Withernsea, on January 18th, and a further example was picked up on the golf course, Bridlington, on the 19oth.—ED.] Jays near Penrith and in Roxburghshire.— Although the Jay is not rare in some parts of the Lake District it may be worth while recording that on 24th November, I saw a couple of them (from the screaming there might have been more hidden amongst the thick fir trees) going to roost in the Beacon Wood near Penrith. More than one has been reported this autumn from the neighbourhood of Jedburgh, and Kelso, in Roxburghshire, where the bird can only be claimed as a rare occasional visitant ; its visits being always curtailed by the zeal of gamekeepers, or those in quest of feathers for the ‘ bussing of flees. —GEORGE Bora. -The Occurrence of Sand Grouse in Yorkshire.—In the autumn, Mr. St. Quintin reported to me that a flock had been seen and suggested that a note might be put into the prin- cipal County papers to prevent the slaughter which has attended previous visits. The birds were seen on October 20th by Mr. Cooper, of Aislaby Hall, upon his moor at Lockton. I confess that I thought it more than probable that a flock of Golden Plover had been mistaken for Sand Grouse, but Mr. Cooper knows both species well and is not likely to have made an error. The following extracts from letters to Mr. St. Quintin show there is little possibility of mistake. ‘I guessed the number at 160, they passed me about 20 yards off and flying close to the ground. I never shoot these aliens. I thought the grouse were birds of passage. At the time I saw them they were flying North.’ In reply to a further enquiry, Mr. Cooper wrote ‘My record of Pallas’s Sand Grouse is quite correct. The 1913 Feb. tr. 116 Field Notes. familiar “‘ twit, twit’ of course caused me to notice them before they approached from behind. I have seen the grouse very many times in different districts in Yorkshire. I had a flock of over 200 at Patrington on a farm for months.’ ‘I have observed them at Lockton, Cropton, Aislaby, Hackness and many times on Dalby Warren, Hunmanby, Speeton and other districts on the wolds.’ ‘What I took to be the Banded Sand grouse Pterocles arenarius, | found had no cry when flying unless after sunset. I have often watched the grouse take a header into the “* Kafue,”’ N.W.R. by the thousand. It used to remind me of so many bullets striking the water.’—R. FORTUNE. —:0:— LEPIDOPTERA. Nonagria arundineta in Yorkshire.—I was _ recently looking through a small collection of Lepidoptera made here over 20 years ago, and among the Noctue found some N. neurica. I have since seen the gentleman who made the col- lection, and have verified the particulars of the capture.— C. AsH, Saxton Vicarage, Tadcaster, January 8th, rg12. - No doubt the insect here alluded to by Mr. Ash is the Nonagria arundineta of Schmidt, which up to the year 1908 had always done duty in our collections as the neurica of Hubner. In that year, however, a Nonagria was found in Sussex having a clear white collar or crest, which turned out to be the true neurica, and necessitated the relabelling of all our previous cabinet specimens as arundineta. The true neurica has been taken every year since its discovery in some numbers, but I believe only in the one ditch where it was first found. A coloured figure of it, with its history, will be found in the Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine of September, IgIt. Mr. Ash’s record of avundineta is the first for Yorkshire.— Gree —:0:— MOSSES. Ulota phyllantha Brid. in Cumberland.—On June 18th last, I gathered a small tuft of this moss from the trunk of a tree in the woods about Netherby, in the extreme N.W. of this county. The leaves showed the characteristic gemme, and the name has been kindly confirmed by Mr. W. Ingham. It is new to V.C. 70.—Jas. MurRRAY, Carlisle. Under the startling heading ‘Locked Among Lions,’ we found a reference in the press recently to two youths who ‘found themselves locked in among human skeletons, stuffed lions, and other animals in the Middlesbro’ Museum. After searching in the dim light, they were able to reach an outside window, from which they signalled to a passer-by.’ Naturalist, II7 VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY IN YORKSHIRE. At the last meeting of the Vertebrate Section of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, held at Leeds, Mr. J. W. Taylor presided in the afternoon, and Mr. Oxley Grabham, in the evening. Reports on the work in the three Ridings. were given by Messrs: Fortune, Wade and Nelson, respectively. Mr. Wade’s report referred to the scarcity of certain migrants in the Spring of 1912, owing to adverse climatic conditions ; expressing the opinion that these birds had stayed in the South of England for breeding. Mr. Booth stated that his observations led him to believe that unfayourable weather at the destination had no influence on the scarcity or abundance of these migrants—good weather on the route from their winter quarters. was the great factor in determining their numbers in their usual breeding haunts. Mr. H. B. Booth was elected President of the Section for 1913; Mr. Riley Fortune, President of the Mammals, etc., Committee; and, with slight changes, the officers of the Birds’ Protection Committee were re- elected. Particulars of these will duly appear on the Union’s member- ship cards. Mr. S. H. Smith exhibited a specimen of a 191 Great Northern Diver in Winter plumage, which was shot at East Cottingworth on November 15th, 1912. Mr. G. H. Parkin exhibited a Fluke (in spirit) taken from a Stickleback, and a Little Auk in the flesh, killed in Leeds recently, and an abnormal young Meadow Pipit, which bore strong resemblance to a light- coloured canary. The wings were of a beautiful lemon yellow, the re- mainder of the plumage being a much lighter shade. The other nestlings were of the normal type. Mr. Mitchell exhibited a concretion taken from a 12-year-old horse at Beeston. The stone weighed 6 Ibs. 10 ozs,. and had been cut into various sections in order to show the construction in detail. Mr. M. Robinson explained that these ‘ bowel’ stones were well known to ‘Vets.’, and invariably had their origin in a small piece of meta! or other hard substance, around which lime. salts formed in concentric rings. Their presence could not be diagnosed until they had developed to such a size as to induce restlessness in the horse. Dr. Heatherley shewed several castings of the Peregrine Falcon, and one of the White tailed Eagle, collected by Mr. Selous, one of the former having been teased out in water to ascertain the contents, which proved to. be almost entirely of feathers and down. Mr. George Mitchell, of Upwood, a practical Falconer, said the feathers were used to clear the crop of mucus, which, if not removed, caused the birds to be lazy. The consistency of the castings was carefully noted, as this is a sure indication of the health ; if somewhat hard, the health was good, while those of a soft nature denoted unsound condition. Mr. Mitchell also exhibited hoods, bells and jesses used in Falconry, and described the method of fixing them. The hoods are'made in North Brabant, where the handicraft has been practised by certain families for many generations. Here also systematic trapping of Falcons was carried on during migration, by the means of bow-nets and pigeons, and with the aid of shrikes which act as pointers, and the methods employed were lucidly explained. The best bells are those of Indian manufacture, being very light in construction and possessing a good tone. Mr. Grabham described his experiences with Mr. St. Quintin’ s Hawks and Falcons, particularly the flying of Goshawks at rats, which” were bolted by ferrets. Mr, Mitchell ‘explained that the name ‘ Tiercel’ had reference to the comparative sizes of the two sexes, the male bird being a third less in size than the female. Dr. Heatherley, with the help of a long series of slides taken during three years’ observations, gave an instructive account of ‘ The Home Life of the Peregrine Falcon,’ and he also shewed several interesting slides of the Grey Seal, taken by Mr. King, 1913 Feb, 1 118 Reviews and Book Notices. Mr. H. B. Booth showed some slides kindly lent by Mr. Mitchell, illustrating the sport of Falconry. Mr. E. W. Taylor read a paper on “ Moorland Birds,’ illustrated by lantern slides. He started at the lower reaches of a typical moorland stream up to the wide stretch of a Yorkshire moor; the successive types of land- scape were shown, and the characteristic avi-fauna of each habitat was dealt with. With few exceptions, such as the Dotterel and Dunlin, a most comprehensive series of photographs of our moorland birds had been obtained, which greatly enhanced a very interesting paper. Mr. Taylor spoke of the significance of the white rump of the Chat family and others, but owing to the late hour no discussion on this question was practicable. Atenas ee SOME BOOKS ON GEOLOGY. The Student’s Handbook of Stratigraphical Geology, by A. J. Jukes- Browne. Second Edition, London: E. Stanford, xiv. + 668 pp., 12s. net. Mr. Jukes-Browne’s long connection with the Geological Survey, and the valuable monographs he has prepared, péculiarly qualify him for a standard work on Stratigraphical Geology, a subject he has made his own. The first edition of the book was well known and well read, so much so that we need hardly occupy space in describing it to our geological readers. The present edition is considerably enlarged, and many more illustrations have been added. A new feature is the greater prominence given to the Continental representatives of the English beds. The author has also had the advantage of the advice of many specialists, and a par- ticularly valuable service has been rendered by Mr. Woods in revising the descriptions and lists of fossils and amending the nomenclature. A useful feature is the list of references which follows each chapter, so that the student may readily consult the more important memoirs bearing upon any particular subject in which he may be interested. There are over two hundred illustrations, principally of typical fossils, An Introduction to British Clays, Shales, and Sands, by Alfred Bb. Searle. London: C. Griffin & Co., pp. xiil.+451. Mr. Searle is a clay specialist, and in this addition to Messrs. Griffin’s series of technological handbooks, a want has been well supplied. The economical value of clays and clay products has warranted such a publication for some time, and certainly Mr. Searle seems to have dealt with the subject in a very thorough and practical manner, There are twelve chapters, dealing with the formation of clays from igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, how recent clays were formed, characteristics of clays and shales, mineral constituents, physical and chemical properties, prospecting, mining and purification of clays, and ‘the legal position of clays.’ There does not seem to be any aspect of clays that has not been touched upon. As a frontispiece is a map showing the chief clayworks in Great Britain, Besides those around Hull, we notice there is one only in Holderness, presumably that at Withernsea. It is odd to read a description of a map showing the distribution of boulder drift ‘after Wivight and Bonney’! This unique linking of two names is probably due to the fact that in his ‘ Ice-Work ’ Professor Bonney commandeered Professor Wright’s map, and as no acknowledgment was made, Mr. Searle has naturally assumed that it had some of Professor Bonney’s work upon it. Unfortunately the illus- tration of a ‘Typical Ammonite from the Speeton Clay,’ reproduced from The Naturalist, is a Kimeridge Clay species, though from Speeton. But these are minor points.. Anyone desiring information on clays must refer to Mr. Searle’s volume. The Natural History of Clay, by A. B. Searle. Cambridge, 1912, pp. viii. +176. After giving a table of clay rocks, Mr. Searle occupies one of the admirable shilling ‘Cambridge Manuals’ by dealing with the chemical and physical properties of clays, clay and associated rocks, origins and Naturalist, Some Books on Geology. II9 modes of accumulation, clays of commercial importance, clay-substance, theoretical and actual, and a bibliography. In non-technical language the book gives a good account of the nature and importance of clays, pottery, etc. It is also printed by John Clay. We cannot say whether the smooth surface of the paper on which it is printed is due to clay or not, though that material certainly plays an important part in the manu- facture of glazed art papers. A good proportion of the few illustrations refer to Yorkshire, and two are from The Naturalist. Building Stones and Clays, their Origin, Characters, and Examination, by E. C, Eckel. New York: J. Wiley & Sons;' London: Chapman & Hall, xvi.+264 pp., 12s. 6d. net. Almost simultaneously with Mr. Searle’s volume which refers to English clays and English methods of dealing with them, appears Mr, Eckel’s work, covering similar ground, but based upon American materials and American experience. ‘Tis interesting to compare the two. Mr. Eckel, however, is comparatively brief in his remarks, as he also deals with building stones, sandstones, limestones, igneous rocks, etc. The author has written memoirs on cements, for the United States Geological Survey, and is well known from his practical knowledge of the subject with which he treats. He pays special attention to the valuation and examination of clays and stone properties. There are also extensive lists of memoirs, etc., bearing upon the various subjects dealt with, to which the student may make reference. Geological and Topographical Maps: their Interpretation and Use. A Handbook for the Geologist and Civil Engineer, by A. R. Dwerryhouse. London: Edwin Arnold, 133 pp., 4s. od. net.—Dr. Dwerryhouse and his work need no introduction to our readers. His training at the Leeds University, at which field geology is so prominent a feature, and his subsequent work in the north of Ireland, have enabled him to write with authority on maps and mapping, a subject by no means so easy as it looks. In his preface warm thanks are proffered to Professor Kendall, who has been the means of so many taking up the study of geology with enthusiasm and good result. Briefly, Dr. ‘Dwerryhouse explains how the most information may be obtained from the Government geological and topographical maps, how they may best be read, what information they convey, how to draw maps, etc. Anyone engaged in practical field work, whether geological or engineering, will find the volume indispensable. We will admit that one or two of the illustrations are not quite clear to us, but that may not be the author’s fault. The Origin of Earthquakes, by Dr. C. Davison. Cambridge University Press, pp. vili.+144, 1s.—We are glad to draw attention to this fascinating account of earthquakes from Dr, Davison, whose paper on Yorkshire earthquakes, which appeared in this journal, will be remembered by our readers. He naturally lays particular stress upon the lessons to be learnt from Japan, California, and India in regard to earthquakes, but he also has much to say about those which have occurred nearer home, as at Derby and Carlisle. There are a number of illustrations showing the effect of earthquakes upon the landscape, some of which are remarkable, A Geological Excursion Handbook for the Bristol District, by S. H. Reynolds. London: Simpkin, Marshall, etc., & Co., 224 pp., It is” always a pleasure to see a well- illustrated and ‘practical geological guide to an interesting area, especially when it is written by someone particu- larly well acquainted with the different features of that area. Professor Reynolds’s volume well describes the various geological phenomena in the district around Bristol, and the plan might well be copied in other areas. The volume also contains a charmingly -written ‘ Introduction ’ by Professor Lloyd Morgan, 1913 Feb..1. I20 PROCEEDINGS OF SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES. Part 4 of Vol. IV. of the Proceedings of the University of Durham Philosophical Society contains a number of papers of interest to readers of The’ Naturalist, including ‘Some Observations on the Effect of Soil Aeration on Plant Growth,’ by C. Hunter; ‘ Analysis of a Florida Clay,’ by Dr. A. A: Hall, and the Boulders Committee Report, No. 6, by Messrs. G. Weyman, F. Walker, D. Woolacott, and J. H. Smythe. The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries has issued its valuable Annual Report of Proceedings under Acts relating to Sea Fisheries for the Year 19114. Wyman & Son, xlvii. + 174 pp., Is. 11d. It is a useful record ef our fishing industries, so arranged and classified that full facts and figures can be obtained at once in reference to the various species of fish that occur in the seas, quantities caught, value, etc., etc. Accompanying the Report are some elaborate charts. The Transactions of the Entomological Society for 1912, Part III. are devoted to an elaborate and exhaustive article on ‘ The Comparative Anatomy of the Male Genital Tube in Coleoptera,’ by Dr. D. Sharp and F. Muir. It contains 166 pages, and is illustrated by thirty-seven plates. With characteristic thoroughness the authors have ranged through almost all the families, and describe their results in detail, showing how these bear on phylogeny. The full value of the work can- not at present be estimated, but it is satisfactory to find that it confirms the general systematic position of the families as we now know them. The South Eastern Naturalist, being the Transactions of the South Eastern Union for 1912, pp. Ixxxii and 82, 3/6 net., besides elaborate reports of the Union’s excursions, committees, etc., contains the presi- dential address of Lieut. Colonel Sir David Prain, on Botanical Bye-paths ; the Alien Flora of Britain, by W. H. Griffin; The Flora of Folkstone, by G. C. Walton; Lepidopterous Case-Bearers, by A. Sich; Entomo- straca from the Warren, Folkstone, by D. J. Scourfield; and Geology of the Warren, by W. F. Gwinnell. There are also one or two papers of antiquarian interest. An unusual and hardly ‘scientific ’ illustration is that on plate vii, shewing ‘ A group of fossils from and in Gault clay.’ Vol. VII., part II. of the Saga Book of the Viking Club (1912, pp. 127- 246, 7/6) is a further useful record of work accomplished by this energetic Club. Besides the usual records of meetings, etc., the Saga Book contains ‘Two Derivations,’ by Professor E. Bjorkman; Costumes, Jewels and Furniture in Viking Times, Dr. A. Bugge; Miniatures from Icelandic Manuscripts, Dr. H. Fett ; William Herbert and his Scandinavian Poetry, Mr. W. F. Kirby; Early English Influence 9n the Danish Church, Rev. A. V. Storm; and Anglo Saxon silver Coin} 3 Norway, by Dr. A. W. Brogger. The last refers to a hoard of nearly 800 coins, including 135 belonging to Aethelred, Canute, Edward the Confessor, etc. These were minted at Lincoln, York, Nottingham, etc. In addition to the paper on Hydroid Zoophytes referred to on page 3 ef The Naturalist for January, the Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society, Vol. XVIII, No. 4, contain a number of valuable contributions to Zoology, etc. These include notes on a parasite (Bucentes geniculatus) of Tiprela, by Dr. J. Rennie; An Aid in the Study of Nematocysts, by Mr. T. H. Taylor; Pelagic Organisms and Evolution, by Mr. J. G. Kerr; Rhizopoda of Gough Island, Dr. E. Penard; On Docophorus bassane and Lipeurus staphylinoides, by Mr. J. Waterson; A New Species of Hvdracarina, by Mr. W. Williamson ; Arctic Palzozoic Fossils, by Dr. G. W. Lee; and Mallophaga from the Little Auk, etc., by Mr. W. Evans. Each item is a valuable record of good work, and we should like to con- eratulate the Society and its Secretary, Dr. Ritchie, upon the excellence of its Proceedings. Naturalist, jaeaes - apllaek pepe ee 36, STRAND, LONDON, w.c. (Five Doors from Charing Cross), Keep in stock every description of ~ APPARATUS, CABINETS, BOOKS, AND SPECIMENS for Collectors of BIRDS’ EGGS, BUTTERFLIES, MOTHS, ETC. Catalogue (96 pages) sent post free on application. ate LOST TOWNS: > OF THE YORKSHIRE COAST. And other Chapters bearing upon the Geography of the District. By THOMAS SHEPPARD, F.G.S., F.R.G.S., F.S.A.(Scot.). 352 pages Demy Svo, with over 100 tllustrations. Cloth Boards, 7/6 net. A new Volume which contains much valuable information in reference to the various towns and villages which have dis- appeared by the encroaches of the sea. It is also profusely illustrated by plans, engravings, etc., of the district, including many which are published for the first time. There are also chapters on the changes in the Humber; new land; Spurn; the geological structure of the district ; natural history; etc., etc. LONDON: A. BROWN & SONS, Limited, 5 Farringdon Avenue, E.C. THE IRISH NATURALIST: A Monthly Journal of General Irish Natural History. BOTANY. ZOOLOGY. GEOLOGY. EDITED BY GEO. H. CARPENTER; B.Sc., R. LLOYD PRAEGER, B:A.;,.AND ROBERT PATTERSON, F.Z.S., M.R.1.A. This MAGAZINE should be in the hands of all Naruravists interested in the distribution of animals and plants over the British Islands. 6d. Monthly. Annual Subscription (Post free) 5s. r DUBLIN :—EASON & SON, 40, LOWER SACKVILLE STREET, to which address Subscriptions should be sent. BELFAST :—EASON & SON, 17, DONEGALL STREET. J _ LONDON: :—SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, HAMILTON, KENT & Co. ST Nee ‘, a ,-- —_s 7 oe oe: ; ame i~se a, ey ee 4. See Ss ey per Pen numerous text diagrams and maps, 39 photographic plates, I coloured Aaa and p-- The Story of the East Riding of Yorkshire. — Their Natural History and Origin, By FRANK ELGEE, BGS. 4s - 377 pages Demy 8vo, Cloth Boards, Gilt Top, with fae large coloured ine a f folding geological section. Price AS/- net. of interest to naturalists and sportsmen. By HORACE B. BROWNE, M.A. 4 308 pages Crown 8vo, printed on Art Paper and bound in Art Cloth Boards with 170 tllustrations. Price 3/= net. A BOOK OF GREAT INTEREST TO YORKSHIRE PEOPLE showing the wealth of Archeological, Architectural, Civic and Commercial matter which les in their midst. This work is the first of its kind in the English language, and deals not only — ea with the various problems presented by the special area of which it treats, butalso with the origin of moors, of the Red Grouse, of moorland floras, and other subjects A work which aims at stimulating mental comparison between _ the conditions of life of our forefathers and those enjoyed by ourselyes. LONDON A. BROWN & SONS, LTp., 5 FARRINGDON AVENUE, E.C. AND ALL BOOKSELLERS. Printed at BROwNsS’ SAVILE PREss, 40, George Street, Hull, and published by . A. Brown & Sons, Limited, at 5 Farringdon Avenue, in the City of London af February 1st, 19173. + A MONTHLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF - NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND, EDITED BY oc SHEPPARD, F.G.S., F.R.G.S., F.S.A. seni THE Museums, Hutt ; AND T. W. WOODHEAD, Ph.D., F.L.S., . Cie TECHNICAL CoLLEGE, HUDDERSFIELD. WITH THE ASSISTANCE AS REFEREES IN SPECIAL DEPARTMENTS OF J. GILBERT BAKER, F.R.S. F.L.S., GEO. T. PORRITT, F.L.S., F.&.S. a Prof. P. F. KENDALL, M.Sc., F.G.S., JOHN W. TAYLOR, Are T. H. NELSON, M.B.O.U., WILLIAM WEST, F.L.S., : RILEY FORTUNE, F.Z.S. Contents :— ) PAGE ~’ Notes and Comments (Illustrated):—Ned Hodgson; Dr. Braithwaite's Moss Flora; Our National Zoological Collection; Two Years’ Acquisition; Protective Colouration in Butterflies ; Fossil Flora of Cleveland; Recent Discoveries ; Derived Cephalopoda of the Holderness Drift—from the North Sea Bed ; Manchester Microscopists : Liverpool Geolo- gists; Liverpool Biologists; The Life of a Spider ; Pity the Bibliographer... Say ... 121-126 Malaxis paludosa L. in CheshireArthur Bennett re y 127 On Gathering, Growing and’ Preparing Mosses for the Hechachann ies: Wilson 128-130 On the Origin of the Araneidal Fauna of Yorkshire—JVm. Falconer... ay ... 131-138 Gamasus ignotus n.sp. in Lincolnshire (Illustrated)—C. F. George, M.R.C.S. os .. 189-140 Aliens and Introduced Plants of the Upper Hodder—M. N. Peel ... ae .. 141-143 Freshwater Ls ch ea from the North and Wee eiginge of Yorkshire¢ G LH. Wailes, F.L.S. . 2 ag «.. 144-148 Vertebrate zbitory in Vorkahive A: Haigh-I Eanby soc oF EM ... 149-150 Field Notes:—Bitterns in Holderness; Willow Gall acehin pentandrae near I.eeds; Corypheus simplex F.O.P Cb. new to Lancashire oe AY ae ie 151 News from the Magazines a ase ne a Ss a3 Coe a3 aE ra 140 MOLmeLInie INGWSiT tie cer cee tne tach hac OMe) sake: LEN mete ON (es SO Pao be Northern News ... ae ea ates mad te sea eee og Ae ee oe 126, 148 Reviews and Book Natiead: fe ae ate ie EMM ipeaialk | 'o3% --< >. 127, 188, 150, 152°" Illustrations ~~... = br Mes “Ae pe Ns fe oa as aa He ... £21,139 LONDON : | A. Brown & Sons, LIMITED, 5, FARRINGDON AVENUE, E.C, nN ; And at Hutt and York. Printers and Publishers to the Y.N.U. —aoo- A , “ 301 an Instiz, a ye \Ai! Ul/xs ~ A fSsy ; "D Price Gd. net. By post 7d. net. : \ “MARZO 191g / te Ve A oS E fe i f 8vo, Cloth, 292 pp. (a yeas! copies Sih le ae 5/- net. - j _ Contains various reports, papers, and addresses on the Piowerae, Mant, Mosses, and: Fungi of ae ¢ ~ i ‘ x ; 7 vay Complete, 8vo, Cloth, with Coloured Map, published at One Guides. _ Only a few copies left, 10/6 ne _ THE FLORA OF WEST YORKSHIRE. By FREDERIC ARNOLD LEES, M.R.C.S., &c. = This, which forms the 2nd Volume of the Botanical Series of the Transactions, is perhaps. -the Rennaices work of the kind ever issued for any district, including detailed and full records of 1044 Phanet gams and Vascular Cryptogams, 11 Characez, 348 Mosses, 108 Hepatics, 258 ee 1009 Fungi and 38 | Freshwater Algz, making a total of 3160 species. - fy ee READY abides iy le Supplement to The Flora of West Yorkshire, by F. Arnold Lees, M. | as 680 a Chioured Geological, Lithological, &c. Maps, suitably Round in Cloth. Price 15/- net. s $e: NORTH YORKSHIRE: Studies of its Botany, Geology, Climate, and Physical Geography. sy es te / By JOHN GILBERT BAKER, F.R.S., F.L.S., M.R.1.A., V.M.H. e? __ And a Chapter on the Mosses and Hepatics of the Riding, bes MATTHEW B. SLATER, LxS. This Vol m forms the 3rd of the Botanical Series. — * . 3 de 396 pp., Complete, 8vo., Cloth., Price 10/6 net. | THE FUNGUS FLORA OF YORKSHIRE. By G. MASSEE, F.L.S., F.R-H.S., & C. CROSSLAND, PL. LS. This is the 4th Volume of the Botanical Series of the Transactions, and contains a complete annotated list of all the known Fungi of the county, comprising 2626 species. t Oe re ee AS ee at . é J Complete, 8vo, Cloth. Price G/- post free. tah = we, THE ALGA-FLORA OF YORKSHIRE. By W. WEST, F.L.S., & GEO. S. WEST, B.A., A. RiC:S.; F. L. Sis vf ; This work, which forms the 5th Volume of the Botanical Series of the Transactions, enumerates 1044 species, with full details of localities and numerous cates remarks on their affinities and distribution, Svat er een ae Complete, 8vo, Cloth. Secand Edition. Price 6/6 net. d LIST OF YORKSHIRE LEPIDOPTERA. By G. T. PORRITT, F.L.S., F.E-S. The First Edition of this work was published in 1883, and contained particulars of 1340 species 6f - Macro- and Micro-Lepidoptera known to habit the count of York. The Second Edition, with Supplement _ contains much new information which has been Seamatotad by the author, including over 50 additional species, together with copious notes on variation (particularly melanism), &c. sige NSS : In progress, issued in Annual Parts, 8vo. ae Fe TRANSACTIONS OF THE YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS’ UNION. es ts wre) ~ ee The Transactions include papers in all departments of the Yorkshire Fauna and Flora, and are issued i in sepatately-paged series, devoted each to a special subject. The Parts already published are sold to the public as follows (Members are entitled to 25 per cent. discount): Part 1 (1877), 2/3; 2 (1878), 1/9; 3 (1878), 1/6; 4 (1879), 2/- ; 5 (1880}, 2/-; 6 (1881), 2/-; 7 (1882), 2/6; 8 (1883), 2/6; 9 (1884), 2/9; 10 (1885), 1/6; 11 (1885), 2/6; 12 (1886), 2/6; 13 (1887), 2/6; 4 (1888), 1/9; 15 (1889), 2B; 16 (1890), 2/6; 17 (1891), 2/6; 18 (1892), 1/9; 19 (1893), 9d. ; 20 (1894), 5/-; 21 (1895), 1/-; 22 (1896), 1/3; 23 (1897), 1/3; 24 (1898), 1/-; 25 (1899), 1/9; 26 (1900), 5/-; 27 (1901); 2/-; 28 (1902), 1/8; 29 (1902), 1/-; 30 (1903), 2/6; 31 (1904), 1/-; 32 (1905), 7/6; 33 (1906), 5/- ; 34 (1908), 2/6. s THE eres OF YORKSHIRE. By T. H. NELSON, M.B.O. U., WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F. i; LS. 1.B.0.U., and F. BOYES. 2 Vols., Demy 8vo 25/- net. - Demy 4to 42/- net. 4 E Annotated List of the LAND and FRESHWATER MOLLUSCA KNOWN TO INHABIT YORK ~ SHIRE. By JOHN W. TAYLOR, F.L.S., and others. Also i in course of publication in the Trans. actions. a We THE YORKSHIRE CARBONIFEROUS FLORA. By ROBERT KIDSTON, F.R.S.E., F.G.S. Parts My 18, 19, 21, &c., of Transactions. oe LIST OF YORKSHIRE COLEOPTERA. By Rev. W.C. HEY, .A. ~ THE NATURALIST. A Monthly Illustrated Journal of Natural History for the North of ‘England. Editec by T. SHE PPARD, F.G.S., Museum, Hull; and T. W. WOODHEAD, F.L.S., Technical College, F.L.S., Pror. PERCY F. KENDALL, M.Sc., F.G.S., T H. NELSON, M.B.O.U-, GEO. T. PORRI F.L.S., F.E.S., JOHN W. TAYLOR, WILLIAM WEST, F.L.S,, and R. FORTUNE, F.Z.S. Subscription, payable in advance, 6/6 post free). MEMBERSHIP in the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, 10/6 per annum, includes subscription to The Naturalis and entitles the member to receive the current Transactions, and all the other privileges of the Union A donation of Seven Guineas. constitutes a life- membership, and entitles the member to a set of the Transactions issued by the Union. Subscriptions to be sent to. the Hon. Treasurer, H. CuLPIn 7 St. Mary's Road, Doncaster. P Members are entitled to buy all back numbers and other publications of the Union at a discount of per cent. off the prices quoted above. All communications respecting ‘The Naturalist’ and publications should be addressed to T. Sheppard, F. Gs The Museum, Hull; and enquiries respecting the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union should be addressed to th Hon. Secretaries, Technical College, Huddersteld. ‘ NOTES AND COMMENTS. NED HODGSON. Visitors to the Cliffs at Bempton and Speeton during the coming summer will miss the cheery face and kindly greeting of Edward Hodgson. ‘ Old Ned,’ as he was invariably called, died at the close of last year, after a few day’s illness, aged 73 Photo by] [E. W. Wade. Ned Hodgson and his son John. years. He represented the third generation of ‘ climmers’ in his family, and his son John still carries on the arduous pro- fession. For thirty years he regularly ‘ climmed’ the cliffs for eggs, and only ceased on nearing his 60th year. He was one of the old school ; kind to a fault, absolutely reliable, and ‘as straight as a die.’ 1913 Mar. 1. I I22 Notes and Comments. DR. BRAITHWAITE’S MOSS FLORA. Our old friend and contributor, Dr. R. Braithwaite, F.R.S., and author of the well known Moss'Flora, has sold his collection of mosses to the British Museum for £200. It is certainly a matter for congratulation that this unique collection is now in safe keeping, and available to students for all time. The. Herbarium occupies 800 sheets of drawing paper folio, one sheet to each species, which itself is first mounted on a square of letter paper and then fixed by gum at the four corners, some very variable species have two, three or four sheets, and entirely arranged according to the‘ Moss Flora.’ These drop into stout millboard boxes, fifty or sixty in a box; the lid is formed by another box a little larger so as to keep out insects, and if any do get in they quickly get out again. There are about 8,000 specimens, some very beautiful, and they will rest near Wm. Wilson’s collection. In May next, Dr. Braithwaite enters his ninetieth year, and we feel sure all our readers join us in wish- ing him every good wish on that occasion. OUR NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL COLLECTION. Dr. A. Giinther, F.R.S., has prepared a useful ‘ General History of the Department of Zoology from 1856 to 1895,’ as an appendix to * The History of the Collections contained in the Natural History Departments of the British Museum,’ and this has been published by the Trustees.* There are many points of view from which this interesting history might be dealt with, but perhaps the part which appeals to one most is the extraordinary record of the various and numerous zoological collections which have found a permanent resting place in our National Museum. TWO YEARS ACQUISITION. A fair sample of the record of additions to the Zoological Department alone may be taken from the list relating to the years, 1888-9, when 113,357 specimens were added to the col- lection. Among them were, from the Challenger collection, 2,315 crustaceans, 2,250 amphipods and izopods, 137 fishes, 545 tunicates, 400 Pteropods, 357 sponges, and several hun- dred other specimens of various kinds ; a collection of marine animals from the China Sea, made by H.M.S. Rambler; a collection of deep sea animals dredged from the south-west coast of Ireland; mammals, etc., obtained by the Hunter expedition to Kilimandjaro and the Littledale expedition to the Pamir; 104 skulls of ancient Egyptians from Mummy Tombs; 11,000 North American birds; 108 specimens from the Riocour collection (purchased for £200) ; four large col- lections of birds; Francis Day collection of Indian fishes and +P Da Xe eOOnea5/— Naturalist, : Notes and Comments. 123 crustaceans, and 155 British Salmonid@e ; 2,558 marine shells from St. Helena; 2,111 shells from India; 5,635 Hemiptera from Central Europe; 3,143 Coleoptera; 6,246 Diptera ; 1,407 Hymenoptera, etc ; the Buckle collection of Lepidoptera (6,000 specimens) ; the) Hampson collection of Nilgiri Lepidoptera (2,415 examples, ‘and about 300 types of new species ’!) and 2,400 Moths from New South Wales. PROTECTIVE COLOURATION IN BUTTERFLIES. The Rev. F. Bennett points out an interesting feature with regard to butterflies in Knowledge, for February. These insects close their wings like a book, and the underside of the hinder pair is often coloured so as to match their surround- ings; but they are not quite so large as the fore wings, and therefore do not cover these completely up. The beautiful detail which Mr. Bennett illustrates is that the uncovered portion of the underside of the fore wing repeats in a great number of instances the pattern and colouring of the under surface"of the hind wing and thus carries out to perfection the concealment ; while the remainder of the under surface of the fore wing covered when at rest by the hind wing, has often quite different colouring, and is in many cases of most brilliant and conspicuous hues. FOSSIL FLORA OF CLEVELAND. At a recent meeting of the London Geological Society, Mr. H. Hamshaw Thomas described several plants collected by the Rev. G. J. Lane and Mr. T. W. Saunders in the Cleveland district, and other specimens obtained by himself from the Marske Quarry, and by the late Mr. Hawell, whose collection is now in the Dorman Memorial Museum, Middlesbrough. The Marske flora, which includes several types not hitherto recorded from the Jurassic plant-beds of Yorkshire, is believed to be of Middle Jurassic age ; specimens previously identified as Zamites buchianus (Ett.) and Nuilssonia schaumbergensis (Dunk.), Wealden species, are described respectively as a new species of Psewdoctenis and Nilssonia orientalis Heer. RECENT DISCOVERIES. The following species were dealt with :—Equisetites col- umnaris Brongn., Sagenopteris phillipsi (Brongn.) var. major Sew., Laccopteris polypodioides Brongn., Dictyophyllum rugosum L. & H., Stachypteris halleri, a new type recently described by the author, Comniopteris hymenophylloides Brongn., and C. qguinqueloba (Phill.), Todites williamsoni (Brongn.), Cladophlebis denticulata Brongn., a new species of Marattiopsis (a genus not hitherto recorded from Yorkshire), Williamsonia spectabilis Nath. (microsporophylls of which were found by the author, . throwing additional light on this type of flower), W, whitbiensis Nath., and a female strobilus identified as IW. sp., Zamites T913 Mar. 1. 124 Notes and Comments. (Williamsonia) gigas L. & H., Psilophyllum (W.) pecten (Phill.), Teniopteris vittata Brongn., T. major L. & H., T. sp., Wie- landiella nilssoni (Phill.) formerly known as Anomozamites nilssoni, Otozamites feistmanteli Zigno, O. graphicus (Leck. ex Bean MS.), Dictyozamites hawell1 Sew., a Cycadean stem classified as Wielandiella sp., Nilssonia mediana (Leck, ex Bean MS.), N. orientalis Heer, a new species of Pseudoctents (a genus recently founded on specimens of Cycadean fronds from the Upper Jurassic of Sutherland), Ginkgo digitata Brongn.), Baieria longifolia (Pomel), Czehanowskia murrayana (L. & H.), Elatides setosa (Phill.), and Taxites zamioides (Leck. ex Bean MS.). DERIVED CEPHALOPODA OF THE HOLDERNESS DRIFT At the same meeting, Mr. C. Thompson read a paper in which he stated that although it has been known for a century that the Drift of Holderness is rich in derived fossils, for many years the collecting of them had been neglected. However, in recent years, collections of the cephalopoda have been made and it is now claimed that about a hundred and eighty species of ammonites are known from the glacial drift. There are two important points about these specimens ; one, that large numbers are new to Yorkshire lists hitherto published; the other, that the matrix of many of them cannot be matched now by our land exposures. FROM THE NORTH SEA BED. The whole of the Lower Lias is so well represented by all its genera, and the rocky matrices are so characteristic, that it was urged that the ice plucked them from outcrops in the bed of a former North Sea; also that these outcrops show the continuity of the North Yorkshire Basin with that of North- Western Germany. The list appended to the paper showed that many gaps are now filled. The Middle and the Upper Lias afford much material, but the types are closer to those of North Yorkshire. The Oolites are very scantily represented, although the Lower Cretaceous is abundantly represented both by ammonites and belemnites. Again, there is a great differ- ence between the state of preservation of a collection made from the Drift, and that of one which can be made now from the Speeton Clay im situ. Hence, the existence of a wide spread of these clays to the east isconfirmed. Thechalk belemnites belong to a zone higher than any known in Yorkshire; therefore, they probably came from the sea-bed. MANCHESTER MICROSCOPISTS. The Manchester Microscopical Society is well known for the unusually good work it accomplishes in the way of giving popular lectures on microscopical and natural history subjects. It also produces a valuable record of the work of its members Naturalist, Notes and Comments. 125 in its Annual Report, the last of which is before us: It contains Professor F. E. Weiss’s Presidential Address on ‘ The Micro- scopical Study of Fossil Plants.” Mr. J. E. Lord describes and figures a new rotiferon, Stephanops microdactylus, from sphag- num moss ; and gives a note on S. stylatus, and ‘ The Histology of a cycad leaf.’ Mr. L. W. Waechter writes on ‘ Seed Plants ;’ Mr. A. Flatters on Ceratium hirundinella ; Mr. W. Harvey on some common forms of Pond Life ; Dr. Tattersall on Plankton ; and Messrs. R. Pettigrew and A. Newton deal with cleaning and preparing specimens for the microscope. There is also a report of the Society’s rambles. LIVERPOOL GEOLOGISTS. The Proceedings of the Liverpool Geological Society (Part III., Vol. XI.), contain two papers dealing with districts far away from the field of operations of the Liverpool Society, yet they have an important bearing upon the geology of Lan- cashire and Cheshire. One is on ‘ Present Trias Conditions in Australia.” by the Rev. C. E. Spicer, and the other is by Prof. Sir Thomas Holland, and refers to ‘The Origin of Desert Salt Deposits.’ They form valuable contributions to our knowledge of the origin of the Trias. Dr. A. Wade writes on ‘ Glacial Lakes and the Welsh Border Rivers,’ and Mr. T. A. Jones gives some useful ‘ Petrographical Studies of Local Erratics.’ There is also Mr. W. Hewitt’s Presidential address, which principally refers to ‘The Coast in its Geo- logical Relations.’ The Proceedings are illustrated by Plates, etc., and are edited by Mr. J. H. Milton. LIVERPOOL BIOLOGISTS. The Liverpool Biological Society has issued Volume XXVI. of its Proceedings. It is a magnificent publication, and contains nearly 400 pages and many excellent plates and illustrations. Among the contents are ‘ Reptile Life in Captivity’ (the presidential address of Mr. J. H. O’Connell) ; the 25th Annual Report of the Liverpool Marine Biology Committee ; Prof. Herdman’s Report on the Investigations at the Laboratory at the Liverpool University, and the fish- hatchery at Piel ; Dr. Bassett’s Report on Hydrographic Work in the Irish Sea ; papers on the various diseases of fishes, and a remarkable Memoir on Buccinwm (The Whelk) by Dr. W. J. Dakin, which occupies over 100 pages. The Liverpool Bio- logical Society certainly take the lead in the quantity and quality of its work, and in the way in which that work is published. THE LIFE OF A SPIDER.* Under the above heading, a remarkable collection of essays is translated from Fabre’s Souvenirs entomologiques, and *By J. H. Fabre. London: Hodder & Stoughton. pp. xxxix.+ 378. 6s. net. 1913 Mar. Ts 126 Notes and Comments. . now appears ‘in English for the first time. The translator, Alexander Teixeira de Mattos, has surely rendered Fabre’s prose with the beauty and charm of the original, and the book possesses all the fascination and interest of the most romantic novel, yet is true withal; and there is not a sentence, hardly a single word, but anyone can understand it. The various phases of the lives of numerous forms of spiders are described in such a way that one wonders—cannot help won- dering—why al! these extraordinary stories were not available to English readers before. And the Preface, by Maurice Maeterlinck, is a masterpiece. We have never read a finer account of the smaller forms of life. PITY THE BIBLIOGRAPHER ! That indefatigable writer and artist and printer, Mr. S. L. Mosley, is producing The New Nature Study at sixpence a part, of which the first five are before us. We will admit, that from a bibliographer’s point of view Mr. Mosley has puzzled us. To take part V. which is described as ‘ 167 from the beginning ;’ this number must refer to some previous publication with which Mr. Mosley has been connected. There have certainly not been 167 parts of a publication called Nature Study. Inside is a coloured plate of beetles, headed ‘ Nature Study, Vol XV. pl. 2.” There have not been XV. volumes of any such publi- cation. Next follows two pages on ‘ Insects,’ the first not numbered, the second numbered ‘ 4,’ and from the contents we learn that these are pages 3-4 of Vol. XV. Then follow four pages, dated Feb., 1913, and numbered 11 to 14, dealing with geology, and ‘autobiography,’ with an account of Mr. Mosley’s family, their names, etc. From the contents we learn that pages 11 and 12 form part of Vol. XVI., while pp. 13-14 form part of Vol. XX. Next follow two pages dealing with sand, the first of which is not numbered, but is headed ‘ Vol. XXIII,’ and the second is numbered 2. The next page is also blank, followed by another page 2. These two pages are headed Vol. XXIV., and are entitled ‘ A Handbook on Eight- legged Animals,’ on the blank page, but ‘ 8-legged’ merely, on the list of contents. Facing this third non-numbered page is a plate, numbered Vol. XXIV, pl. 1.!! We then have a fourth non-numbered page headed Vol. XXY., and entitled ‘A Hand- book on Geography’; the ‘Handbook’ extends to two pages, and refers to ‘Abyssenia’ (sic). There is still another blank page, followed by still another page 2, which is headed Vol. XXII., and is “A Handbook on Legless Invertebrates.’ This ‘Handbook’ refers to ‘ The Pisan Snail.’ s/s The death is announced of Adam Sedgwick, F.R.S., Professor of Zoology at the Imperial College of Science and Technology. Naturalist. J i al -MALAXIS PALUDOSA L. IN CHESHIRE. ARTHUR BENNETT, Croydon. In the ‘ Flora of Cheshire’ (1899) p. 304, there is a note that “The late Mr. W. Wilson has entered ‘“ Cheshire’”’ opposite to this plant in his copy of Watson’s “ Outlines,’’* now belonging to Mr. B. D. Jackson. It is most likely he was mistaken in the boundary of our county, and gathered it on Yorkshire ground.’ But there is no doubt he knew where it had been found as shown by Mr. Cash’s interesting account of Mr. Wilson.f “In July, 1831, he visited a place called Sinks Moss, near Knutsford, in order to gather MWalaxis paludosa, but returned home unsuccessful. The place was partly enclosed and cultivated.’ This extract answers the query. Obs aaa South African Geology, by Prof. E. H. L. Schwarz. London: Blackie & Son, 200 pp. 3s. 6d. net.—Professor Schwarz’s work on the geology of South Africa is well known, and we are glad that he has brought together a concise summary of the main geological features of that inter- esting area. From both scientific and economical points of view a keen interest is being taken in the geology of our flourishing colony, conse- quently there will no doubt be a good demand for this book. It is well arranged, well written, and well illustrated. Cryst llography and Practical Crystal Measurement, by A. E. H. Tutton, D.Sc., M.A., F.R.S., etc., pp. xiv. + 946 (London: Macmillan & Co., Ltd., 1911. Price 30s. net). So great are the strides that have been taken by the science of crystallography during recent years that such a book- as the present has become a crying necessity. The setting-forth of the latest discoveries in this science could not have been placed in more capable hands than those of Dr. Tutton, whose brilliant researches in a field of work he has made peculiarly his own are of world-wide fame. In addition to being a clear exposition of the theoretical portion of the subject, most of which can be read with interest and profit by the layman, the book is essentially practical, enabling the student by its aid to carry out for himself the examination of crystals and their forms. It is difficult to say to whom the book will be of greatest service—to the chemist, physicist, or mineralogist—but it can safely be said that it is essential to each. The book is well arranged and contains 720 illustrations, and is got up in the thorough manner characteristic of the text-books issued by Messrs. Macmillan & Co. Some books on crystallography are for- bidding, but this work is not so. The author is obviously enthusiastic over his subject, and the book has thereby that appealing human interest that is as essential to the success of scientific memoirs as to works of a lighter nature. With the author we believe that there zs a great future before this subject, we feel confident that the book will ‘ help forward the progress of crystallography,’ and we trust as a result of his labours there may be attracted to this important subject ‘ an increasing number of earnest spirits seeking for a field of tascinating and richly rewarding research) —— B.A * Outlines of the Geographical Distribution of British Plants. 1832. + The Naturalist, 202-212. 1884. 1913 Mar. I. > 125 ON GATHERING, GROWING AND PREPARING MOSSES FOR THE HERBARIUM. ALBERT WILSON, Garstang. Every bryologist who has done much field work will have his own ideas as to the best way to proceed in collecting, drying, and storing his specimens. I venture, however, to make a few remarks on methods which I have found satisfactory in my own experience. Dealing first with the work in the field—as a holder for the plants I have found nothing better than an ordinary mat bag. It is light in weight, easy to carry, and very handy for slipping the specimens in. A few small tin boxes are also useful for storing small or delicate species. As each plant is gathered I wrap it in paper and place with it a slip giving the locality, habitat, or other details, and the altitude where necessary. Ordinary newspaper is admirably adapted for the purpose, and the blank edges cut into strips about three inches by one inch serve for slips. This wrapping and labelling may seem troublesome at the time, but it not only prevents the specimens from being broken up or injured, but it is a great convenience and saving of time afterwards, as the slips of paper giving the locality, etc., can be placed along with their respective specimens during the drying process, and they are ready as references when the plants are transferred to their envelopes. In ex- cursions extending to several days the wrapping and labelling is absolutely necessary, as it is quite impossible to remember the exact localities where large numbers—say hundreds—of specimens are gathered. If the plants can be examined or placed in the drying paper without much delay they need no special treatment, but if they cannot be dealt with for say five or six days or longer, and one is moving about from place to place, it is desirable each evening to open the packets and expose the contents to the air, so that they may dry during the night, otherwise they may be injured by mould. A better way still is to send them home by post, and arrange for them to be opened and spread out to dry in some place where they will not be disturbed, care being of course taken that the labels are not removed from the packets. They can then be dealt with in batches of convenient size as time permits. It is only necessary to damp them to bring them back to their original form, and this is best accomplished by placing the opened paper packets on a large dish in layers, one on top of the other, with a liberal sprinkling of water on each, and then placing an inverted dish on the top and allowing them to remain for about twenty-four hours. Naturalist, On Gathering, Growing and Preparing Mosses. 129 In order to produce nice herbarium specimens it is necessary to take pains with the pressing and drying. I use ordinary absorbent paper, such as is used for flowering plants, placed between two stout boards, the pressure being obtained in the usual way by a strap. A moderate amount of pressure only should be applied, and the papers should be changed each day, one lot of papers being dried while the others are in use. A plentiful supply of paper is always a great advantage. When drying a number of specimens of the same species from the same locality, if the plants be small, it is a good plan to place them together on a piece of newspaper and lay this on the absorbent paper. Then when changing the latter the mosses can be lifted off in one operation, which is better than moving every tuft separately, and there is much less fear of breaking up or spoiling the specimens. All large thick tufts should be cut up into sections of suitable thickness, either by a knife or a pair of scissors. The best results are obtained by cutting the soil and rootlets at the base of the tuft, from below upwards, with a knife, and then tearing the sections apart, being careful to make them fairly uniform in thickness and to retain as far as possible the whole outline of the tuft. Species of Sphagnum and some pleurocarpous mosses, such as the harpidioid Hypna, should not be pressed in too thick masses, but should be in thin layers, so as to exhibit the branching of the stems, etc. In most cases, however, the natural tufts should not be dis- turbed more than necessary, but this does not prevent the exercise of taste and careful arrangement in the way the plants are spread out on the drying paper, the object being to show the natural habit of the species, and at the same time to make as pleasing a specimen as possible. In cases where small mosses, such as some species of Pottia, | etc., are found growing on earth which is likely to crumble into dust on drying and so break up the specimen, it is well to apply a preparation of isinglass and spirit of wine, such as is used in making adhesive plaster, to the attached soil. This composition, which is recommended by Leighton for use in preserving lichens, is first liquified in a vessel plunged into hot water and then carefully applied to the soil by means of a camel’s-hair brush. It is readily absorbed, and on cooling the isinglass solidifies and effectually binds the earth together. Care should of course be taken not to touch the moss itself. The specimen may then be pressed and dried in the usual way. It sometimes happens that an interesting plant is found with fruit in so young or immature a condition that it is unsuitable for properly determining the species, and also unfit for producing a good herbarium specimen. It is then well worth while to grow the plant at home until the fruit is fully developed. This is usually quite easily accomplished, either 1g13 Mar. 1. 130 On Gathering, Growing and Preparing Mosses. in a greenhouse or under a bell-glass. The air of an ordinary living room is too dry for the purpose unless the moss is pro- tected, and it is not quite safe to plant the specimen in a garden, as birds have a mischievous habit of pecking at anything that looks fresh or of a bright colour, and will probably carry away the tufts bodily. I usually spread a layer of sand about half an inch deep on the surface of a dinner plate, and plant the mosses—if possible with their natural earth undisturbed—in the sand, and use an ordinary “ fish globe’ or propagator to cover them. They should be kept moist, but, unless they are aquatic species, not too wet, by sprinkling with water occasion- ally, and the bell-glass cover should be partially or wholly removed for a time each day or two, otherwise the mosses may become unhealthy and mould may injure them. I have grown some rarely-fruiting species in this way for several months with great success. Hypnum sarmentosum, with very young fruit, gathered by the snowdrifts above Loch Coire an Lochan on Braeriach, at 3,400 feet, in July rg1o, produced fine ripe capsules a few weeks later. Hypnum stellatum, with similarly young fruit, from the margin of Hawes Water Tarn, Silverdale, gathered in February 1908, produced ripe fruit at home in April. A quantity of Fossombronia cespitiformis from Warton Crag, near Carnforth, brought home in November, yielded by Christmas fine ripe capsules. Without these the specimens were almost valueless, as in Fossombronia spores are necessary to properly determine the species. I have found the small annual winter fruiting species, as Pottia, etc., especially easy to grow. I should like to urge and emphasize the duty which every bryologist owes to the British flora in trying to protect and preserve it. If only a small quantity of a rare moss be found— say a single tuft—it is often desirable to mark the spot, and make a careful search in the neighbourhood for more, before any specimen is gathered. If no more be discovered, a very small fragment only should be taken, sufficient just to serve as a voucher, the remainder being left to grow and increase. lO} Among the recent additions to the Warrington Museum are ‘ pearls from six species of freshwater mollusca in Lancashire.’ The Leicester Museum was recently reopened by the Right Hon. John Burns, ‘after a somewhat lengthy period of chaos due to recon- struction and enlargement.’ Mr. Burns appealed for funds for the ac- quisition of three adjoining houses as a branch museum of local antiquities. The Report of the Manchester Museum (Publication No. 73, 46 pp., 6d.) contains a list of the additions made during the year and a record of the work accomplished in the various departments. A _ particularly valuable addition is the Churchill collection of foreign coins, the Dresser collection of Palearctic birds’ eggs, etc. Naturalist, 131 ON THE ORIGIN OF THE ARANEIDAL FAUNA OF YORKSHIRE. WM. FALCONER, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield. (Continued from page rr4). It is now generally recognised that there is a close connection between the geological formation of a district (in its varied characteristics of soil, elevation, aspect and humidity), and its vegetation. The latter in its turn influences the insect life, which is the main source of the food supply of spiders. It is certain, therefore, that one of them cannot be affected without disturbing the others. This is only in accordance with what has frequently been observed, the various forms of life, both animal and vegetable, even those the most dissimilar, being apparently in some way dependent on each other. Darwin’s illustration of the connection between old maids and their cats and the fertilisation of clover discloses some unexpected relations, while the introduction of goats into St. Helena caused in the course of 220 years the total destruction of the woods there and led, by the consequent loss of food and shelter, to the extinction of several small animals, birds, molluscs and a multitude of insects (‘ Voyage of the Beagle,’ Chapter XX1.). In other places, cattle, by ‘wholly preventing the growth of trees, have excluded from extensive districts not only the small animals of every description which subsist on roots, leaves, fruits or seeds, and the insects which are dependent on trees, but also the birds and other creatures which prey upon insects. Field naturalists are often puzzled to account for the fact that a species may be abundant in one district and yet absent from, or very rare in a neighbouring one, where to every appearance the same conditions obtain, and are driven to conclude that some slight difference of climate, food, number of enemies, etc., which they cannot discern, is the determining cause, Other instances might be adduced but sufficient has been said to show that any modification which tends to increase, diminish or exterminate one element is merely the beginning of a series of far-reaching consequences which affect favourably or adversely all the Sie organisms in contact, thus introducing a factor which so disturbs all existing arrangements that centuries must elapse before the balance can be restored. In every area at the present day there is, as a result of this cumulative and combined effect of all the influences of every kind and degree brought to bear upon organisms in the past, a general intermingling of types. As regards spiders they have * Dr, Wallace, ‘The Geographical Distribution of Animals.’ 1913 Mar. re 132 Origin of the Araneidal Fauna of Yorkshire. been arranged in five faunistic groups, according to the direction from which, as the circumstances of their present range indicate, they have severally diffused, but it should be borne in mind that, from the difference of geographical position and the intervention of organic and physical barriers, the conclusions proper to one area will not necessarily apply in their entirety to another. Also there are species which from our defective knowledge of them, or the peculiarity of their present distri- bution cannot be safely assigned to any one group. All the sections are more or less numerically represented in the Yorkshire fauna. NORTHERN GRoupP.—A considerable portion of the County’s spiders, most of which are abundant, at least in its hilly western portion, belong to this section, e.g., Coelotes atropos Walck, Bolyphantes alticeps Sund., B. luteolus Bl., Leptyphantes eviceus Bl., Poeciloneta globosa Wid., Hilaira excisa and uncata Camb., Macrargus rufus Wid., Phaulothrix hardu Bl., Mengea scopigera Grube, Centromerus arcanus Camb. C. prudens Camb., Microneta gulosa L. Koch., Evigone arctica White, Caledonia evanstt Camb., and others. They are much commoner in Scot- land and in the North of England, but are altogether absent or very rare in the south of this island. Many reappear again on the Continent and penetrate in some instances a considerable distance to the south. The reason why they have not success- fully colonised the south of England is not understood, but it is possible that the more highly cultivated state of the land and the drier conditions which there prevail (the ground moisture depending not so much on the rainfall as on the permeability or otherwise of the geological formations) and the consequent restricted area of wild tracts which yield the moist habitats in which they thrive best, together with their inability to maintain their ground against other species more tolerant of crowding and competition, but less hardy of constitution, may have had something to do with it. This explanation is in some measure supported by the fact that many of them when occurring in the south of England and on the continent are found on the higher uncultivated levels. .As tothe genesis of the northern species there is room for difference of opinion, but whether they are believed to have participated along with other organ- isms. in the migrations southward and then northward, con- sequent on the gradual approach and departure of the Ice Age, or as there is more reason to believe seeing that such a theory explains more satisfactorily not only the present disposition of the faunistic groups, but also the sameness of the genera and frequently even of species in the colder regions of both hemispheres, that they radiated from a common centre somewhere in the north at-a period subsequent to the Glacial Epoch, they are probably the oldest members of the araneida] Naturalist, Origin of the Araneidal Fauna of Yorkshire. 133 fauna of the county, for besides being constitutionally the best fitted to endure more rigorous climatic conditions, the arrange- ment and continuity of the mountain ranges in Scotland and the North of England would be favourable to their rapid extension, even at a time when the lower lying land would be impassable to species advancing from other directions. WESTERN GRoOuP.—The next group to enter Yorkshire embraced those species which spread into it from a westerly point of the compass, for if the land connection between Ireland and Gt. Britain, while co-existent for a time with, was, as some geologists suppose, anterior both in point of elevation and submergence to that between S. E. England and the Continent, thus affording earlier access from the west, and if, as paleontology indicates, a warmer climate prevailed then as now in the western portions of Britain than in the eastern, then the former would most likely be sooner in a condition to support an araneidal population than the latter. The western species would slowly diffuse as the physical conditions improved suffici- ently to permit it, but their progress would no doubt be ham- pered not only by the change of temperature incidental to passing from a more insular to a more continental climate but also by less tangible but not the less effective obstacles, for at a later period they would find themselves in contact with other species, much more vigorous, much more tolerant of crowding and competition, not exactly cold fearers or particular as to habitat and moreover favoured by improving climatical conditions as they spread towards the more insular areas. As a result of the ensuing competition, either all the Western species did not reach the Continent, or the severance of the land connection left their advance guard in such disadvantageous circumstances that they have either been wholly or partially displaced there, only now occurring in some of its western countries and very rarely indeed extending farther east. They have however maintained their ground in the British Isles and in some parts of them are common. The following rarer mem bers of our fauna are probably referable to this group ; Onesinda minutissima Camb., Halorates reprobus Camb., Bathyphantes setiger F.O.P. Cb., Syedra innotabilis Camb., Gongylidiellum paganum Sim., Lophocarenum mengit Sim., Diplocephalus protuberans Camb., Entelecara thorellii Westr., Baryphyma pratensis Bl., Oxyptila flexa Camb. More unmistakable and commoner members are Oonops pulcher Templ., Amaurobius similis Bl., Hahnia montana Bl., Leptyphantes blackwallit Kulcz, Erigone promiscua Camb., etc. EASTERN OR CONTINENTAL GROUP.—The spiders belonging to this section entered our area from the south-east and they are those dominant and vigorous species which were referred to when dealing with the western section. They are the most 1g13 Mar. E 134 Origin of the Araneidal Fauna of Yorkshire. widely distributed and abundant forms not only in all parts of Britain, but also over wide stretches of land both in the | Palearctic Regions of the Old World and very often of the Nearctic Regions of the New World as well. As examples of this group it will be sufficient to mention Tegenaria derhamit Scop., Phyllonethis lineata Clerck., Stemonyphantes lineata Linn., Linyphia clathrata Sund., Leptyphantes leprosus Ohl., Bathyphantes concolor Wid., Evrigone dentipalpis Wid., Xysticus cristatus Clerck., Philodromus aureolus Clerck., Tetragnatha extensa Linn., Pachygnatha degeert1 Sund., Meta segmentata Clerck., Zilla x-notata Clerck., Epeira diademata Clerck., Pirata piraticus Clerck., Lycosa amentata Clerck. Of one well known member of the group, Pisaura mirabilis Clerck., only two examples, both females, have so far been met with in the county. It has, however, a similar restricted distribution in some other localities. SOUTHERN GROUP.—tThe spiders comprised in this division are common across the centre and south of Europe and in the south of England. The comparatively few species which reach the county such as Prosthesima latreille: C.L. Koch., Amau- vobius ferox Walck., Episinus truncatus Walck., Theridion vittatum Koch., Erigone graminicola Sund., Enidia cornuta BI., Entelecara acuminata Wid., Xysticus Kochi Thor., and sabulosus Hahn., Oxyptila praticola C. L. Koch., Philodromus dispar Walck., Micrommata virescens Clerck., Pirata hygrophilus Thor., Heliophanus flavipes C. L. Koch appear in greatly diminished numbers, and do not penetrate much farther north. Their history may be said to date back at least to the Miocene Period, so that they are older geographically than the Northern species. The temperature of the N. Hemisphere was then much higher or more equable than at present and plants and animals belonging to warmer climates flourished within a short distance of the N. Pole. The gradually but surely increasing cold which succeeded this period, culminating in the Glacial Epoch, forced the various organisms southwards, the southern species now so called finally becoming located in regions beyond the regions of glaciation. The return of a more genial climate and the disappearance of the ice-covering would lead to a movement being inaugurated to reoccupy the newly exposed surface as soon as it became habitable, so that members of the group would be amongst the earliest to enter some parts of Britain; but in all probability not Yorkshire, as their northward advance would be greatly retarded by their incap- acity to withstand the decreasing temperature and the com- petition of others more fitted to endure the severer physical conditions of land just emerging from its ice-covering. SouTH WESTERN OR LUSITANIAN GROUP.—The fauna of the county naturally from its geographical position contains Naturalist. Origin of the Araneidal Fauna of Yorkshire. 135 exceedingly few of this section, the headquarters of which are the S.W. of Europe and the Mediterranean shores. Typical examples are Scotina celans Bl. taken near Huddersfield, Cnephalocotes curtus Sim., and Dysdera crocota C. L. Koch., observed at a few places on the coast (the last also, an adult female, in the W. Riding). They are probably the county’s most recent faunistic immigrants. In connection with the distribution of the various types, it is worthy of notice that some of the rarer kinds, mainly of a northern type, viz., Onesinda minutissima Camb., Centromerus arcanus Camb., C. prudens Camb., Microneta gulosa L. Koch., Lophocarenum mengit Sim., Caledonia cvansi1 Camb., Corni- cularia vigilax Bl., which elsewhere in the county occur only in the S.W. or very rarely in the W., are found also but in much less quantity in the Cleveland district in the N.E., being absent from the intervening areas. A striking feature of the Yorkshire list is the number of unexpected species which up to the present have been met with in the county. Their presence so far beyond their previously known limits presents problems of animal distribution, a satis- factory solution of which is rendered all the more difficult by the paucity of recorded observations, the result of the scanty attention which has hitherto been given to them. Instances have already been given of the dissemination of spiders by aerial flight on a large scale, but in the more restricted area of our own land, the same kind of dispersal periodically happens, although many fewer individuals take part in it. The most unobservant must have noticed the little black spiders which alight so often on their persons at certain times of the year, and on six occasions in the Colne Valley I have witnessed concurrent displays of the same character in which several different species participated.* One result of this power of flight should be the wide dispersal of the species which make use of it. This is really the case, for those oftenest detected in the act are all very common and widely distributed forms. With regard to four Yorkshire spiders which were new to Britain, Notioscopus sarcinatus Camb., Hypselistes florens Camb. in the North Riding, Evigone spinosa Camb. and Corni- cularia kochit Camb. in the East Riding (the last also in the North Riding and the Dee Estuary), species which do not in themselves exclusively favour a maritime situation, their occurrence on or near arms of the sea, on each of which stands a great port, seems to indicate that we owe their presence with us in some way to the operations of commerce, though it is possible that the first-named may have, from its now ascertained wider distribution in Cleveland, more claim to be considered * Vide The Naturalist, Feb. 1912, p. 52, and Jan. 1913, p. 83. 1913 Mar. 1. 136 Origin of the Araneidal Fauna of Yorkshire. indigenous than the others, yet on the other hand it may have been there long enough to permit of its increase and dispersal in favourable surroundings in what is after all a limited area. When the products are transported over greater or shorter distances by land the same transference of spiders or their eggs probably also happens, but owing to their highly developed instinct of concealment, their small size and the lack of inter- ested and intelligent observers, the event passes unnoticed. In this connection trees transplanted from one part of the coun- try to another for the purposes of afforestation constitute a likely medium for the introduction of new species into the latter. Dr. Jackson, in his ‘ Spiders of the Tyne Valley,’ p. 602, expresses an opinion that the south British species, Tegenaria atrica C. L. Koch. was certainly introduced’ by man into the Botanic gardens, Southport, whence it has spread into other parts of the surrounding district. An adult female of the same species recently (Nov. rg1r) travelled unharmed in a crack of a poplar tree from Montgomeryshire to a Huddersfield timber yard. An instance of a similar character is given by Dr. de Lessert in his “ Notes sur la Repartition Geographique des Araignées en Suisse’ (1909), p. 487, the introduction into a Swiss tannery of Tegenaria parietina Fourcroy, along with oak bark received from the South of France. Occasionally spiders are carried into more unusual places, but generally the manner of their conveyance there is self-evident. Porr- homma microphthalmum Camb. has been met with in some quantity down a coal mine in county Durham, the vehicle in this case being fodder for the ponies. A dry barn in the Colne Valley has yielded several examples of typical hygrophiles. Antistea elegans C. L. Koch., Hilaiva excisa Camb. and Lo- phomma punctatum Bl., all housed with hay from wet fields during previous years. At Redcar, in August, 1909, Tapinocyba subitanea Camb., usually a cellar and stable dweller, was noted in abundance on the coast close to the spot where the rubbish from the tradesmen’s cellars is carted to be burnt. Man’s activities in other directions, however, are as a rule exercised at the expense of the lower creation, their favourite haunts being sacrificed to the needs of his improvements. The practice whichis prevalent every spring in many parts of S. W. Yorks of setting fire to the vegetation of long stretches of rough land in high pastures and on moors (‘ tatching’ as it is called), together with the accidental or intentional firing of the heather must annually cause great destruction of small creatures. and their eggs. So also must the construction of large reservoirs and the bringing of land under cultivation, either by clearing away woodland, draining fens, mosses, etc.., or by reclaiming waste and moorland—as much by re- stricting the area wherein they can thrive, as by the actual Naturalist, Origin of the Avaneidal Fauna of Yorkshire. 137 « elimination of species and ‘individuals. Works of the first- named description have in the Wessenden Valley removed the habitat of Tugellinus furcillatus Menge, and in the Chew Valley (S. W. Yorks), that of Huillhousia misera Camb., with the result that neither of these rare species have been seen since in these localities though fortunately both subsequently turned up in other parts of the county, so that we have not to deplore their total loss. Hens, which are now so extensively kept, very often with a free run in those places most likely to be frequented by spiders, make a wonderful clearance of all the minute forms of life. In the little cloughs amongst the hills given over to poultry, spiders can only be met with in places inaccessible to the hens, such as tangled masses of ground-growing thorns and brambles, vertical banks, beneath stones, etc., but in neighbouring cloughs of precisely the same description where none is kept there is no such restriction, the spiders being more generally distributed. So great indeed has been the effect of man’s long continued and unceasing labour that in course of time he has, in one way or another, more or less completely altered the surface aspect of this country, and in doing so, must, as I have endeavoured to show, have affected the composition of its fauna (inclusive of spiders) to an incalculable extent. Depending on this circum- stance alone, there is nothing inherently untenable in the proposition that, in the original undisturbed condition of the country, the southern species may have been able to make greater headway than is indicated by their present range, that some have more or less successfully adapted themselves to the changing environment and are maintaining their ground, while others have failed to do so and been driven back towards their old territory, so that such species as Diga dorsata Fabr., (now lost to Yorkshire), Micrommata virescens Clerck, Cercidia prominens Westr. and Crustulina guttata Wid., which have occurred in places, very little if any changed from their primeval state (situations which negative the idea of their accidental introduction), may be lingering survivals of such an extension rather than species which have succeeded in penetrating farther north than their compeers. The other unexpected forms, Clubiona subtilis L. Koch., Protadia subnigra Camb., Linyphia impigra Camb., Hyctia mwoyt Luc., Euophrys equipes Camb. in the East Riding ; Syedra pholcommoides Camb., Coryphaus simplex F.O. P. Cb., Trochosa robusta Sim. in the North Riding ; Coelotes terrestris Wid., in the North and West Ridings ; Clubiona facilis Camb, in the West Riding, give no more hint of the method of their advent into the county than can be gathered from the fact that, with one exception, they were found on the K 1913 Mar. 1. 138 | Reviews and Book Notices. coast. Nothing beyond this could be expected as the whole subject of the geographical distribution of spiders and other small creatures is, in the present imperfect state of our know- ledge, involved in obscurity and will remain so until the prin- ciples which underlie the intimate and complex relationships between the various factors (organic, physical, climatical, geo- logical, ecological, commercial, etc.), which govern or have governed that distribution, are more fully understood and appreciated. The first step towards the attainment of this information is the accumulation of observations and other data, each perhaps of little value by itself, but, when brought into due relationship with others, pregnant with meaning to the mind of a Newton, Darwin or Wallace. Se ae The Journal of the East Africa and Uganda Natural History Society, Vol. III., No. 5, contains illustrated papers on Mombasa Sea-fish, the Thowa River, Prehistoric Man, Big Game, East African Snakes, Plants and Trees, and Methods of Preserving Various Natural History Specimens. There are 66 pages, and the price is 5s. 4d. (Longmans, Green & Co.). Who’s Who in Science International, 1913, edited by H. H. Stephenson. London: J. and A. Churchill, pp. xvi.+579, 8s. net. On the lines of the familiar Who’s Who, the present publication contains biographical notices of several thousand scientific men in various parts of the world. It isa wonderful compilation, and will be useful in many ways. The volume contains particulars of the world’s Universities, Scientific Societies, etc. There is an index of names under subjects in which the people are interested, though it is not apparent upon what principle this has been prepared, as some names which are given in the biographical list do not appear. In the list of societies are many omissions, which a reference to the list of corresponding societies in the British Association Report would have prevented. In Yorkshire alone, the names of important societies at Bradford, Leeds, Halifax, Hull, Huddersfield, Doncaster, Scarborough, etc., are not given. The Dictionary of Entomology, by Nigel K. Jardine, F.E.S. Published at Ashford, Kent. London Agents, West, Newman & Co., 54, Hatton Garden, E.C. Price 6/- net. This book will supply a distinct want. It is an attempt to give the meanings, as well as the derivations, of all the technical words and terms used in entomological literature in all its branches; and in our opinion, a very successfulattempt. We have tested it with various technical terms, taken at random as they came to our mind, and even with words seldom used, yet have found none of them missing. The terms are treated in alphabetical order (some three thousand of them), the meaning, followed by the derivation, being given in each case. Now and again we might take exception to the given derivation of a word, but such instances are very rare, as are also the cases of mis-spelling. Here and there, tog, words and meanings are unnecessarily duplicated, as “maculate’ on p. 120, but these minor errors will not detract from the usefulness of a book which will often save much time and trouble not only to those commencing entomology asa scientific pursuit, but even to advanced students, who are constantly coming across technical terms little used, or perhaps, as is often the case, not used at all in the special branch of the science in which they are interested, and the meaning of which at the moment, they cannot remember; or very possibly terms they. may never before have even seen. The book is clearly and well: printed, but so far as we can discover, is absolutely without date, an omission which is these days has rightly become inexcusable.—G.T.P. Naturalist, 139 GAMASUS IGNOTUS N.SP. IN LINCOLNSHIRE. C. F, GEORGE, M.R.CS. Amone the Acari the Gamasea are perhaps more often met with than any other species of mite. They are parasitic in one or other stage of their existence, and are then frequently found in great numbers and in very curious places. They are, however, often found free and very active, especially Gamasus ignotus 0n.sp., dorsal view Gamasus igaotus n.sp. x 36. Length of body 1:12 mm. ventral view. 450. in moss and under damp leaves, stones, etc. Though they shun the light they have no visible eyes. Their front legs are commonly the longest and thinnest, and are used as feelers. The body is encased in plates of chitin of ditferent shapes and sizes, with thinner skin between them, and these chitinous plates assist us in the determination of species. There are usually two dorsal shields (anterior and posterior), divided by a line or by a more or less narrow portion of soft skin passing transversely between them. Sometimes, however, there is but one dorsal shield, generally oval in shape, but 1913 Mats Ie 140 News from the Magazines. occasionally extending as far as the ventral plates. In Gamasus ignotus the dorsal shield is in one piece, ovoid in shape, but truncated at the lower edge, and has no line of division passing transversely across it. There are, however, two long open lines, widest at the outer edge, and curving downwards, and ending in a point without reaching the lower edge of the shield. If these had been continued until they met they would have divided the plate into two unequal and very irregularly-shaped portions, or if continued to the edge of the plate it would have been divided into three. It is this curious formation which had induced me to record this specimen. To me it is quite unique, and I have not seen any figure or record of such a condition. Mr. Soar’s excellent figure, which was made from the mite before it was mounted or compressed, makes this explanation quite clear. He has also figured the ventral plates, which are sometimes considered of importance in classification. The mite was taken with other mites at Canwick, near Lincoln, and sent to me in December of last year by Mr. Musham, of Selby. ——: 0 :—— In The Entomologist for February, Mr. J. W. H. Harrison has an interesting paper on ‘ Friends and Foes of the Conifere.’ Richard’s Pipit and the Yellow Browed Warbler in Lincolnshire, and the Brent Goose, in Derbyshire, are recorded in British Birds for March. Part 26 of Cassell’s Nature Book eontains a well-illustrated article on The Bats, by Douglas English. There is also a picture of a stuffed fox with a rabbit. Mr. H. B. Booth has a note on ‘ Late Stay of the Swifts,’ in the Ivish Naturalist for February ; a subject which he dealt with in The Naturalist for 1907, pp. III. In The Geological Magazine for February, Mr. R. M. Brydone writes on ‘ The Proposed recognition of two stages in the English Chalk,’ in which he makes many references to Yorkshire. A report of the meeting of the Entomological Section of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, held at Leeds, on October 19th last, is given by Mr. G. T. Porritt in The Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine for February. In the Geological Magazine for January Dr. T. G. Halle and Prof. P.F. Kendall describe the stems and rhizomes of Equtsetites columnartis from the Lower Estuarine Sandstone of the Peak, Yorkshire. In a paper on ‘Some cases of Plants suppressed by other plants,’ by Mr. C. A. M. Lindman, of Stockholm, in The New Phvtologi-t for January, reference is made to the gigantic form of Pleridium aquilinum at Honley,. Yorkshire. Under the head of ‘ Announcements,’ in Nature Study, No. 4. we learn ‘our visit to the Skipton Adult school on December 14th and 15th was a great success. The Bird Picture Post Cards were eagerly sought. The Art Master sent for a dozen. One boy, Owen Jennings, has been copying them. . . . . We give prizes for such work when a member if (szc) the family is a subscriber to Nature Study.’ . . . . Another letter, from Accrington, says ‘‘ There is only one S.L.M. in the world, and there 9 will never be another.”’. - Naturalist, I4I ALIENS AND INTRODUCED PLANTS OF THE UPPER HODDER. M. N. PEEL, Knowlmere Manor. THE upper portion of the Hodder valley is hardly a likely place for Casuals and Weeds of Cultivation. It is a grass and moor- land country, now entirely without plough-land; the only cultivated spots being the gardens, which are few and far between. I. THOROUGHLY NATURALISED with little fear of eradication. Trifolium hybridum. Seeds introduced about the year 1904 probably with imported hay. Ribes grossularia. Very Common; in hedges and woods. Ribes rubrum. Hedges and river banks. Aigopodium Podagraria. Near buildings. Tanacetum vulgare. Newton Village Green. Linaria Cymbalaria. Old walls near gardens. Mimulus luteus. In the Hodder and its tributaries. Very common. Chenopodium Bonus- Henricus. River banks and roadsides. Polygonum Bistorta. A weed in damp meadows. Humulus Lupulus. One colony, roadside hedge, increasing. Eptpactis violacea. Probably introduced with young trees a century ago. 2. WEEDS OF CULTIVATION. Roadsides, waste places and gardens. Sinapis arvensis. Rubbish heaps, etc. Sisymbrium officinale. Garden Weed, very rare. Cardamine hirsuta. Garden weed, Knowlmere. teyelaigs Gratings. In an old Pheasantry. Introduced with 1s NORTE pheasant food presumably. I912. Vicia angustifolia Linum usitatissimum. Ina pasture where pheasants had been reared the previous year. Matricaria Parthenium. Rubbish heaps and roadsides. Rare. M. Chamomilla? Roadside. One plant. IgII. Senecio sylvaticus var. auriculatus. In the above-named old Pheasantry. Numerous, 1912. Auricles of upper leaves expansive at their insertion in stem. Sonchus asper. A form with rounded auricles, flat, reddish or dull green lobed leaves with short. teeth, occurs as a garden weed. The apparently truly wild plant of Upper Hodder has rounded auricles, and waved shining green lobed leaves with spiny teeth. 1913 Mar. 1, 142 Aliens and Introduced Plants of the Upper Hodder. Convolvulus sepium. Flowers white. A garden weed. Solanum nigrum. Not common, i ‘4 Veronica agrestis ¥ a V. polita * >: V. Buxbaumi, a wes Atriplex angustifolium. oe Z A. hastata. ne Ap Euphorbia Helioscopia. 7 o E. Peplus. a » Avena fatua. Once only. ie 3. GARDEN Escapes. Probably orginially cultivated. Aquilegia vulgaris. Hedgebank, near a garden. Berberis vulgaris. Possibly nature. Chelidonium majus. Near an old garden. Brassica oleracea. Garden cabbage‘ gone wild.’ In the above- mentioned old Pheasantry, Two plants. Hesperis matronalis. Occasional, Armoracia rusticana. Near buildings. Viola cornuta. 302 Oxford List. Hedge-bank, i912. [The Pyrenean garden bloom.—F.A.L.] Ribes. nigrum. River bank. Sempervivum tectorum. On old buildings. Frequent; not “escaped ’ in a real sense, but hand-planted and forgotten. Saxifraga Geum. One locality only some distance from a garden. Chaerophyllum satwum. Planted at Knowlmere more than thirty years ago; still appearing as a garden weed. Peucedanum Ostruthium. Surviving as a weed in an old garden. [Used to be grown for use in cattle pharmacy]. Polemonium coeruleum. River banks; sometimes blue, but usually white. Mentha viridis. Garden mint. In a hedge bank. Lysimachia vulgaris? River bank; a wash-down. from Knowlmere. Corolla glabrous. Galanthus nivalis. Originally planted. 4. CASUALS introduced into a rough pasture near Newton with a ‘ top-dressing ’ of ‘ Black Wheat Dust.’ The pasture in question being very ‘ benty’ and poor, during the ‘ back-end’ ef 1911 the farmer applied a dressing of 3 or 4 sacks of ‘ wheat dust,’ 7.e., the screenings of wheat obtained from corn-millers, in order to induce the cattle to eat up the coarse grass. The desired result was obtained, the ‘ bents’ being eaten down to the roots, in the patches where the ‘ dust’ was thickly applied. During the summer of I912 the aliens given below appeared. Dried specimens of all (with the exception of Sinapis arvensis, Centaurea Cyanus Naturalist Aliens and Introduced Plants of the Upper Hodder. 143 and Sisymbrium officinale) were examined and named by Mr, POA, Lees. Sinapis arvensis. Brassica napus L. var. Chinensis L. Elongate inflorescence, petals deep yellow, short-clawed. In seed. Eucastrum longirostra Boiss. A long beaked Cabbage-mustard of Eastern Europe. In seed. Sisvmbrium officinale. In seed. One plant. Thlaspi arvense. In seed. Lepidium campestre Br. Not previously found in Upper Hodder. In seed. Nesha paniculata Desf. No. 258 Oxf. List. An aberrant Crucifer Pod unique in the order. One plant only. Melilotus indica Allm. (parviflora Dest.). In seed. Galium spurium var. Vaiallantii L. (Orient.) 1203 Oxford Bist. 7 in ‘seed: Anthemis Cotula. Numerous. A. arvensis. Two plants only. Centaurea Cyanus. One plant. Lappula (Echinospermum) echinata Gilib. No. 1787 Oxtord List. Corolla small blue, limb spreading, five lobed. An echinus-spined seed. Sideritis montana var. elegans Willd. The Ironwort No. 2048 Oxford List. Corolla deep yellow; calyx segments five, equal, spiny. Galeopsis Ladanum L. The broadish, serrate-leaved form. Polygonum convolvulus. Triticum aestivum L. Hordeum distichon L. (Not hexastichon. Specimen very im- periect.) =O) 5 From the Bankfield Museum, Halifax, we have received No. 1 of the Second Series of Museum Notes (33 pp., 1/-). [tis a well illustrated paper on ‘ Oriental Steelyards and Bismars,’ and is by the Honorary Curator, Mr. H. Ling Roth. The paper is reprinted from the Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute, which is much larger in size than the octavo publication already issued from the Halifax Museum, and makes the question of binding these useful publications a difficult one. The Doncaster Museum has issued a penny ‘ Catalogue of Antiquities, comprising the Stone and Bronze ages, the Roman, Saxon, Medizval and Later Periods Section.’ It contains 16 pages, enumerates Over 500 specimens and has been compiled by the Curator, Mr. E. C. Senior, and the ‘ first edition ’ was issued in January. We are delighted to find this evidence of some attention being paid to the interesting collection at Doncaster, as we had rather got the impression—rightly or wrongly— that the Museum portion of Beechfield was being neglected. The cata- logue is a useful publication and we should like to see it followed by a list of the geological specimens, which, in view of the developments being made in connection with coal-mining at Doncaster, should prove of exceptional value and interest. 1913 Mar. 1. 144 FRESHWATER RHIZOPODA FROM THE NORTH AND WEST RIDINGS OF YORKSHIRE. ' G. H. WAILES, F.L.S. DuRING Ig10 many gatherings were collected and examined for Alge and Rhizopoda in the Northern part of Yorkshire. Lists of Algz have been published by the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, but with the exception of Mr. Brown’s list for the Sheffield District * no lists of the Yorkshire Rhizopoda are available. The following are the principal localities from which collections were gathered :— (1) Husthwaite, 15 miles N. of York, numerous ponds, ditches, hedges, etc. (200-480 ft.). Pondhead reservoir (400 ft.). Newburgh Priory, leke and stream (100 feet). Wass, stream and woods in valley (400 feet). Kilburn, ponds and ditches (300 feet). Oldstead, woods, pond and spring (400 feet). (2) Pilmoor, Sphagnum bog and pools (go feet). Leckby Carr, Sphagnum bog (100 feet). Thirsk, ponds near the town (100 feet). Alne, ponds i in the Park of Alne Hall and in Alne Forest (150 feet). (3) Gormire Lake (450 feet). Hambleton Moor (800-900 feet). Wass Moor (800 feet). Helmsley Moor (800 feet). Billsdale valley and moors (800-1000 feet.) Bransdale Moors (700-1300 feet). Fadmoor (500-600 feet). Harland Moor (750 feet). Rudland Moor (800-1100 feet). Goathland Moors (600-800 feet). Rievaulx Abbey woods and stream (300 feet). (4) Fountains Abbey, ponds and woods. Harrogate and Plumpton ponds. Staveley Dam near Knaresboro’. (5) Bolton Moors, above the Abbey. Cockett Moss (Collected by W. West). Of the above groups— (1) Consists of elevated land forming the N.E. borders of the Vale of York. * “The Naturalist,’ 1910, p. 92. ’ Naturalist, Wailes: Freshwater Rhizopoda of Yorkshire. 145 (2) Sphagnum swamps in the Vale of York comprising undisturbed portions of the ancient moorland and a few artificial ponds. (3) The Moors of the Hambletonian Range of Hills. (4) Elevated land forming the Western boundary of the Vale of York. (5) Moor land in the West Riding. No gatherings from Sphagnum are included in lists (1) and (4) except from a spring at Oldstead from which several inter- esting species were obtained. One pond surrounded by cultivated land, near Husthwaite appeared, judging from the Alge found in it, to be one of the ancient moorland pools ; it yielded Cucurbitella mespiliformis which has not been recorded from elsewhere in the British Isles. The total number of records is 120 species and 27 varieties. A detailed description of the genera Euglypha and Cypho- devia with identification tables will be found in the Proc. Royal Irish Acad. Vol. XXXII., Clare Island Survey, Part 65, 1giI, also an illustration of the Cyphoderia ampulla var. major from Oldstead. The record of Cyphoderia levis from near Husthwaite is doubtful as only an empty test was found. Difflugia subequalis Penard (Revue Suisse de Zool., 1910) was found in a not quite typical form, but similar to those which occur in the Orkney and Shetland Islands and of the following dimensions :—length, 70-90 »; diameter, 70-85 p# ; diameter of aperture, 45-60 p. CLASS SARCODINA. SuB-CLAss RHIZOPODA. | ORDER AMOEBINA. I 2 3 Ae Wes FamiLty Logosa. Amoeba gorgonia Penard a ae a x | X . guttula Duj. .. Ae tes =f, x | ie limax Duj. e ne 2 i, KihoX | Ne limicola Rhumb. Ar Ea Es al a proteus (Pallas) Leidy .. ax » var. gyanulosa, Cash. ‘3 K % stviata, Penard .. Ae dire ox a 1 ie vervucosa, Ehrenb. ans i wae me se | | * vespertilio, Penard. .. Ss. it x ae cel villosa, Wallich. : ay. A x Dactylospheri ium vadiosum (Ehren. Ve ttschinesd. anal aes Pelomyxa palustris Greeff Bg oie 3 x FaMILy RETICULOSA. Chlamydomyxa montana Ray Lan. Air He | xX FAMILY VAMPYRELLIDA. Nuclearia delicatula Cienk Ss Ay br x 1913 Mar. 1. 140 Wailes: Ireshwater Rhizopoda of Yorkshire. ORDER CONCHULINA. FamMiILy ARCELLIDA. Arcella avenaria Greeff discoides Ehren .. hemisphevica Perty : polyvpora Penard.. vulgavis Ehren var. compressa Cash. ” var. gibbosa (Pen. RS Gus. West Bullinula indica Penard . Centropyxts aculeata Stein var. discoides Penard var. ecornts (Ehren) Leidy Hf var. spinosa Cash .. avcelloides Penard laevigata Penard 93) x Cochlio podium bilimbosum ( Auer) Leidy ' 5 digitatum (Greeff.) Calk. Crvptodiffiugia ebovacensis Wailes = compressa Penard ,, ovtformts Penard i sacculus Penard Cucurbitella mespiliformis Perard Difflugia acuminata Ehren var. curvata var. inflata 3 avcula vide Trigonopy ts. bacillifera Penard . bacillariarum Perty. var. teves Pen. brevicolla Cash. constricta (Ehren.) Leidy covona Wallich. es globulus (Ehren.) Hopk. gvamen Penard. lanceolata Penard. .. lobostoma Leidy. lucida Penard manitcata Penard. oblonga Ehren var. bryophila Penard. var. nodosa Leidy. subequalis Penard. if ovtformis Cash penardi Hopk. pristis Penard. 5; pulex Penard vubescens Penard var. minoy Penard urvceolata Carter Heleoper a lata Cash. petricola Leidy. var. amethystea Pen. var. major Cash. yosea Penard. sovdida Penard var. elegans (Pen.) Hopk- var. lacustvis (Pen.) Cash tuberculata (Wallich.) Archer xXXKXXXKXXKXK XK OK x x xX XX xX XxKXXXX XK XK XK X x x XxX X XxX xX XX KKK XK x XXX X x xX x xX x xX X x XX xX XK XK X Hi) cA ui ss AEN ae it. a 7 yi ee . RILEY FORTUNE, F.Z.S. } A MONTHLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF : i: NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND. :: EDITED BY ‘8 fs T. SHEPPARD, F.G.S., F.R.G.S., F.S.A. Scot., an = Tue Museums, HULL ; ? ‘ c ; AND e- Be ‘T. W. WOODHEAD, Ph.D., F.L.S., ; TECHNICAL CoLLEGE, HUDDERSFIELD. WITH THE ASSISTANCE AS REFEREES IN SPECIAL DEPARTMENTS OF \ J. GILBERT BAKER, F.R.S. F.L.S., GEO. T. PORRITTI, F.L.S., F.E.S. Prof. P. F. KENDALL, M.Sc., P.G. S., JOHN W. TAYLOR, TT. H. ae SD Ns M.B.O.U., WILLIAM WEST, F.L.S., Contents :— = PAGE Notes and Comments (Illustrated) :—Science v. Magic ; Water Divining ; An Artesian Well; ) Geological Structure ; Yorkshire Mollusca; The Pennant Collection ; Faunistic Work in the Antipodes ; Animal Locomotion; Fossil Beads ; Economical Entomology : Are our Summer Birds Decreasing ; Bird Nomenclature ; Willow Tit or Marsh Tit; The New Nomenclature ; Sub- Species ; The Kellaways Rock of eee and its Ammonites ; The Name ‘ Kellaways” ‘pA ove s hs re sad bs ys of ate ... 153-160 The Cleveland Ironstone—/J. J. Burtou, F.G.S. ERE Bay) Neneh = ~*~ 3 LONDON : 4 A. Brown & Sons, LIMITED, 5, FARRINGDON AVENUE, E.C., And at Hutt and York, ; Le oS Printers and Publishers to the Y.N.U. AX soMan TiS tyy / ; ; Price Gd. net. By post 7d. net, A°%]4 1° 8vo, Cloth, 292 pp. (a few ‘avis ot, left), price 5/- es ns Various reports, papers, and addresses, on the Flowering Plants, Moss ¥ toa . som plete, 8vo, Cloth, with Coloured Map, published at One Guinea; Only, a few per left, 10 THE FLORA OF WEST YORKSHIRE. 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MEMBERSHIP in the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, 10/6 per annum, includes subscription to The Naturalist, and entitles the member to receive the current Transactions, and all the other privileges of the Union: -A donation of Seven Guineas constitutes a life- membership, and entitles the n1ember to a set of the © Transactions issued by the Union. Subscriptions to be sent to the Hon. Treasurer, Hawkeswortu, Esq., Sunnyside, Crossgates, Leeds. Members are entitled to buy all back numbers and other publications of the Union ata discount) per cent. off the prices quoted above. All communications respecting ‘The Naturalist’ and publications should be addressed to T. Sheppard, F The Museum, Hull; and enquiries respecting the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union should be mieiapere} Hon. Secretaries, Technical College, Huddersfield. ; ‘ a TS Saleh : d 7 iia La NA, 5 ee wo ig tS ee RR NOTES AND COMMENTS. SCIENCE V. MAGIC. We learn from the Yorkshire Observer that an interesting and amusing demonstration of the fact that modern science offers some advantages over mediaeval magic has just been afforded the inhabitants of the beautiful Vale of Pickering. In the western part of the dale a good deal of trouble has been occa- sioned in dry seasons by failure of the water supplies, and the medical officers of health have made strong representations to their respective authorities urging the provision of other and better sources of supply. A little while ago Amotherby was in difficulty of the kind, and the District Council was persuaded to move in the matter. In such localities, remote and delightfully unsophisticated, ancient superstitions find sanctuary still, and though it occasioned amusement else- where when it was reported in the newspapers, it doubtless seemed to the inhabitants as natural a thing to call in the aid of the water-diviner to find underground waters as it is to hang a stone with a hole in it in the cattle byre, or to nail a horseshoe over the stable-door, to keep away ill-luck. WATER DIVINING. The water-diviner, with all due rites and ritual, decided upon a suitable spot for a bore-hole, and indicated his expecta- tion that water would be found within a certain distance of the surface. The borehole was made at a cost of some hundreds of pounds—the exact cost the ratepayers of the locality will in time come to appreciate—and water not being found at the indicated level the work was continued to about three times the depth without success, and, faith giving out under the financial drain, the work was eventually abandoned. AN ARTESIAN WELL. A few miles farther westward, at Oswaldkirk, where similar complaint was made of water famine in the hot summer of the year before last, the local landowner, Colonel Benson, of Oswaldkirk Hall, preferred expert geological advice to resort to the supernatural, and a borehole was put down on his estate in a spot chosen on mere scientific principles. This boring struck water about a week ago, and is yielding an artesian well supply of a hundred thousand gallons per aay delivered at a natural pressure sufficient to afford the village the safeguard of fire-hydrants if desired. Beyond meeting all domestic needs, the waste water will, if run through a turbine, be more than adequate to light the village with electricity. The discovery has occasioned a good deal of interest both among the country-folk and in geological circles, and on a 1913 ‘April Ne L 154 Notes and Comments. recent Saturday a party of geologists visited Oswaldkirk. The works presented, on the arrival of the visitors, a most inter- esting and curious appearance. The new borehole has been put down in Hag Wood, a couple of hundred yards from the hall, and some fifteen feet higher on the hillside than the old water reservoir of the village. In the expectation of an artesian supply the borehole was lined, as it was sunk, with eight-inch metal tubing, and though this tube had been continued to a height of twenty-one feet above the ground-level, the water was spurting out of the top of the tube and falling like a fountain on all sides. Indeed the bore-sinkers were themselves taken by surprise when the flow started, for though they realized from the working of their tools that water had been reached, and withdrew the boring apparatus, they were startled by the sudden drenching which they received. GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE. Professor P. F. Kendall, of the Leeds University, who conducted the visitors, explained the phenomena and the geological structure of the country. He pointed out that the water-bearing stratum here is the Kellaways rock, an oolitic sandstone. Below this are the clayey beds of the Cornbrash, and above it is normally the Oxford clay. At Roulstone Scarr—the cliff which is a familiar landmark over the Vale of York, being distinguished by a great figure of a white horse cut upon it—the Oxford clay is absent, and rain falling upon the Calcareous Grits on the hillsides east of Thirsk sinks without interruption into the Kellaways rock. But the strata dip a little towards the south-east, and soon the Oxford clay comes into its right position. Thus beneath Oswaldkirk the water- logged Kellaways rock is being subjected to pressure between two beds of impervious clay. It needed but the piercing of the clay to bring the water spurting to the surface and high above it. A fault in the valley between Oswaldkirk and Gilling had squeezed the greasy Oxford clay there to exceptional thickness, so that the boring had to be carried to 316 feet below the surface before the Kellaways rock was reached. The work was continued a little further to make sure of a good supply, but when the tool reached 342 feet from the surface the workmen were ‘ drowned out.’ YORKSHIRE MOLLUSCA.* This pamphlet should serve as a stimulus to Yorkshire students of Marine Mollusca, and especially to those residing at Hull, *The Marine Mollusca of the Yorkshire Coast as represented in the Hull Museum. By F. H. Woods, B.D. (Hull Museum Publication, No. 91, Price one penny). tNaturalist, Notes and Comments. 155 to whom the perfecting of the local museum should be an ideal desire. Its title explains the main purpose for which it has been published. Incidentally it does a great deal more. Going systematically through the collection in the Hull Museum (which we gather has been made by Mr. Woods himself) the author enumerates which families are represented and by what species, giving short notes where necessary ; and furnishes a running commentary on previously published lists of Yorkshire Mollusca, concluding with a list of species which have been recorded but are not in the collection. | We are thus able to judge how far it is from being complete, because apart from the species unrepresented, Mr. Woods points out such as are repre- sented only by young or immature examples. With this guide before them there is every inducement for coast naturalists to assist in making the Hull Museum a fully representative col- lection of the various stages of every species that may occur on the Yorkshire Coast.. That a collector residing so far away from it should be able to make such an excellent con- tribution to the subject, gives good ground for the belief that an equally enthusiastic one living near the coast would, in a short time, fill up most of the gaps referred to.—E.G.B. THE PENNANT COLLECTION. We recently referred to the gift to the nation of the Pennant zoological collection. | We since learn from Nature that among the birds are two very interesting specimens of the Capercaillie. These probably represent the old British stock, which became extinct in Scotland about 1760. If so, they are its only known representatives. ‘Further examination may prove the right of the British bird to rank as a distinct race. The capercaillies now found in certain parts of Scotland are the descendants of Scandinavian birds introduced about 1837 by the Marquis of Breadalbane at Taymouth Castle. : It is stated that Mr. E. Smith has found that a British snail described by Pennant as Helix refescens turns out to be a young specimen of H. arbustorum. For the British species, which has hitherto been incorrectly identified with H. rufescens, the name H. montana is available.’ FAUNISTIC WORK IN THE ANTIPODES. From a former Editor of The Naturalist, Mr. E. R. Waite, we received some time ago three well-illustrated monographs on the birds, fishes, and mammals, respectively, of the Sub- antartic Islands of New Zealand. Mr. Waite is now the Curator of the Canterbury Museum in New Zealand, and is apparently carrying out his work there with the same thor- oughness and enthusiasm that he did when in Yorkshire. 1913 April t. 156 Notes and Comments. ANIMAL LOCOMOTION. The Horniman Museum has issued ‘A Handbook to the Cases illustrating Animal Locomotion.’* It deals in a very instructive manner with numerous divisions of the animal kingdom, under the heads of swimming, creeping, burrowing, running, Jumping, climbing, parachuting, and flying. As a frontispiece is a plate from photographs of mackerel, ichthy- osaur, whale and dugong. Below it 1s the following description : “Convergence is the term applied to those cases in which the bodily forms of animals not genealogically related tend to 1) Mackere!. P (2) ichthyosaur. (3) Killer Whale. (4) Dugong. resemble one another as the result of a similar mode of life. Each of the animals illustrated above, for example, has acquired its torpedo-shaped body, fin-like limbs, and _ flute- like tail in adaptation to an aquatic life quite independently of the others.’ The pamphlet has been written by Mr. H. N. Milligan. FOSSIL BEADS. In the Geological Magazine for March a Mr. Banton writes a note on ‘ Fossil beads (?) from the gravel of Bedfordshire : Are they evidence of human workmanship?’ He refers to the small perforated marble-shaped objects found in chalk rr ne eee ee SSS * London County Council, 46 pp. One penny. Naturalist, Notes and Comments. 157 gravels, and states that ‘ possibly some of them may have been artificially fashioned and drilled for stringing. . . .’ May I not pertinently ask, does not the occurrence of these beads point to a higher state of development in palzolithic man than is usually supposed?’ And he refers to cave paintings, etc.! In a lengthy note Dr. Henry Woodward shows that these ‘ beads’ are chalk sponges, known as Poro- sphera globularis, and not evidence of human workmanship at all. This is perhaps as well, or we should have to invent Paleolithic man to account for the hundreds of these ‘ beads’ which occur in the Holderness gravels, and a much ‘palzolithic- er’ man to account for similar specimens which are found in the solid chalk of the Yorkshire cliffs! We are indebted to Dr. Woodward for the loan of the block which accompanies his note. ECONOMICAL ENTOMOLOGY. The Bureau of Entomology has issued two publications entitled The Review of Applied Entomology. One is. further described as ‘ Vol. I., Ser. A, Part I. , pp. I-32,’ and the other, evole |. oer. sb, Part, low pp: 1-20. “Both are dated January, 1913; both are published by Dulau’s, one at sixpence and the other at ninepence. The publications contain summaries of papers bearing upon various branches of ‘ Agricultural’ and ‘Medical and Veterinary’ Entomology, (further sub-titles!) respectively. These summaries vary in length from a few lines to three or four pages, and are similar to Science Abstracts, and the reports of papers which are given in The Journal of the Board of Agriculture. As these summaries are accompanied by detailed particulars of the publications in which the papers appear, we should have thought that the editors would have attempted to simplify the titles, etc., of their own publications. And instead of having two different series published simul- taneously, with similar pagination, but different sub-titles and different prices, surely it would have simplified matters to have published both, with the title Review of Abpias? Entomology, in one cover, and at the price of a shilling ? ¥913 April r. 158 Notes and Comments. ARE OUR SUMMER BIRDS DECREASING ? An inquiry was instituted last year by the Editor of British Birds to ascertain whether our Swallows and Warblers are decreasing. From this year’s recorded observations it seems certain that a marked and general decrease of Swallows and Martins has been going on for some time, and that the Shrike, Whinchat, Redstart, and Wryneck are probably decreasing. On the other hand the Nightingale and most of the Warblers are holding their own and some are even increasing. BIRD NOMENCLATURE. An interesting correspondence has recently taken place in the natural history column of the Yorkshire Weekly Post, in which several prominent Yorkshire ornithologists have taken part, on the vexed question of Bird Nomenclature. One or two important points have been rasied by our contributor, Mr. Riley Fortune, which we are glad to quote :— The ever- lasting creation of sub-species is causing a great deal of useless and senseless slaughter among even common birds. Many of these birds were left alone by collectors, but it is now neces- sary for them to fire into the midst of every flock of small birds in order to see if they cannot find a few sub-species among them, or, what is more important, if they are lucky to find one with a different spot on it, or a feather a trifle longer, or the colour a shade or so darker than the generally accepted type, then they can be made supremely happy by being able to create and name a fresh sub-species ! WILLOW TIT OR MARSH TIT. Unfortunately many of them find great difficulty in recog- nising these sub-species, for we generally read, in the record, that the bird has had to be sent to Tring for the High Priest of this cult to determine whether it is a good record or not. Then, again, the creation of the new species is proceeded with in the flimsiest manner. Take the willow tit. It is practically impossible to separate this bird from the marsh tit when alive and active, and in order to discover whether the willow tit may or may not be numbered among the avian members of a county, it 1s necessary to shoot numbers of harmless marsh tits in the hope that one of them may possess the characteristic points of the willow tit, the habits and general appearance of the two being precisely alike. THE NEW NOMENCLATURE. The proposed new nomenclature is hopeless and ridiculous. The type form of the common wren is now to be called (if these people have their way), in scientific language, Tvoglodytes troglodytes troglodytes; the hawfinch Coccothraustes coccoth- Naturalist. Notes and Comments. 159 raustes coccothraustes ; the partridge Perdix perdix perdix. Can anything be more absurd? Equally absurd is the endeavour to deprive the song thrush of the name by which-it is known to all English-speaking naturalists, Turdus musicus, to tack this on to the redwing, and call the song thrush Turdus philomelus Clarkei—and this sort of upheaval is to apply to many of our common and well-known birds. If this sort of thing is per- sisted in, every small clique of naturalists who fancy the work, can thrust upon an inoffensive public a new nomenclature. Then the best thing will be to ignore scientific names altogether, and use the ordinary English names. SUB-SPECIES. The absurdity of this sub-species creating has been fully demonstrated in two of the latest discoveries, one of which is to create a sub-species of the British black game, because, forsooth, the female differs somewhat from what they consider the type; the male, mind you, being no different. The lesser black-backed gull has also, on account of its size and different colour of the mantle, to be added to the distinguished list of sub-species. The fallacy of this can easily be seen by any one who will visit a big colony of these birds, where they will be seen to vary considerably, not only in the shade of the mantle, but also in size of the individual birds.’ THE KELLAWAYS ROCK OF SCARBOROUGH At a recent meeting of the London Geological Society, a paper on the ‘ Kelloway Rock’ of Scarborough, was read by Mr. 5. 5. Buckman, F.G.S. The Author has studied the types of ammonites from the Kellaways Rock described by Leckenby, preserved in the Sedgwick Museum, Cambridge, and a series of Yorkshire Kellaways Rock ammonities from the Museum of Practical Geology, London. He has grouped these ammon- ites according to their different matrices, and finds that they indicate several different zones. These zones he arranges in sequence, and suggests how they may be compared with the sections of Kellaways Rock of Scarborough given by Leckenby and by Fox-Strangways. The exact order of the zones is, in one or two cases, not considered to be proved, but the paper is offered with the idea of indicating where further work is required. An examination of the ammonite fauna of the Yorkshire zones shows that the so-called ‘ Kellaways Rock’ of Yorkshire is in part contemporaneous with the Oxford Clay of the Midlands and the South of England, and in part contains faunal facies not represented in these areas, but peculiar to Yorkshire so far as England is concerned ; they show, however, some affinity with faunal facies in Russia and in Normandy. 1913 April 1. 160 Notes and Comments. AND ITS AMMONITES. An examination of the list of species of ammonites recorded by Fox-Strangways from the Oxford Clay of Yorkshire shows that the Oxford Clay of Yorkshire itself is not in the main sequential to the Kellaways Rock, but is contemporaneous with it, leading to the inference that even in Yorkshire itself part of the Kellaways Rock is only a local manifestation, and that it passes laterally into Oxford Clay. EDITED BY T. SHEPPARD, F.G.S., F.R.G.S., F.S.A. Sent THE Museums, Hutt; AND . T. W. WOODHEAD, Ph.D., F.L.S., — = ; TECHNICAL CoLLEGE, HUDDERSFIELD, WITH THE ASSISTANCE AS REFEREES IN SPECIAL DEPARTMENTS OF J. GILBERT BAKER, F.R.S. F.L.S., GEO. T. PORRITT, F.L.S., P.E.S. x Prof. P. F. KENDALL, M.Sc., F.G.S., | JOHN W. TAYLOR, oe Ge T. H. NELSON, M.B.O.U., WILLIAM WEST, F.L.S., pe ae RILEY FORTUNE, F.Z.S. 23 a Contents :— Se Notes and Comments :—Dominancy in Nature; The Museums Association ; The Beginnings Ped ; iy x of Geology ; Fossil Men; A Crocodile and a Horse; Snakestones—of two Species; : ks Internal Structure; Sports of Nature ; No Change since Creation; ‘A Chimera’ ... ... 181-184 ae The Cleveland Ironstone—J. J. Burton, F.G.S, Pees Nr Ny UH Las Tak oa aT ” sd Notes on the Farne Islands for 1912—R. Fortune, F.Z.S. ne i, v ee Ae 195 Ly The Mites known as Rhagidia (Illustrated)—C. F. George, M.R.C.S: ... . 196-197 ey, Field Notes :—Common Gull Inland; Variety of SoHE Thrush ; ear of a Seal in the ; Me Holderness Glacial Drift... : 197 ave The Jurassic Plant Beds of pauehorry onninge ct PSE ep w Thomas, M. > G. S. 198-200 : The Cretaceous Lamellibranchia of Yorkshire—Chazles P. Chatwin, ie EY ... 201-204 Ne Yorkshire Naturalists at Roche Abbey—W.E.L.W. ve oz se wy de ... 205-210 pe In Memoriam—Rev. James Conway Walter—7.S. 53 ox mi a 5) ... 211-212 News from the Magazines a —- a as me, es = Es as neg 210 Northern News ... ot < on at ue te ke om , RS ... 184, 200, 212 Illustrations aa oe ao At: ook e oes a ae AG oe 191-194, 196, 211 Plates VIII.—X. LONDON : A. BROWN & Sons, LIMITED, 5, FARRINGDON AVENUE, E.C. . And at Hutt and York, of Printers and Publishers to the Y.N.U. an Ni : \ Price Gd. net. By post 7d. net. , vo, Cloth, 292 pp. (a Pus copies only left), price Bl- net, me various ‘reports, papers, and addresses on the wloweree paenteay Mosses, and Sige ah Sesreil: 8v0, Cloth, with Coloured Map, published at One Giinca: Only a few copies left, 10/6 nc THE FLORA OF WEST YORKSHIRE. By FREDERIC ARNOLD LEES, M.R.C.S., &e. 5, his, which forms the 2nd Volume of the Botanical Series of the ‘Transactions, is perhaps the m slete work of the kind ever issued for any district, including detailed and full records of 1044 Phane' and Vascular Cryptogams, 11 ‘Characez, 348 Mosses, 108 Hepatics, 258 Lichens, 1009 Rihiai: and § water Algz, making a total of 3160 species. 680 pp., Coloured Geological, Lithological, &c. Maps, Suitably Bound in Cloth. Price 15/= net. a r NORTH YORKSHIRE: Studies of its Botany, Geology, Climate, and Physical Geography, i - mare By JOHN GILBERT BAKER, F.R.S., F.L.S., M.R.I1.A., V.M.H. — aoe E Up And a Chapter on the Mosses and Hepatics of the Riding: by MatTHEw B. ‘Suatae, » PAL. Si Te Volume | os orms DBE 3rd of the Botanical Series. 13 396 pp., Complete, 8vo:, Cloth. Price 10/6 net. . cia iy ae 4 THE FUNGUS FLORA OF YORKSHIRE. By G. MASSEE, F.L.S., F.R.H.S., & C. CROSSLAND, F.L. S. “ 2 This is the 4th Volume of the Botanical Series of the Transactions, and contains a complete bearcaari > list , r of all the known Fungi of the county, comprising 2626 species. y Mae 4 ah ‘ l é 2 Nie Yet Kd thy ‘ Complete, 8vo, Cloth, Price G/= post free. - sie “THE, ALGA-FLORA OF YORKSHIRE. By W. WEST, F.L.S., & GEO. S. WEST, B.A., A.R.C. Sh F. L. §.; ¢ ai, This work, which forms the 5th Volume of the Botanical Series of the Transactions, enumerates 1044 ‘Species, with full details of localities and numerous critical remarks on their affinities and dist saee Beis Ls fy: AB Complete, 8vo, Cloth. Second Edition. Price 6/6 net. ‘ se LIST OF YORKSHIRE LEPIDOPTERA. By G. T. PORRITT, F.L.S., F-E.S. ‘o> The First, Edition of this work was published in 1883, and contained particulars of 1340_ species of _ Macro- and Micro- Lepidoptera known to inhabit the ponuty of York. The Second Edition, with Supplement — contains much new information which has been accumulated by the author, including over 50 wien ete “species, together with copious notes on variation (particularly melanism), &c.- ; one fOr fee Sone italte In progress, tssued in Annual Parts, ea! 3 Hg TRANSACTIONS OF THE YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS’ UNION, - eu’? The or rantantions include papers in all departments of the Yorkshire Fauna and Flora, and are issued i ins separately-paged series, devoted each to a special subject. The Parts already published are sold to the public : as follows (Members are entitled to 25 per cent. discount): Part 1 (1877), 2/3; 2 (1878), 1/9; 3 (1878), 1/6; 4 (1879), 2/- ; 5 (1880), 2/-; 6 (1881), 2/-; 7 (1882), 2/6; 8 (1883), EIN 9 (1884), 2/9; 10 (1885), 1/6; 11 (1885), 2/6; 12 (1886), 2/65 18 (1887), 2/6; 14 (1888), 1/9; 15 (1889), 2/6; 16 (1890), 2/6; 17 (1891), 2/6; 18 (1892), 1/9; 19 (1893), 9d. ; 20 (1894), 5/- + ‘4 21 (1895), 1/-; 22 (1896), 1/3; 23 (1897), 1/8; 24 (1898), 1/-; 25 (1899), 1/9; 26 (1900), 5/-; 27 (1901), 2/-; 28 (1902), ha 29 (1902), 1/-; 30 (1903), 2/6; 31 (1904), 1/-; 32 (1905), 7/6; 33 (1906), 5/- ; 34 (1908), 2/6. g me; THE BIRDS OF YORKSHIRE. By T. H. NELSON, M.B.O. U., WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F. ee * M.B.O.U., and F. BOYES. 2 Vols., Demy 8vo 25/- net. : Demy 4to 42/- net. | HIRE: By JOHN W. TAYLOR, F.L.S., and others. Also in course of publication in the ones Se ! o THE YORKSHIRE CARBONIFEROUS FLORA. By ROBERT KIDSTON, F.R.S.E., F.G.S. Parts ou, ! 18, 19, 21, &c., of Transactions. : LIST OF YORKSHIRE COLEOPTERA. By Rev. W.C. HEY, A. THE Peal lapel A Monthly Illustrated Journal of Natural History for the North of England. Edited b SHEPPARD, F.G.S., Museum, Hull; and T. W. WOODHEAD, F.L.S., Technical College, Huddestela; with the assistance as referees in Special Departments of J. GILBERT BAKER, F.R.S., F.L.S.,-Pror. PERCY F. KENDALL, M.Sc., F.G.S., T. H. NELSON, M.B.O.U., GEO. T. PORRITT, F.L.S., F.E.S., JOHN W. TAYLOR, WILLIAM WEST, F.L.S., and. R. FORTUNE, F.Z.S. (Annual ~ Subscription, payable in advance, 6/6 post free), w MEMBERSHIP in the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, 10/6 per annum, includes subscription to The Nattralist, — and entitles the member to receive the current Transactions, and all the other privileges of the Union. © A donation of Seven Guineas constitutes a life-membership, and entitles the member to a set of the Transactions issued by the Union. Subscriptions to be sent to the Hon. Treasurer, Epwin © Hawkesworth, Esq., Sunnyside, Crossgates, Leeds. B Members are entitled to buy all back numbers and other publications of the Union at a discount of 25 per cent. off the prices quoted above. 7 All communications respecting ‘The Naturalist ' and publications should be addressed to T. Sheppard, F.G.S. ad The Museum, Hull; and enquiries respecting the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union should be addressed to the | Hon. Secretaries, Technical College, Hudderstield. Ah» NOTES AND COMMENTS. DOMINANCY IN NATURE. “Dominancy in Nature, and its Correlation with Evolution, Phylogeny, and Geographical Distribution, by John W. Taylor, embodies Mr. Taylor’s Presidential Address to the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union at their Fifty-first Annual Meeting. It is a successful attempt to sketch the great movements in Nature, as to the distribution of species. As in the case of man we find the more highly developed races arising and pressing back the weaker and less advanced types, so, Mr. Taylor ably shows, this principle of dominancy prevails in every realm of life, and from mammal, bird, insect, and plant he draws the same lesson: that the stronger is constantly thrusting back the feebler, and that even the fungus works on the motto adopted by Rob Roy :— ‘That they shall take who have the power, And they shall keep who can.’ No publisher’s name appears to be given.’ So says the Yorkshire Post, so that evidently the address has been published, though so far we have not had the pleasure of seeing a copy. THE MUSEUMS ASSOCIATION. The Annual Conference of the Museums Association will be held at Hull, on the invitation of the Mayor and Corporation, during the week commencing July 14th, under the presidency of Mr. E. Howarth. From the preliminary programme which has been issued, it seems that three sessions are to be devoted to the reading and discussion of papers; visits are to be paid to the Natural History Museum, the Wilberforce Historical Museum and the Museum of Fisheries and Shipping. There are to be excurisons to Bridlington and Flamborough, to Burton Constable, and to Spurn by steamer. The social side of the meeting is also well catered for. THE BEGINNINGS OF GEOLOGY. It is interesting now and again to look back upon the begin- nings of things, and while a century ago can hardly be looked upon as the actual beginning of the science of geology, it was about that time that William Smith laid the foundation stones of the science as we now knowit. The following quaint extracts relating to early Yorkshire Geology are taken from the York- shire volume of “ The Beauties of England and Wales,” and are from the pen of John Bigland, whose book shows that he was particularly well informed on many subjects. 1913 May 1. O c ae ee Ne tens hee 2 ete 182 Notes and Comments. FOSSIL MEN. ‘The neighbourhood of Whitby abounds with natural curiosities ; and the various petrifactions almost everywhere found in the alum rocks, have long excited wonder, and puzzled philosophy. Besides the petrified : shells of sea-fish, etc... . some others have been found in the scarr, or cliff, on the east side of the mouth of the Eske, which cannot be arranged under any class. In the early part of the last [XVILIth] century, Dr. Woodward dug up on the scarr the petrified arm and hand of a man, in which all the bones and joints were perfectly visible, and seemed regularly formed with cavities for the mar- row. About the year 1743, the Rev. Mr. Borwick found in the alum-rock the complete skeleton, or petrified bones of a man ; but although the utmost caution was used in digging it up, it was broken into several pieces, and greatly mutilated; in that condition, however, it was sent to one of our universities as a great curiosity.’ A CROCODILE AND A HORSE. ‘ After this, in the year 1758, the petrified bones of a crocodile, an animal never known in this part of the world, were taken out of the rock; and these, though broken into many pieces, were sent up to the Royal Society, of which a particular account may be seen in the Philosophical Transactions, Vol, L. Part II. And about four years afterwards, the skeleton, or petrified bones of a horse, were found in the alum works at Saltwick, at the depth of about thirty yards under ground, which were taken up with much care, though not without being considerably broken, and sent as a natural rarity to the university of Aber- deen.’ SNAKESTONES ‘Among the curiosities which abound on this part of the coast, are the ammonite, or snake stones, found in almost every place where the alum-rock exists, and particularly in Whitby scarr, between high-water and low-water mark. This scarr or rock is formed by a stratum of alum-mine, nearly on a level with the surface of the ocean ; and the snakes are all inclosed in hard elliptical stones, which seem to have been stuck therein, being coiled up in spiral volutes, and every- where resembling that animal in their form and shape, save only in the head, which is always wanting. . They are of two different species |!], some of them being round- bodied fluted, or infulated, while others are flat-bodied. ridged on their backs, and pitted on their sides.’ OF TWO SPECIES. The round-bodied snakes are girt, or encompassed from end to end with semi-circular channels, or cavities, the appear- Naturalist, Notes and Comments. 183 ‘ance of which is just the reverse to that of a cask, bound about with wooden hoops contiguous to each other; for the hoops are convex, or raised above the body of the cask, whereas these rings are concave, or let into the body of the snake. The other species of snakes have a ridge on their backs, and are flatted on the sides, as if they had been pressed together ; the marks wherewith they are pitted or indented resembling the impression made by a man’s thumb on a soft substance. The stones wherein these snakes are inclosed must be broken very carefully, otherwise the snake will break also.’ INTERNAL STRUCTURE. ‘The impression which the snake leaves on its bed, or nidus, within the stone, is very perfect and beautiful. Sometimes the body of the snake is powdered with shining specks, and ‘sometimes it is of a bright yellow colour, as if it were gilt. The snake seems to be a different mineral from the stone in which it 1s inclosed ; and when broken, its substance within resembles salt-petre in colour, transparency, and hardness. These snakes are of various sizes, the spiral convolutions being from one to six sinches in diameter ; the flatted snakes are the largest ; but the round-bodied infulated snakes are not only the most numerous, but also the most beautiful. These ammonite are noticed by Camden, Leland, and others; and both of them observe, that fame ascribes them to the power -of St. Hilda’s prayers.’ SPORTS OF NATURE. ‘Mr. Charlton says, that it is yet a constant tradition among the vulgar in that part of the country, that these were real snakes, rai which Whitby and its vicinity were infested, and which being driven over the cliff by Lady Hilda, and losing their heads by the fall, were afterwards, by her prayers, trans- formed into stones. Such is the credulity and superstition of the multitude ; it is needless to say, that these monkish miracles and absurd legends are treated with contempt by all persons of an enlightened understanding. The historian of W hitby adopts the opinion of Dr. Lister, Camerarious, and others, who ‘suppose all ths petrifactions resembling shell-fish, or other animals, found in rocks, or on mountains, etc., to be a mere ‘lusus nature,’”’ or “lapides sui generis,’ produced by fer- mentation, or by some peculiar property inherent in all alum- mines ; and he opposes the hypothesis of those who imagine that they have once been living creatures, and been brought into their present situation by some violent convulsion of the earth, either at the time of the deluge or at some other period, grounding his arguments on the regularity of the strata near the surface.’ 913 May t. 184 Notes and Comments. NO CHANGE SINCE CREATION. ‘His observations on this curious subject may not be dis- agreeable to the reader :—‘ Let any one,’ says Mr. Charlton, ‘survey our cliffs, and he will soon perceive that there is the most exact symmetry and order to be traced through the several strata, and that they adhere together in a more regular, even, and orderly manner, than they could ever have been placed by the hand of man; in short, that the whole fabric has in it the marks and characters of an Almighty Architect, where nothing has undergone any considerable change since its first creation, though the heaviest strata are not always found at the greatest depth ; for above the alum-mine we meet with a solid body of iron-stone, much heavier than alum-rock ; and above that is a stratum of doggers, still heavier than the ironstone, above which is a thick bed of marl or earth, and that is covered with a heavy bed or quarry of freestone, over which is found several different strata or marl or earth, till we come at the surface.’ ‘ A CHIMERA.’ ‘The floor of a room cannot be more evenly and exactly laid by the hand of the most skilful joiner or carpenter, than these several strata are placed one above another, while all of them are connected together with the utmost regularity and order. What signs or marks then do they bear in them of a deluge ? Or how can we suppose them ever to have been so much convulsed as to admit animals and large pieces of timber under them ? The whole of this is certainly a chimera, and must be treated as such by every intelligent person who carefully views them. Perfect resemblances of those very cockle-shells, before mentioned, are tio be found within the hard- est flints under our cliff, in several of which some hundreds of them are to be seen; but though very curiously formed, they still preserve the colour of the stone to which they belong, and cannot be supposed by any one ever to have been bodies of living animals, distinct and separate from that stone.’ These observations of Mr. Charlton are certainly worthy of notice, although his arguments can scarcely be considered as decisive in regard to this curious question, which has exercised so many learned pens, and given rise to so many ingenious speculations.’ —:0o.—— The following seems to be ‘the limit’ as regards advertising a Nature Study book :—‘' The Way to Health is to know the Laws of Nature, and obey them. The way to know the laws of nature is to read The way to get is to send Five Shillings to the Office, : and it will be delivered at your door every month for a year. ENTER- TAINING READING! BEAUTIFUL Pictures! !_ NO NONSENSE!!!’ The last words, with the necessary three notes of exclamation, are not italicised by us, but so appear in the advertisement ! Naturalist, we A j ’ ia ae ws # We id a) iv Sih 7 a a ‘ 4 Be we r , ; 5 J j Fr + ima q Lt y -. ; = Ii - TP hy Ps * 7 4 P : ,a = * ; 7 7 a. - “4 :. 4 _ hon " ar ap | D ° 7 hol 4 ie 4 ' - . > ' fi ’ j - " . ay’ , j ie ie Le > . a a ° POLE y; ’ 1 ve ” 1 ¥ u yu 3 ‘ — y' ‘ >» ~ a * + e : sayy, 4 a a5 : :% Wu a4 i q "ten ; ’ v2) s = pet a bo ¥ f ra yer \ * ‘ Magnified 5 diameters. Magnified 30 diameters. n Ironstone. ¥* "Rms® , Liverto polished surface on right. Top bed ; oblique illumination. o i=] ° ~~ a =I °o & _ =| 2 +a co) te a s ro) 2 i") ° T | 3 =z No. 2.— Polished surface NATURALIST, 1913 Fractured surface (dark) on left; THE THE CLEVELAND IRONSTONE. J. J. BURTON, F.G:S. (PLATES VIII., IX. AND X.). (Continued from page 168). In some cases the accompanying diagrams are based on the Geological Survey measurements, in others the Survey records have been corrected in the light of more recent ob- servations, and in several instances they are the result of in- formation given to me by mines’ managers, or recently taken by myself. In the section of the main seam af ironstone at Eston (A), the Main and Pecten seams, although divided by a line, are continuous in section, that is, there is no shale parting between them; but in the section to the east, at Court Green (B) less than two miles away, these two seams have become separated by a band of Dogger and a band of shale. In an eastward direction, as depicted on successive diagrams, the shale band thickens, not on any very clearly defined principle, but in a somewhat irregular manner, until finally the Pecten séam becomes so split up into thin bands of shale and ferru- ginous material that it is impossible to define its upper and lower boundaries with any certainty. Without dealing with the subject in any commercial sense it is noteworthy that just where the Ironstone seam was first opened out on an industrial scale, the bed is not merely the thickest and the richest in iron, but the Pecten bed really forms part of it and was worked along with it. This cannot be done anywhere else in Cleveland. On the map is an irregular dine commencing at Eston (marked A), and ending at Hawsker (H). Between these two points all the sections on the first portion of the diagram were taken, and the positions of the several sections are in- dicated by letters corresponding with those heading the columns on the diagram. On the map is also shown a line beginning at the same point (A), and proceeding in a southerly direction to Ingleby (J), and thence in a direction west-south-west to Swainby. Intersecting the southern line at Roseberry (J), is another line more or less easterly to L2 and thence north-easterly until it cuts the line from Eston at Staithes (F) thus forming an irregular triangle. The position on the map of the different sections shown on all the diagrams is indicated by correspond- ing letters. It has been shown that the ironstone thins out and becomes split up along the most northern line. Taking the base of the triangle, starting at Eston (A), Roseberry Topping is ig13 May 1, 186 Burton: The Cleveland Ironstone. shown 3 miles distant. In that short distance there has been a great alteration in the strata. The main seam has thinned down from 11 feet to 53 feet. The Pecten seam closely resem- bles that at Hummersea, which is nearly 11 miles distant from Eston. Any differences may be due to the difference in the mental attitude of different observers, in allotting this to Ironstone, that to shale, or to the difficulties attending accurate measurement. Still proceeding southwards to Ingleby (a distance of 5% miles from Roseberry), the Pecten seam (if correctly located and described, and I am taking the figures from the Survey records) bears no kind of relationship to the section which I have had taken at Roseberry, and is very puzzling and difficult to explain. Some other measurements and observations which I have recently made between the two points, while not explaining, appear to throw some light on the subject. At Cockshaw, about 1? miles south of Roseberry, the Pecten bed has become nearly all shale, with only two thin bands of ironstone ; below it is a band of 3 ft. 2 in. of shale. At Roseberry this same shale bed is split into two, differing quite distinctly from each other; or, as the section is not at present {very easy to explore, should it turn out that any of the shales above or below the two thin bands of ironstone at Cockshaw belong to the Pecten, then the difference between Roseberry and Cockshaw is, if anything, still more marked. Inside the mine at Roseberry, close to a fault, the whole character of the Pecten bed becomes altered; there are three thin bands of shale amounting in total thickness to only eight inches, and the ironstone bands have a total thickness of 3 ft. 3 ins. Local variations evidently occur, shewing that the conditions existing at the time the strata were being formed must have been variable. Perhaps in this instance faulting and deposition and possibly denudation were progressing simultaneously, but the main point is that in distinctly local areas there are given variations in the character of the beds. Along the most southerly line of sections there are numerous local changes, but broadly speaking the ironstone in the main seam becomes less rich in iron and the impurities, chiefly silicia and alumina, become more pronounced as we proceed eastward. Along with this change there comes the cleaving of the ironstone into a top and bottom block, with a band of Dogger or shale between them, and just as in the converging line of sections on the coast, the band of shale thickens towards the east. Some of the local variations are curious. Thus in Spawood Mine, the Western side of the most southerly workings (ZL) shews a thicker band of shale and a thinner bottom block of ironstone than the eastern side (L2) 1,300 yards along the line Naturalist, THE NATURALIST, 1913. PLATE IX. No. 3.—Top bed, Liverton Ironstone. Oolitic grains ; insoluble portion left on boiling with strong Hydrochloric acid. Magnified 30 diameters. No. 4.—Top bed, Liverton Ironstone. Same as No. 3, after crushing. Note the grain at right hand lower corner in which the Oolitic layer has fallen off, leaving a second layer ¢ xposed. Magnified 30 diameters. 187 The Cleveland Ironstone. Burton: “suonjossg ay} jO SMOTIsod ay Suimoys “vay puepAegg oy} JO del ay LNOWSOHD

. 219 THE FISHES OF THE LOWER WHARFE BASIN.* G. WADDINGTON. THE following notes have reference to the lower half of the River, though no actual line of demarcation can be fixed except at the eastern extremity. There are only a few references to the higher reaches of this stream, as my experience does not extend to within some little distance of its source. One writer seems to have made a special study of the Icthyology of Upper Airedale,t but although no river in Yorkshire is so well known to naturalists, anglers, and sportsmen generally, I have not been able to find a similar account of the fishes of the River Wharfe. In the Lower Wharfe Basin are both migratory fishes, such as the Salmon, Eel, and Flounder; and ‘fishes which are not capable of existing in salt water, nor have the desire of attaining the sea if they could do so. The following is a catalogue of Fishes found in the Lower Wharfe Basin, based on Giinther’s classification :— FISHES FOUND IN THE LOWER WHARFE BASIN. Perca fluviatilis, River Perch. Acerina cornua, Ruffe or Pope. Cottus gobio, Miller’s Thumb. Gasterosteus aculeatus, Common Stickleback. Pleuronectes flesus, Flounder. Barbus vulgaris, Barbel. Gobio fluviatilis, Gudgeon. Leuciscus rutilus, Roach. ns cephalus, Chub. “ vulgaris, Dace. is phoxinus. Minnow. Tinca vulgaris, Tench. tee. Val va lika tal Golden Tench. Salmo salar, Salmon. eee datie: River Trout. Thymallus vulgaris, Grayling. Esox lucius, Pike. Anguilla vulgaris, Fel. Petromyzon fluviatilis, River Lamprey. Acipenser sturio, Sturgeon. THE. RIVER PERCH can be identified by its brilliant colour- ing and strong spinous rays in the primary dorsal fin. The * Read at a meeting of the Vertebrate Section of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union. + The Fishes of Upper Airedale. Whitaker, Bradford Scientific Journal, July, 1907. : 1913 Junel. 220 The Fishes of the Lower Wharfe Basin. ventral, anal, and caudal appendages are generally tinged with deep vermilion, and the characteristic colour varies from bluish olive, to brassy yellow in mature and well grown speci- mens. The Wharfe should be an _ idealriver for these fish, but unfortunately the species appears to be limited to the lower reaches entirely. I have taken specimens at Tadcaster, but above this point where the dilution of deleterious matter becomes lessened, it is only to be met with in ponds, etc., near the river side.* This seems to indicate, that at one time, probably before we had to contend with sewage contamination ; it was plentiful as far up as Otley. In the early part of 1912 a pond near Ben Rhydding containing a large quantity of small Perch was emptied, and the fish eventually found their way into the river.t The fecundity of the Perch is extraordinary, more especially in semi-stagnant waters, though in this country it seldom attains to a weight of more than three pounds. It is a voracious fish, particularly when small and predatory in its habits. Its food consists of gudgeon, minnows, and other small fry, besides worms, crustaceans, etc. It is readily taken on the rod, and, being gregarious, it is often caught in large numbers. When the Perch is well grown its flesh is held in high esteem. The species spawns from the middle of March to the middle of April and soon afterwards regains its strength and condition. Though a hardy fish and easily transported from one locality to another (in the winter months requiring only a covering of damp moss in place of its natural element) it is nevertheless extremely susceptible to foreign or poisonous substances which may find their way into the water, and from this cause very often succumbs. The large Perch of Malham Tarn in Craven are famous. Huxley described them as exceedingly black, and generally found to be blind. By some authorities this is stated to be due to a parasitic disease to which the fish is addicted. In enclosed waters the Perch does not appear to thrive in com- pany with the Roach. THE RUFFE OR Pope closely resembles the Perch in form, but seldom grows to a greater length than four or six inches. The colour is yellow to olive. It can be caught on the rod all the year round, and like the Perch, prefers a quiet swim with a gravel bottom, to the strong streams. From the * Some very good specimens are taken in the river above this point, especially in the neighbourhood of Harewood.—Ep. + These particular Perch were not indigenous to the locality, but were introduced by an angler several years ago from the Aire valley the parent stock consisting of about forty or fifty specimens. + This is hardly so at the present day.—ED. Natur alist, The Fishes of the Lower Wharfe Basin. gor canglers’ point of view the fish has little value. It appears to be well distributed in Wharfedale, and can be found as far up the valley as Otley. THE MILLER’s THUMB can be distinguished from the other members of the order by its large and flattened head. It is remarkable for its voracity, is active in its habits, and lives in ‘solitude in the darkest, most sluggish and deepest parts of the river. In this country it never grows to a greater length than five inches. ' It has no scales, and seems to’prefer soft or muddy ground to a clear and sandy bottom. When disturbed, it darts away and rapidly obscures itself in a cloud of mud. Where the roots of overhanging trees have been exposed to the action of the current, the Miller’s Thumb or Bullhead can generally be found. It varies somewhat in colour, but as a rule it has very dark brown or even black markings on a dirty white base. Looking at the fish from the front, it has a most repulsive appearance, owing to the superior position of the eyes and the disproportionate gape of the mouth. THE STICKLEBACK is rarely to be met with in the River Wharfe itself, but it is fairly common in the pools and ditches which lie inits basin. In Wharfedale at any rate, it appears to prefer stagnant torunning water.* It spawns in May and June, and at this time of the year the Stickleback constructs a nest the better guidance and accommodation of his prospectve for partner, in which she deposits her eggs. The male fish then assumes a blood red colour on the throat and breast. Although the Stickleback is one of our smallest fishes it is extremely pugnacious. Like the Perch it is gregarious and with suitable traps—not necessarily baited—may be taken in large numbers. THE FLouNDER. This migratory fish occurs in the Wharfe from Tadcaster downwards. It ascends rivers for long distances, is very prolific, but never attains a very large size in fresh water. Its flesh is of fine flavour. It possesses in a remarkable degree the power of adapting itself to its environment by assuming the colour of the bottom. This fact makes it indistinguishable from the rest of its surroundings, except to a very experienced eye. The colour is generally brown or drab, which may be relieved somewhat by the superposition of orange or very dark ‘brown spots. Its food consists of worms, small fishes, and other animal substances. It ascends estuaries to spawn; which process generally takes place from December to February. In Yorkshire they are known as ‘ flatties.’ At one time large numbers were caught by means of a three pronged spear which was thrust into any likely place. _ * Inthe neighbouring valley, Airedale, the Stickleback is plentiful in the river, and as Mr. Booth has pointed out, it forms the principal food of the Kingfishers.—ED. 1913 June 3. 222 The Fishes of the Lower Wharfe Basin. THE BaRBEL, from a sportsman’s point of view, is one of the heaviest and the most valuable of the non-migratory fishes. found in the Wharfe. They are summer fish and become torpid and he together in a compact mass during the colder part of the year, and in the deepest water they can find. Though specimens have been taken in the Derbyshire Derwent, and the Thames, in December, in Wharfedale at any rate it is comparatively useless to expect them to take a bait betweem October and May. They are exceedingly powerful, and from July to September are found in the swiftest and most broken water. ‘ In the Wharfe it rarely exceeds eight and a-half pounds in weight. It spawns in its fourth year, from May to June, though this event may be delayed somewhat by extraneous or climatic influences. It is a remarkable thing that nothing: whatever is known of small Barbel ; during the whole of the writer’s experience he has never caught nor known of a specimen being caught of less than half-a-pound in weight.* Barbel, when young, are by some supposed to live in association with Gudgeon; as they grow larger they leave their early com- panions and join the parent stock. The fish is gregarious in. its habits, and unable to resist the power of strong light. At one time it used to be the common practice to take’ advan-- tage of this weakness—parties provided with torches and armed with suitable spears used to sally forth at night and slay large numbers; the streams in consequence soon became: denuded of them. This method of capture is still known in Wharfedale by the name of ‘ blazing.” The weather cannot be too hot, and the water too low for this fish. In August, IgII, a year memorable for fine weather, I took one hundredweight and a half of Barbel in four days’ fishing. In Yorkshire this fish is confined to the rivers of the central plain, and Day mentions that it was largely taken at Sheffield. - We doubt if this is the case now. He also states that it is not found in the Yorkshire Derwent, in spite of the fact that at Bubwith very fine specimens have been captured within recent years. It can be caught from Poole downwards, and the lower portions of the rivers yield the heaviest fish. In 1912, great quantities of fish of all kinds were destroyed the Wharfe, between Ilkley and Ben Rhydding, by an accidental discharge of gas liquor, as already referred to in this. journal. Among the number of dead were five Barbel, weighing from four to six pounds apiece. Their presence in the river at this point had, up to then, remained quite un- suspected. The Strid is likely to contain Barbel, but we * T have several times caught small Barbel the size of a good Gudgeon, and, in every case,-in Gudgeon swims.—R. F. Naturalist. The Fishes of the Lower Wharfe Basin. 223 have no means of ascertaining this. As the species is dormant during the spawning period generally assigned to the Salmonoid races, it is quite harmless in a trout stream. THE GUDGEON is distributed throughout the Wharfe Valley, and may be found as far up as Grassington. In shape it resembles the Barbel, but never attains a greater weight than a few ounces. It possesses one barbel at the corner of the mouth as against a total of four in its greater prototype. It grows to a larger size in lakes or ponds, than in the streams, and can be taken on the rod during most of the year. At spawning time, the gudgeon collects in large shoals and can be readily caught on the shallows with a small net, and often by the hand only. Cooked in a similar manner to Whitebait, they make an excellent and edible dish. They are in great demand among Pike fishermen as a live bait, and on the Eden is more commonly used than any other in “ spinning’ for salmon. It is readily caught with a small red worm, or with gentles ; more especially if the water is naturally, or even artificially discoloured or disturbed. THE Roacu is perhaps the best known fish of any in the British Isles. It lives in association with Bream and Rudd, and others of its kind, often producing hybrids with the former. In suitable waters it increases rapidly in numbers, the fish then remaining small and apparently ill fed. The Roach seldom grows to a greater weight than two pounds, large ones usually. being taken from rivers. In this country the roach spawns in May, and in ponds even as late as June. The eggs form excellent food for the Trout, and Pike will take the young fish readily. The Roach is more frequently met with in the sluggish portions of the Wharfe, though above Collingham it is rarely taken in great quantities. Though Wharfe Roach never reach the size of Thames fish, they are well proportioned and brilliantly coloured. The best time of the year in which to angle for them is during the autumn and winter months, and baits such as gentles, paste, etc., are generally used. THE CHUB can be distinguished from the Roach by its larger head and the wider gape of the mouth. It is a powerful fish, and specimens have been taken in the Trent weighing as much as seven pounds. At certain times of the year it can be taken with the minnow either employed as a live bait or by “ spinning.”” The Chub is very shy, and caution has to be exercised in its capture. It spawns in May, and afterwards continues to frequent the scours or rapid streams, and feeds on worms, insects, etc., in the swims. Chub live for eight or nine years, and at the third year will weigh from three-quarters to one pound. From the third year its growth is rapid, more especially if the food supply be plentiful. Its appetite is Igt3 June r, 224 The Fishes of the Lower Wharfe Basin. insatiable, and, failing animal matter, it will take bread, cheese, and has even been known to feed on cherries, like the Carp. The Chub abounds in the Wharfe, and can be caught from Ben Khydding downwards, specimens weighing over three pounds, however, are uncommon, the usual size rarely exceeding two pounds. No doubt if introduced into the Wharfe from other watersheds the average weight would soon increase. THE Dace closely resembles a small Chub, but the lesser mouth, the steel blue colour of the back, and the bluish cast on the sides of the fish after death, distinguish it from that of the former. The dorsal and caudal fins are grey black, the pectoral and anal fins are said to be pale red, but in the Wharfe are generally found to be brown yellow. It frequents the shallow streams in the warmer weather and chooses the deeper water for its winter quarters. It very rarely exceeds a pound weight. It spawns in May or June, and at this time Dace, like Barbel, betray their presence by partially turning over on their sides. The Dace occurs in the Wharfe from Burley to its confluence with the Ouse, and it is found in large numbers at Harewood and Woodhall Bridge. Fine specimens have been caught at Collingham weighing as much as fourteen ounces. THE MINNOW is the most widely distributed of all the fishes in the Wharfe Basin. It infests every eddy, and the quiet portions of the river afford it a home. Its colour varies to harmonise with its environment. It provides an unlimited food supply for the fishes with which it is associated. It buries itself in the mud during the winter and reappears again at the commencement of the spring, apparently none the worse for its long fast. It spawns in June, at which time both sexes develop small tubercles, chiefly on the upper part of the head. THE TENCH is adapted for a muddy environment, but it is one of the most beautiful of our fishes, its golden green colour shining through the thick coat of mucus. It is very seldom caught in the winter months, and during the summer is taken with difficulty. The best bait is unquestionably the worm. When Tench are transferred from the water to the basket they will live for many hours if left unharmed. In winter both sexes bury themselves in the mud to a considerable depth, where they lie until the commencement of more open weather. A pond which in winter is quite clear and in summer becomes turbid is probably inhabited by Tench. A weight of four pounds is seldom exceeded, and ponds should be stocked with care, or the fish remain small. We have no record of this fish having been caught actually in the Wharfe itself, but it certainly exists in a number of ponds in Wharfedale, Naturalist The Fishes of the Lower Wharfe Basin. 225, such as those near Ilkley, at Hollin Hall, and Compton, where: it was introduced about seven years ago. The Golden Tench, merely a semi-albinoid variety of the: Common. Tench, is found in one of the Fewston Reservoirs.. where it was placed by Lord Walsingham. THE Satmon. The Wharfe cannot be called a Salmon river,. as these fish do not exist in sufficient quantities to make it worth while angling. At certain times, however, examples may be seen rising in the pools at Thorparch and Tadcaster, and even ascending the weirs at these places during a heavy run of water. It has been reported that Salmon smolts have been caught at Ilkley, though this requires verification. Though the Salmon is caught on the rod by fly fishing, spinning, or with the prawn, it is doubtful whether it feeds in fresh water. The stomachs of fish which have been recently killed have been carefully examined for traces of food, and in no case has any such been found. THE River Trout. Seeley asserts that there are ‘ two principal forms of the River Trout,’ one distinguished by Giinther as Salmo gaimardi, the other Salmo fario var. ausonit, by Cuvier. Whether both these forms exist in the Wharfe, or merely the one (in all probability the first), is of little con- sequence, as the chances of being able to separate the one from the other are very remote, owing to the difficulty of ascertaining whether the specimens are introduced or genuine natives of the streams. As the S. gaimardi is generally considered to be characteristic of the northern rivers this variety may be taken as typical of Salmo fario, as it certainly was the fish described by Linneus. The River Trout is the most valuable of the Yorkshire fishes, its sporting qualities and the fact that it is at the same time edible, making it the principal game fish of the county. The males can be easily distinguished from the females by their longer head. Its food consists of flies, larve,. worms, and other such substances, and the larger fish will take minnow with avidity. The heaviest fish feed almost entirely through the night. The size of the Trout varies within wide limits, but the examples from typical northern streams generally average half a pound in weight. Much heavier fish are caught, but these are usually taken from the more sluggish and deeper portions of the river, and probably are examples of the variety ausoniz, which really belong to- the waters of the southernmost portions of Europe and the British Isles. The Trout of Yorkshire are wanderers, whereas the fish of the lower reaches of the southern streams take up their position and will remain in their favoured location until the approach of the colder weather. In rivers such as the Eden, famous for the purity of the water and its association with a 1913 June tl. 226 The Fishes of the Lower Wharfe Basin. limestone formation, no amount of fishing appears to denude the streams of its inhabitants, but in waters which are subject to sewage contamination, artificial stocking has to be employed, sometimes on a very large scale, to produce satisfactory results. The Trout occurs from the source of the Wharfe to as far as Tadcaster. It is found in abundance at Grassington, Bolton Abbey, and Ilkley, but in the lower portions of the river is not by any means as plentiful as one would desire, though the fish in the lower reaches are finer in flavour, better pro- portioned, heavier, and more handsomely coloured than those above Otley. At Collingham examples weighing a pound are not uncommon. Hofland mentions that at Harewood a fish was taken (1830-40) which weighed nearly four pounds, and quite recently a specimen of two pounds fourteen ounces was recorded from Linton. The present writer has had very fine specimens from the neighbourhood of Thorparch. Attention has been drawn to the superlative colouring of these fish from the lower reaches, and in my opinion they form part of the original stock indigenous to this stream, and as such have so far remained unimpaired by mixed blood from the hatcheries. It is quite possible that if the weirs at Tadcaster, Boston Spa, Thorparch, and Wetherby were made available for the passage of the Trout in their autumnal ascent to the upper waters, we should eventually be able to take them in larger quantities. Seeley says that ‘one form of disease to which Trout are’ liable, the nature of which is unknown, is characterized by an increase in the size of the head and a wasting of the body.’ This is often noticed in Wharfe fish, as is also the presence of lice, which attach themselves to the external surfaces, more particularly during the hot weather. In age the Trout may live from fifteen to twenty-five years. THE GRAYLING prefers the more gentle portions of rivers, and the lower half of the Wharfe, where it exists in large numbers, is well adapted for its home. Until recently the Grayling was a local fish, and principally confined to some few rivers of the central plain east of the Pennines. It has been suggested that it was introduced from abroad by the monks, as it is usually found in rivers upon the banks of which "are the remains of religious foundations of Cistercian origin. This supposition, however, is open to doubt, as the transporta- tion of the fish is very difficult. In some parts of the country weights of five pounds are recorded, though examples from the Wharfe weighing above a pound are comparatively rare. Should the water be pure they increase so rapidly that large rivers are well known to have been stocked by the introduction -of some half-dozen fish. The Grayling feeds on the surface all through the year, though it is most easily captured on the -artificial fly in the months of October and November. The Naturalist, The Fishes of the Lower Wharfe Basin. wan neighbourhood of Woodhall Bridge, Harewood, and Thorparch is famous for the number of Grayling. At Tadcaster and beyond, where the river becomes deeper, it is not found, in any large quantity. THE PIKE or Jack is the most voracious of our fresh-water fishes, and will attack and devour anything from a waterhen or live rat to one of its own kind. It grows to a weight of thirty pounds, though examples of forty pounds have certainly been taken. Pike of eighteen and twenty-one pounds weight hhave been taken in the Wharfe, though this river is not par- ticularly famous either for the number or size therein contained. The Pike is rarely found above Harewood Bridge, and is met with more commonly at and below Thorparch and Tadcaster, where it is taken on the live bait or by spinning. It prefers the quietest portions of the river to the rougher parts, and during floods will often wander so that after the waters have subsided, small ones may be occasionally found stranded on the land near the riverside. Eets differ from other migratory fishes in that they feed and grow in the rivers and descend to the sea to spawn. They grow to a weight of about five pounds, though specimens from the Fen country have been taken weighing from ten to twenty pounds. The females are generally much larger than the males, and when about to leave the river for the spawning ground both sexes assume a brilliant silvery colour on the under surface. The Eel is probably the hardiest fish of any in the British Isles, and it has been known to live for many weeks in the damp mud of dried-up ditches. [els are fairly numerous in the Wharfe, though they do not frequent the river in such large numbers as is the case of the streams which fall into the Bristol Channel. Specimens cf a pound weight are not uncommon, and in the neighbourhood of Tadcaster, and at Ulleskelf, fish of larger proportions may be taken. We understand that at one time a regular Eel fishery existed at the latter place. THE STURGEON is limited to the northern hemisphere, and its geographical distribution is nearly identical with that of the Salmon. It is the largest of the freshwater fishes, and occasionally exceeds a length of fifteen feet. In Britain they are not common, but in Asiatic Russia they are found in large numbers in most streams. In England the Sturgeon is a Royal fish. When caught in the Thames above London Bridge it is claimed and presented by the Lord Mayor to the Sovereign. It is very seldom that examples are taken in the Wharfe. Many years ago one found its way into the Leeds market from somewhere below Tadcaster, and in 1843 or 1845 a live Sturgeon weighing sixteen stones was recovered by two fishermen whilst netting for Salmon between 1913 June 1. 228 Reviews and Book Notices. Riccall and Wharfe Mouth. It was tied to a stake by a loose: rope and kept alive for some little time and exhibited. It was subsequently hawked about the neighbourhood at an approximate price of fourpence per pound. THE LAMPERN or River Lamprey has been caught in the Wharfe in April and May by the hand alone, being attached to the stones which litter the river bed wherever there was a gentle run of water. In England the Lampern reaches a length of fifteen inches, but examples from the Wharfe average ten inches only. It is said to spawn in March or April, and after this process has been completed, usually dies. In the winter it ascends the Wharfe in large numbers, and during floods will find its way into sluices and the backwash of water wheels. When the river has again taken up its normal level they fall back into the river. Many, however, are left high and dry on the banks, and become the prey of the rats which infest the environs of the weirs, the adjacent mills, and their outbuildings. Fe OS Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates, by J. S. Kingsley. London: John Murray, x. + 401 pp., price 12s. net. This work is by the Professor of Biology at Tuft’s College, Mass., and is an unusually thorough text book. The subject in its various ramifications is exhaustively dealt with, and especially full and complete is the description of the vertebrate skull. A prominent and welcome feature is the wealth of clear and well- drawn illustrations—nearly four hundred. Another valuable feature, which will be particularly appreciated by the student, is the Bibliography of important monographs, under various heads. There is also a valuable list of ‘ Definitions of Systematic Names.”’ The Moorlands of North-Eastern Yorkshire, their Natural History and Origin. By Frank Elgee, F.G.S. London: A. Brown & Sons. Pp. xvi, + 361, 12s. 6d. net. As readers of The Naturalist are aware, Mr. Frank Elgee from time to time has dealt with the zoological, botanical, and geological aspects of the interesting area around his home ; thus, to some extent, following in the wake of the late Canon Atkinson, whose ‘ Moorland Parish’ falls within the area of Mr. Elgee’s work. The recent investigations of English ecologists, Professor Kendall’s magnificent memoir on the glacier lakes of Cleveland, and Dr. Scharff’s ‘European Animals,’ have been closely studied, and they have largely influenced Mr. Elgee. At different meetings of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, and at ‘meetings of the Cleveland Societies, the author has presented numerous papers, which have been discussed from different points of view. The whole of this information has been put together in the present large book, and forms a valuable contribution to the past history of Cleveland. Apart from its scientific value, the book may be of use from an economical standpoint, having reference to the minerals, the crops, and the game. The book is made more attractive by several reproductions of photo- graphs,* chiefly by Mr. Godfrey Bingley (who has improved so many Yorkshire volumes) and the author. There are also folding coloured maps showing the geological features, distribution of the moors, etc. Altogether the book, which is well produced, is a welcome addition to the literature of the county of broad acres. It is a book to be proud of, and no doubt Mr. Elgee is proud of i E.G:S; *One of them we are kindly permitted to reproduce (see Plate XII). Naturalist. PLATE XII, THE NATURALIST, 1913. "9a5)q yuvi7) “Moa ALVOSUALTVS WON ATV NOLMAN [tq 0404 22 THE BORING HABITS OF THE PHOLAS. W. HARRISON HUTTON. REFERRING to the previous notes on this subject by Dr. Irving and myself, which have appeared in The Naturalist, from a discussion which subsequently took place at a meeting of northern conchologists, it was apparent that some still held the opinion that these shells bored by the aid of a secreted acid. One gentleman even exhibited a small piece of bored rock in which was a slight projection, as evidence against the theory of the rotatory method of boring. Since then I have spent some weeks at Scarborough, and while there I collected a number of Pholas and submitted them, and their various organs, to a number of chemical tests for acid. I also placed blue litmus paper in the holes of the molluscs, in their natural habitats, and in no case was there the slightest evidence of change, which would have been the case had there been any traces of acid present. In none of the tests, either with the shells in position, or with their dissected parts, did I find the slightest indication of the presence of acids. This seems to indicate that the animals do not secrete any acid that would assist them in any way in their work of rock-boring. I may add that among the many who still hold the opinion that acid assists the molluscs in their work I have not found anyone who have kept any of the species in confinement and studied their habits. —_!: 0 .—— Catalogue of the Species of Pisidium (Recent and Fossil) in the collection of the British Museum (Natural History) with notes on those of Western Europe. By B. B. Woodward. London: Longmans, Green and Co., etc., 1913, pp. x. ++ 140 and 30 plates. In this Catalogue a departure has been made by the Museum Authorities, inasmuch as the specimens from two departments are figured and described. Seeing, however, that it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the recent and some of the post-glacial beds, and that Pisidia occur in both, the authorities have been well advised in bringing their various species together in one monograph. Collectors have long neglected this group of shells on account of the great difficulty in the way of identification, due to the small size and general similarity of the various species. Mr. Woodward, after several years’ study of the genus, has been able to unravel the tangle. He describes fifteen different species, gives the complete synonymy of each; the original description, and a detailed description on a modern basis. There is also a vice-county record of the occurrence of the different forms, and distribution maps showing the records of recent and fossil species. Un fortunately these refer only to such specimens as happen to be in the national collections, though it may serve as a hint to possible benefactors as to the areas from which specimens are desired. For example, no fossil Pisidia are recorded from Yorkshire in any of the maps, whereas, of course, the Geological Survey and other Government publications record several. There is a bibliography of nearly 200 entries, but a most valuable aid to collectors occurs in the 30 plates upon which several hundred specimens are beautifully figured. These illustrations, showing the various varieties of the different species, should make the question of identification a very simple one. > 1913 Juner. R 230 YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS AT KIRKBY STEPHEN. ‘ Gay lark of hope, thy silent song resume ! Fair smiling lights the purpled hills illume ! Soft gales and dews of life’s delicious morn, And thou, lost fragrance of the heart, return!’ Tuus sang Wordsworth, and surely his words rang true to those lovers of Nature who, with the memory of a second replica of the Deluge, sought a change for the Whitsuntide vacation at the ancient little town of Kirkby Stephen, situate at the head of the Eden valley, the pastoral charm of which was made replete by the encircling chain of hills, those north- ward being prominent landmarks of the Pennine range. This is the second year in succession that the Union has ventured beyond its own border into the county of Westmor- land, and although climatic conditions had retarded the growth of plant life on the fells, their sheltered valleys, and the meadowland along the vale, amply repaid investigation. The first day was devoted to an investigation of Upper Swaledale, within the Yorkshire boundary, a portion of the county which had not hitherto been visited by the Union. From Barras the party investigated the moorland area to Tan Hill, visiting the collieries there, and then proceeded over the moors to Birkdale Tarn, returning over the Ail Brig boundary pass to Kirkby Stephen. Nateby Common, High Seat to Nine Standards, and their intersecting valleys received a good deal of study on the second day’s outing; the geological transitions, with their varied indicative flora affording an ample field of study. The pano- rama as viewed from the summit of Nine Standards was exceedingly fine, the view encompassing the Mallerstang Range, Ravenstonedale, the Eden Valley, and Upper Swaledale. On the third day the members worked the lower portion of Pod Gill, Merry Gill, the romantic dell of Stenkrith, ending with a visit to the Brockram Quarries, where they saw the most notable geological formation of Kirkby Stephen being worked. The upper portion of Pod Gill, Hartley Fells, and the belts of intermediate woodland received attention during the time available on Tuesday. Visits were also made to Hartley Castle and Wharton Hall. Within the grounds at the latter place are some giant examples of sycamore, mountain elm, and the huge oak known as “ Lord Wharton’s Hollow Tree.” This oak is in vigorous growth, despite the fact that there is ample standing room within its hollow trunk for five persons. The General Meeting was held on Monday, the President, Mr.. Harold Wager, F.R.S., F.L.S., occupying the chair. Naturalist, Yorkshire Naturalists at Kirkby Stephen. 231 Reports on work accomplished were given by representatives of the various sections. Thanks were accorded to the Divisional Secretary, Mr. W. Robinson, and to Mrs. Thompson for per- mission to visit the Brockram Quarries. VERTEBRATE ZooLoGcy.—Mr. A. Haigh-Lumby writes :— The chief difficulty of the Vertebrate Section was the wide area for investigation and the great distance separating the most promising portions from each other, and from the centre. The following notes refer chiefly to the Westmorland portion of the Kirkby Stephen area. In all sixty-one species of birds were noted. It is evident the larger predatory species are holding a precarious existence, as, in addition to the nests being persistently robbed by several collectors, the birds are frequently shot by too zealous keepers. It was all the more pleasurable, therefore, to see both the Raven and the Peregrine Falcon in a feral state, the former mobbed by a Curlew and a Lapwing. Neither the Buzzard nor Merlin, nor even the Sparrow Hawk nor Kestrel were seen. The Curlew is extremely abundant both on the hills and the low-lying rough pastures, and the unmusical call of the Corncrake was heard on all sides. Among the lesser birds the Corn Bunting is fairly common, and in the few bits of old-timbered woodlands the Redstart and the Tree Pipit are in unusual numbers. Equally interesting were the absentees, as the district seems eminently suitable to many birds which are common at no great distance away. Among these were the Sedge Warbler, Moorhen, and Linnet, and one can only assume that the Magpie, now a strong suburban species, has, with the Kestrel, suffered its usual fate in a ‘ keepers’’ country. Of the mammals the Squirrel, Fox, Hare, Rabbit, and Pipistrelle Bat only were seen. A Fox, a five-week old cub, was in the possession of a lady whose cat had suckled it. The three-spined Stickleback was taken near Sunbiggan. ConcHoLocy.—Mr. Thomas Castle writes :—The first day’s work was devoted to noting the character and prevalence of the mollusca on the ‘Brockram’ series of rocks in the direction of Brough. Many species usually associated with a Limestone district were conspicuous by their absence, notably the larger Helices, aspersa not being once seen ; H. nemoralis, hortensis, and arbustorum were met with very sparingly. The dominant shell met with was Helix rufescens, but the variety nigrescens more than doubled the type variety in numbers. Clausilia dubia was likewise common, although not a single speci- men of Clausilia rugosa was met with. Hyalinia was sparsely represented—a coal measure area, by comparison, would yield 1913 June tf. 232 Yorkshire Naturalists at Kirkby Stephen. over 75 per cent. more of this family. Subsequent excursions made later revealed a plausible reason for their presence in the lower reaches, by finding them in numbers. on the Great Scar Limestone not far distant from the area dealt with above. Fresh-water mollusca were very scarce, partly due to the rapid movement of the mountain streams and the scarcity of dykes and ponds on the lower-lying lands. Only one or two specimens of Limnea peregra and Ancylus fluviatilis were noted. The wooded portions of Pod Gill yielded several species associated with Beech trees, moss, and moisture, viz., Carychium minimum, Cochlicopa lubrica, Hyalimia pura, and H. crys- tallina, but these could not be said to be common everywhere. Several slugs were also met with. The Limestone scars of Hartley Fells were plentifully bestrewed with the larger Helices, memoralis and arbustorum. Bulimus obscurus, Clausilia dubia, and Pupa umbilicata were equally plentiful. One looked in vain for Hx. caperata, and several others. The following were obtained :— Helix nemoralis. Ayalinia pura. , hortensis. Claustlia dubia. te avbustorum. Vitvina pellucida. ,, hispida, Bulimus obscurus a vufescens (type). Pupa umbilicata. ae A var. nigvescens. Cochlicopa lubrica. 43 vupestris. Carychium minimum. Hyalinia nitidula. Limnaea peregra. a cellaria. Ancylus fluviatilis. i. alliaria. Sphaevium corneum. ie crystallina. Several species of slugs. FLOWERING PLants.—Dr. T. W. Woodhead writes :—The vegetation of the fells in the neighbourhood of Kirkby Stephen was remarkable for the extensive areas covered by sphagnum and other bog mosses. Growing among these was the Ling, with dead grey shoots tinting the whole moor, the greyness often intensified by an abundance of Cladonia sylvatica. Jun- cus squarrosus was also very abundant; and here and there much Cotton Grass (Eriophorum vaginatum), Fine-leaved Heath (Evica cinerea), and Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum). On the higher and flatter summits, where the streams have cut their way back in a series of tortuous channels, fine examples of retrogressive moor were seen. The steep peaty banks of the streams, too unstable to allow of invasion and the development of a protective plant covering, waste with every shower, and during times of drought, the surface, dried to a fine powder, is carried away by every breeze. Islands of peat are thus formed which are ever being reduced in size and are doomed eventually to. disappear. At the bases of these peat-hags remains of Naturalist, Yorkshire Naturalists at Kirkby Stephen. 233 Birch were found in great abundance, e.g., on Stanesmoor, Tanhill, Birkdale, Nateby Common, and Nine Standards, at altitudes of upwards of two thousand feet. The steep slopes were often covered with Bracken, among which were such woodland species as the Wood Anemone. A large sphagnum bog on Nateby Common was noticeable in having the Mat- grass ( Nardus stricta) as the chief associate. Here the boundary is sharply marked between the vegetation on the peat over siliceous rocks and the relatively bare pavement of Main Lime- stone adjoining ,with such characteristic calcareous species as Wild Thyme, Saxifraga Tridactylites, Helianthemum Chamae- cistus, also limestone mosses such as Neckera crispa. At Hartley Scar a good example of Ash-birch wood was seen. The Birch was a conspicuous associate of the Ash on the scree-covered slopes of the scars, together with Hawthorn and Hazel. The ground flora consisted chiefly of Dog’s Mercury, Garlic, Arum, Primrose, Cowslip, Anemone, Herb Robert, Blue Moor Grass (Sesleria cerulea), Rock-rose, Thyme, and other species typical of the Limestone scar-wood. : The district is of special interest to the botanist in that examples of several important types of vegetation occur within a limited area, e.g., the calcareous vegetation of the Mountain Limestone and Main Limestone ; also that developed on the siliceous rocks of the upper Pendleside series and Mill- stone Grits. MossEs.—Mr. Fred. Haxby writes :—From an ecological standpoint, the most abundant moss in the whole district was Hylocomium squarrosum B. and S., both on the hedge banks and on the higher reaches, 1500 feet and more. Hypnum Schreberi Willd. was an important species amongst the grass on the moorlands In the temporary wet places on the higher parts Hypnum jluitans was seen covering areas of several square yards. Aulacomnium palustre Schweg. also helped the Sphagnum. On the wall tops, associated with Draba verna, were Tortula subulata and Ceratodon purpurens in abundant fruit. The following is a list of species identified from gatherings in the Westmorland area in the immediate neighbourhood of Kirkby Stephen :— Andreea petyophila Ehrh. Rhacomitrium lanuginosum Brid. Polytvichum stvictum Banks, C. fr. | R. canescens Brid, Pleuridium subulatum Rabenh. Ptychomitrium polyphyllum Furn. Ditvichum flexicaule var. densum | Tortula intermedia Berk. B. and S. Barbula vecurvifolia Schp. Swartzia montana Lindb. Weista rupestris C.M. Seligeria pusilla B. and S. Encalypta vulgaris Hedw. Fissidens decipiens De Not. | Zygodon viridissimus R. Brown. 1913 June 1. 234 Yorkshire Naturalists at Kirkby Stephen. Orthothectum intricatum B. and S. Camptothecium lutescens B. and S- Hyocomium flagellarve B. and S. Eurhynchium piliferum B. and S. Plagiothecium pulchellum B. and S. Hypnum stramineum Dicks. Hylocomium splendens B. and S. H. loreum B. and S. Ulota crispa Brid. Splachnum sphevicum Linn. fil. Aulacomnium palustre. Schweg. Bartramia ithyphylla Brid. Neckera crispa Hedw. N. complanata Hiubn. Leucodon scturoides Schweg. Thuidium vecognitum Lindb. Orthothectum vufescens B. and S. Myco.Locy.—Mr. C. Crossland writes:—The mycologists had a good time, judging by the quantity of material collected and considering the time of the year. Mr. Malone, assisted by Mr. C. H. Broadhead; must have persevered in the search for fungi to enable them to collect over a hundred species. A carefully packed box containing seventy-six, mostly such as are considered micro-species, reached the writer in excellent condition. The Mycetozoa were forwarded to Mr. Cheesman. Mr. Malone’s consignment was accompanied by a list of those he knew at sight. The whole consisted of 23 Agarics, Io Polypores, 11 Uredines, 14 Pyrenomycetes, 18 Discomycetes, 10 Mycetozoa, and about twenty others. They were collected in the immediate vicinity of the excursion centre. The 109 identified are already recorded for Yorkshire. Seeing, however, that several so far rest on but solitary records, the Kirkby Stephen finds representing these may be considered of a eon- firmatory nature although found within the borders of West- morland. Should this meet the eye of any Westmorland student interested in fungi we shall be pleased, if desired, to forward the full list. LicHeNS.—Mr. W. E. L. Wattam writes:—The Lichen flora of the immediate vicinity of Kirkby Stephen, and the villages of Nateby and Hartley, with their neighbouring fells and wooded ravines, amply repaid investigation for this class. of plants. The area known as Nateby Common, with its varying geological formations and characteristic plant associations, also proved an excellent working ground. The following is a list of the species noted, all obtained within the county of Westmorland :— Collema cheiletum Ach. Sphaeophorus covalloides Pers. Pycnothelia papillavia Dut. Cladonta bellidiflora Floerke. C. cervicoynts Schaer. C. deformis Hoftm. C. digitata Hottm. C. fimbriata Fr. C. furcata Hoftm. C. macilenta scabrosa Nyl. Hoffm. and var. Cladonia pyxidata Fr. C. squamosa Hofttm. C. sylvatica Nyl. C. uncialis Nyl. Evernia furfurvacea Mann. Ramalina favinacea Ach. R. fraxinea Ach. Usnea hivta Hofim. Cetvaria aculeata Fr. Parmelia caperata Ach. P. olwacea L. Naturalist, Yorkshire Naturalists at Kirkby Stephen. 235 Parmelia exaspervata Ny). Lecanora murorum Ach. P. laevigata Ach. L. parella Ach. P. omphaloides Ach. L. tartavea Ach. P. perlata Ach. and var. ciliata Nyl. | Pertusaria multipunctata Turn. P. physodes Ach. | P. communis D. C. and f. rupestris P. saxatilis L. and f. furfuracea D;C, Schaer. Lecidia confluens Ach. Peltigera canina Hoffm. | L. contigua Fr. P. rufescens Hottm. _ L. parasema Fr. Solorina saccata L. L. vivulosa Ach. Physcia parietina De Not and var. | L. canescens Dicks. vivescens Nyl. Rhizocarpon geographicum D. C. P. stellaris sub. sp. tenella Nyl. Arthonia pruninosa Ach. Gyvophora torvefacta Ach. A. vadiata var. Swartziana Sydow. Lecanova atva Ach. Opegrapha atra Pers. L. calcavea Somm. O. varia Fr. L. badia Ach. Graphis elegans Ach. L. callopisma Ach. | Verrucavia mauroides Schaer. L. ferruginea Huds. V. nigrescens Pers. L. trrubata sub. sp. calva Nyl. | The following species were collected near Birkdale Tarn, in Upper Swaledale, by Mr. W. P. Winter :—Cladomia digitata Hoffm., C. fimbriata Fr., C. furcata Hofim., C. macilenta Hoffm., C. pyxidata Fr., C. sylvatica Nyl., C. uncialis Nyl., Parmelia saxatilis L., and f. furfuracea Schaer, Peltigera canina Hoftm., and Lecidia contigua Fr. COLEOPTERA.—Mr. M. L. Thompson, F.E.S., reports that the following Beetles were met with along the various routes by himself and one or two other members :— Carabus violaceus, L. Olophrum piceum Gyll. Carabus nitens, L. Necrophorus mortuorum F. Nebria gyllenhali Sch. Trichopteryx atomaria, De G. Dyschivins globosus Hbst. Meligethes aeneus F. Pterostichus madidus F. Micrambevini Panz. Pterostichus nigritus F. Cytilus varius F. Pterostichus vitreus Dj. Elmis volkmart Panz. Ptevostichus diligens Stm. Elmis parallelepipedus Mulls. Calathus melanocephalus L. Cryptohypnus viparius F. Calathus micropterus Duft. Chrysomelus politus L. Anchomenus albipes F. Chrysomelus staphylea L. Anchomenus fuliginosus Panz. Apion ulicis Forst. Bembidium atrocaeruleum Steph. Polydrusus micans F. Trechus minutus F. Sitones sutuvalis Steph. } Tachinus marginellus F. Liosoma ovatulum Clair. GEOLOGY.—Mr. J. J. Burton writes :—On Saturday morning the members walked over the pass from Barras to Tan Hill, where the highest Millstone Grit house in England is situated, examining by the way the very fine examples of deep cuttings made by fell-side streams into the soft shales and grits. In some of these streams many Stigmaria were noticed. Tan Hill Colliery was also visited, where, in the Millstone Grit series, a seam of coal five feet in thickness and of moderate quality has been extensively worked, and we were informed Ig13 Juner. 236 Yorkshire Naturalists at Kirkby Stephen. the workings extended a mile and a quarter. In days gone by, before the Eden Valley line was opened, a flourishing trade was done, as this colliery practically supplied all Edenside north of Appleby, as well as all Swaledale and not a little of Upper Teesdale. A gentleman who left the place forty- seven years ago, and was paying his first return visit at the time we were there, said he well remembered as a boy that thirty or forty carts would often arrive during the night in order to catch an early turn on the following morning to load coal away for the Eden valley. At present there are only five men employed, and the workings seem to be solely for the purpose of supplying those very inaccessible places in Upper Swaledale which are now shut off from all reasonable access to a railway. The coal is won by a drift into the hillside. Much water was issuing from the drift, but we were told it was from the feeders tapped in the course of driving into the coal and not from the coal seam itself. From this point a bee-line was taken to Birkdale Tarn, but the boggy nature of the ground, the deep water-worn valleys and the gulfs of wasting peat made the track very far from that of a bee-line. The numerous deviations, however, enabled us to observe many physical features of great interest. At Raydon’s Seat, over which there is a confluence of several fell streams, the extremely soft shales of the Upper Yoredales have been deeply cut back, and the cutting is rapidly going on. Near by was a Stigmaria a yard or more in length. Along the route several exposures of Ganister were noted, but the quality was somewhat uncertain. Whether the stains were from peat percolations or were those of iron could not be determined on the spot. Near Birkdale Tarn were some very colossal contorted blocks of grit, with the lamine practically U-shaped. The tarn itself is a considerable sheet of water standing high up on the hillside, on what may, for want of a better term, be called a terrace, and extends right to the edge of the declivity, at the bottom of which is Birkdale. It seems to rest on a peaty foundation, and receives a considerable influx of water, far more, in fact, than appeared to leave it at the outflow. The remainder of the excursion was spent partly on the York- shire side and partly on the Westmorland side of the border. Nateby Common was crossed, and one of the innumerable faults was inspected. The fault shows a gap from a few inches to two or three yards in width. Dislocation appears to have been considerable and with great force. The Underset and its shales, as well as the Main Limestone on one side, have been violently crushed, and the cleavage altered to a vertical plane. On the opposite side the rock seems to be the Main Limestone, and gives considerable evidence of anticlining. Naturalist , Yorkshire Naturalists at Kirkby Stephen. 237 The bedding plane is horizontal, but the usual vertical fractures have taken an irregular oblique direction at an angle of forty to forty-five degrees from the horizontal. Crossing Kitching Gill the whole series between the bottom of the Underset and the Main Limestone can be very fully and easily examined. On the top of the common the Main Limestone has weathered into pavement form, but here, unlike similar weathering in the Ingleborough district, the joints are filled up with soil, the debris of some vanishing deposit, and sustains a scanty vegetation. Those who went to the top of the Nine Standards were well repaid, but for examination of solid geology the many exposures in Rigg Beck were satisfactory. This stream rises in the Nine Standards, and affords a beautiful .example of how a fault is widening. Following the stream down it was curious to come across a self-sown forest of stunted and decaying larches, and to notice how on one side of the stream the heather mounted half way up the slopes, while on the other scarcely a plant could be found. Among the grits also was evidence of a Permian deposit in the soil which the rabbits had thrown up in their burrows, but perhaps one of the most interesting observations was an outcrop of Brockram along with the Great Scar Limestone. At this point there had evidently been a very big up-thrust, and at the junction between the two the crushing has been great, and well-formed quartz crystals as well as some of Fluor Spar, were common. The rocks were tilted at a very high angle, almost vertical, and the whole series of Great Scar Limestone crags was so arranged that they looked like a big serrated hog’s back against the skyline. Monday was chiefly devoted to an examination of the curious and beautiful cauldron and pot-hole structure in the Brockram in the neighbourhood of Stenkreth, finishing up by a visit to one of the quarries where this extraordinary material is being won for building purposes. The Brockram about Kirkby Stephen is much coarser in structure than that further north. It may be said to consist of angular pieces of limestone, many with corals intact, forming into a solid mass by a matrix apparently largely composed of Permian sands. Many of the pieces have faces several inches in length, and gives one the impression of a breccia having been artificially formed into a beautiful concrete in the quarry. It was noticed that the rock took much the form of a lime- stone rock in the way of joints, and although the evidence of stratification was almost absent, the material fairly readily split along definite horizontal lines, and in doing so paid no regard to the faces of the included fragments of limestone but sheared them right across. Our President and some others took an active part in these quarrying operations ! W EW. 1913 June 1. Sun Memoriam. LORD: AVEBURY, DCL, FIR S-Ere: (1834—1913). We much regret to learn, as we go to press, of the death of Lord Avebury, at the age of 79. He was better known by his former title of Sir John Lubbock, and was the head of a success- ful banking business. With the late Sir John Evans, Huxley, Lyell, and a number of the earlier workers, he took a keen, interest in the evidences of primitive man, and contributed a valuable volume on the subject under the title of ‘ Pre-historic Times,’ the first edition of which was issued nearly half a century ago. The extent of Lord Avebury’s activities was remarkable. He had been Chairman of the London County Council, Presi-. dent of the London Chamber of Commerce, member of Royal Commissions on the advancement of Science, on Public Schools, on International Coinage, on Gold and Silver, and on Education ; President of the British Association, President of the Entomo- logical Society, the Ethnological Society, the Linnean Society, the Anthropological Institution, and the Ray Society; and Vice-President of the Royal Society. He was for scme years Vice-Chancellor of the University of London and Principal of the London Working Men’s College. He was a popular lecturer and a voluminous writer, among his books being ‘The Use of Life,’ ‘The Beauties of Nature,’ ‘The Pleasures of Life,’ ‘The Origin and Metamorphoses of Insects,’ ‘ Ants, Bees, and Wasps,’ ‘On the Senses, Instincts, and Intelligence of Animals,’ ‘The Origin of Civilisation and the Primitive Condition of Man,’ ‘British Wild Flowers, considered in relation to Insects,’ ‘The Scenery of Switzerland,’ and ‘The Scenery of England.’ Nor in this connection must we forget his ‘ Hundred Best Books.’ To a large section of the community he will be remembered by his work in connection with the setting aside of the Bank Holidays. With Lord Avebury we lose one of the few remaining links between the present and past generation of scientists. : Tee —_—_»o____ FUNGI. Morchella semilibera in the Don district.—A fine specimen of Lanky Morel was found by my daughter Sarah recently in a lane between Newhill and Abdy. It overtopped the long grass in which it grew. We find some species of this genus on the Permian limestone, but this is the first I have seen from over our coal measures.—J. H. PAYNE, Newhill, West Melton, Rotherham. Naturalist, CORRESPONDENCE. 239 EcoLoGicAL METHODS OF SoIL ANALYSIS. Referring to Mr. J. W. H. Johnson’s notes in The Naturalist for April (pp. 169-171), I must point out that my paper on ‘ The Water Content of Acidic Peats ’ is only an abstract and obviously a very condensed abstract, for it not only summarises in a couple of pages over 70 analyses, but introduces a new method of assessing the humidity of a soil. When Mr. Johnson complains that my figures expressing the water- content of peats are ‘ incomprehensible ’ and the ‘ character of the whole paper enigmatical,’ I may hope to enlighten him, But I cannot unravel the tangle in the main paragraph on page17o. Simply I deny the truth of every conclusion at which he arrives. I propose to confine myself mainly to two objections, viz. :— (x) ‘the unusual methods of stating the results obtained,’ and (2) ‘the erroneous results obtained by confounding ratios with percentage composition.’ In reality they resolve themselves into one charge, viz., that I express my analyses (including the water-content of the wet peat) in terms of the air-dry peat. As far back as 1865 Sachs found that ‘a young plant began to wither when the soil still contained water equivalent TOMmL222 per cent of its dry weight.’1 In his standard work on The Soil, A. D. Hall? gives a table of the water capacity of soils expressed in three ways. The first method states the water absorbed by 100 of dry soil and gives, in the case of peat, such ‘ incomprehensible figures ’ as 155 parts*of water per 100 of dry soil. Is there anything but a verbal difference between ‘ per 100 of dry soil’ and ‘ per cent of dry soil’? .So again, Briggs and Shantz* of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, gies the wilting co-efficient as the mositure content of the soil expressed as a percentage of the dry weight when the plant wilts, and they give 1,300 analyses on that basis. It is true I base my own analy ses on the air-dry weight, but that is only a refinement that eliminates a small proportion of water of no service to the plants. It in no wise affects the principle involved, and agr icultural analyses of soils are regularly expressed in terms of the air- dry weight. I am quite aware of the difficulty encountered in the case of peats by those unfamiliar with the process, and have anticipated it in a paper just published in the New Phytologist.* I there state that ‘ partly to conform to agricultural practice and partly because the wet soil represents no fixed standard,’ the results are expressed ‘in terms of 100 parts of aty-dvy soil, z.e. of soil dried at 15°C. The water-content, otherwise the loss at 15°C., then becomes an addition to the Ioo parts. But in the case of peats the statement of the water-content is paradoxical unless the exact expression receives careful attention, e.g., ‘the water lost at 15°C. is 135 per cent. of the air-dry peat’ means that there are 135 parts of water lost on every 100 parts of the air-dry peat that remains after drying.’ According to Mr. Johnson, such values as 135 per cent of the air-dry peat ‘on closer examination appear to be ratios and have nothing what- ever to do with percentage composition-amounts, ’ and ‘ by confounding ratios with percentage composition,’’ I have arrived at ‘erroneous re- sults.’ I venture to affirm that my abstract published in The Naturalist contains no erroneous results, though Mr. Johnson arrives at several, as when he discovers that a peat w hich I state to contain 80 per cent. of humus, ‘ has a humus content of 8? or 40.’ Nor is there any confusion of percentage amounts and ratios, for all percentages are ratios. The very water content number (57 that Mr. hnson deduces > ratio ————_— (575) John deduces for the ratio 100 ise ae aa Warming, Oecology of Plants, p. 49. Edition 2, p. 66. The Wilting Co-effictent for Different Plants, 1912. The Co-efficient of Humidity: a new method of expressing the Soil Moisture. [a ~ d 1913 June fr. 240 Correspondence. is obtained by the identical arithmetical process that yields 96.96 parts of Organic and Volatile matter per cent. of moisture-free peat and all the other percentage values in the second and fourth columns of his table of the analysis of peat. As they have all been deduced by the same process from the amounts in terms of the wet peat, their relative values remain unchanged. But there is a great gain in adopting the dry-peat values. ‘To correct any false impressions about the composition of peat,’ Mr. Johnson states :—‘ Peat usually contains 80-90 per cent. of moisture and when air-dried, 15-25 per cent.’ Whilst literally true the statement is misleading, for the standard of comparison is changed midway and the numbers are not comparable. Who will realise that the second quality (Say 15 per cent.) is little more than a thirtieth of the first (80 per cent.) ? But so itis. If a wet peat loses 80 per cent. of water on air-drying, there will be a further loss of 3 per cent. when it is oven-dried; and these numbers become 400 per cent. and 15 per cent in terms of the air-dry peat. Either one scale or the other must be adhered to throughout. I will try to illustrate briefly the principle underlying ecological methods of soil analysis. Of course, there are other factors to be considered, but what I am concerned with is to find an accurate quantitative expression for the relative wetness or humidity of a plant habitat. To take a specific case. Heather growing on the moors usually has its roots partly ina layer of moderately pure peat and partly in a nearly pure coarse sand, and these layers differ enormously in their water-holding capacity, and therefore in their water-content, at all times of the year. I had on that account to reject the water content as an unsuitable index of the soil humidity and to look for a more reliable expression that would be generally applicable to natural soils. Numerous analyses have shown that, excluding clay soils, the water retained in the soil is held almost entirely by the humus; so much so that as soon as the humus in any soil is reduced to unity the corres- ponding value of the water becomes a true measure of index of the wetness of the soil. This ratio I have called the co-efficient of soil humidity and subject to a correction in covtalt cases the co-efficient of soil humidity water-cont : vater-content here the water-content is the water lost when the humus-content soil is allowed to dry in an ordinary room at about 15°C. In the abstract published in The Naturalist in 1911 this was called the water co-efficient and its values were shown to be distinctive of various types of moorland. O: The Proceedings of the Liverpool Naturalists’ Field Club for 1912 contain a detailed report of the Club’s field meetings, together with ‘A contribution towards a fungus flora of the hundred of Wirral,’ both of which are from the pen of Mr. J. W. Ellis. The financial statement shows that the Club has a small balance in hand. Volume XXXV. of the Journal of the Derbyshire Archeological and Natural History Society is a substantial publication, and well illustrated, as usual. It contains papers on archaeological subjects by H. Kirke, Rev. R. J. Burton, P. L. Gell, W. Smithard, Rev. J. M. J. Fletcher, Rev. J. C. Cox, Major Poynton and A. Carrington, and H. Vassall. The Rey. E. H. Mullins contributes a valuable report on the Ossiferous Cave at Langwith, with a list of the Vertebrate, etc., remains, and with ap- pendices by Messrs. A. S. Kennard, B. B. Woodward, M. C. A. Hinton, and Professor A. Keith; there are the usual full and valuable zoological notes by Rev. F. C. R, Jourdain and H. C. Hayward, and W. S. Fox describes the remains ot a human skeleton in Monsal Dale. The bones were those of a youth, and were found in a fissure, together with the remains of a sheep and goat. We rather fancy however, that Mr. Fox goes just a little bit further than the evidence allows, when he writes ‘ To my mind the facts suggest murder. It is fruitless to make wild guesses at the motive for sucha deed. But if the poor boy was murdered by a fellow- Briton, his assailant would have every reason to wish to conceal his crime. He would be well aware that the boy’s relatives would make a search. If he were merely dragged to the end of the fissure his whereabouts would soon be discovered. But if a dead sheep and goat were roughly thrown down close to him in that dark recess, it would be most improbable that any search would be carried further.’ We still think that Mr. Fox might have given some suggestion for the motive for the deed! Naturalist + ARACHNIDA AT KIRKBY STEPHEN. 253 W. P. WINTER. THE collecting grounds around Kirkby Stephen naturally fall into two great types, the upper levels mostly on limestone varying in type from the Great Scar to the Yoredales; the lower levels mostly on the Permian with relatively luxuriant vegetation. For the upper levels examination was made of the districts of Nine Standards, Nateby and Hartley. In the lower levels Pod Gill and High and Low Stenkrith were visited. The smaller limestone screes were of particular interest, especially those just to the east of Hartley. Here there is evidence of loose limestone screes encroaching upon a stretch of open woodland with hazel, hawthorn, and occasional holly. Careful examination revealed the fact that the stones on the screes could be regarded as of three types. Some had evidently fallen some time ago and were mostly occupied by ants, at any rate where the substructure consisted of soil from the old woodland. There was no conspicuous amount of vegetable matter in this, and spiders were absent under the stones themselves. A second type had fallen more recently and had below it a large proportion of dead leaves and vegetable matter generally. With these were generally plenty of the pill- millipede and the snake-millipede (Julus), with small diptera and other insects. In these cases spiders were abundant. Coelotes or Drassus tubes of silk were found quite commonly. The third type of stone had fallen at about the same period as the last, but was either on other stones with no subjacent vegetable remains or had been so placed that no accumulation of leaves for leaf-mould had taken place. In this case no spiders occurred nor were there many small animals present. Careful search confirmed the fact that there was a distinct correlation between the number of spiders, especially of those with a settled home, and the amount of vegetable matter, the intermediate link in the reasoning being supplied by the small types feeding upon that vegetable matter and being themselves preyed upon by the spiders. A small saw-fly larva had been captured by Textrix denticulata, but from the very deliberate method in which it set about its meal the particular diet selected seemed to be unusual. Appended is a list of the spiders and harvestmen identified, among which are specimens handed in to me by Messrs. Castle, Haigh-Lumby, and Haxby. Altogether thirty-one spiders and two harvestmen, or thirty-three arachnids altogether, were found, all in Westmorland. Found on both levels :— Amaurobius fenestralis Stroem, | Bathyphantes concoloy Wid., 2, 3. imm. Q. Trochosa terricola Thor., 9, 6. Coelotes atropos Walck, 9, S: Lycosa pullata Clerck., 2, 3. Textrix denticulata Oliv., 3 nearly mature. | I9g13 July 1. 254 Reviews and Book Notices. Found on the upper levels only, mostly limestone :— Oonops pulcher Temp., imm. Q. | Xysticus cristatus Clerck., imm. 9. Drassus lapidosus Walck., 2, 3. | Taventula pulverulenta Clerck., imm.. Hahnia montana Bl., 2, imm. g. ° Evigone dentipalpis Wid., 2, 3. Heliophanus cupreus Walck., 3. Wideria antica Wid., Q. Walchkenaerva acuminata Bl., &. HARVESTMAN :— | Epetva diademata Clerck., imm. 9. | Megabunus insignis Meade. Found on the lower levels only, mostly Permian «subsoil. with some alluvium :— Clubtona veclusa Cambr., imm. g. | Pocadicnemis pumilus Bl., Q. Cryphoeca silvicola C.L.K., &. Ceratinella brevipes Westr., 9. Stemonyphantes lineata Linn., 3. Pachygnatha degeevii Sund., imm. Q.. Linvphia peltata WWid., imm. 9. Meta segmentata Clerck., imm. 9. Labulla thovacica Wid., imm. 8, imm. 6. HARVESTMAN :— Bathyphantes variegatus Bl.,imm. 9. | Platybunus triangularis Herbst. B. nigrinus Westr., &. B. dorsalis Wid., imm. 8. MITE : Maso sundevallit Westr., 9. Ottonta clavata. (Edothorax vetusus Westr., 9. On the Yorkshire side we obtained Leptyphantes ervicaea Bis On The Vertebrate Skeleton by Sidney H. Reynolds. Cambridge Univer- sity Press, 1913, second edition, pp. xvi. +535, 15s. net. The first edition of Prof. Reynolds’ ‘ Vertebrate Skeleton’ was published in 1897, and since - that time many important additions have been made to our knowledge of the subject. In the present work, which is considerably enlarged, both in the way of letterpress and illustrations, all the results of recent research are included. Prof.S. W. Williston has revised that portion dealing with reptiles. Students will find the work most reliable; the illustrations are frequent and well prepared, and the index is admirable. The volume forms one of the well-known Cambridge Zoological Series. British Birds, descriptions of all the commoner species, their nests. and eggs. F. B. Kirkman, B.A. T.E. and E. C. Jack, London, 96 pp., price 6d. Surely this must be the cheapest book upon British Birds that has ever been produced. It forms the 110th volume of ‘ The People’s Books ”’ published by the Messrs. Jack. Altogether the Author deals with 187 species and the information given is concise and accurate. The book should be very valuable for beginners in the study of bird life. In- formation is given as to whether the bird is resident or otherwise ; “where it breeds and its local movements. An excellent description is supplied of the plumage of both male and female, and in many cases of the nestlings, and the nest and eggs. Small sketches illustrate the text, many of which are quite good and some really excellent. We are sorry, however, to see that the author has, in many cases, adopted the new and absurd system of nomenclature. This is a pity, as the book is essentially one for~ the novice and should he take the trouble to master the scientific terms it will be a waste time, as there is no doubt that he will soon have to adopt. a different and more sensible system. As an illustration, the Buzzard is designated Buteo buteo buteo, we might just as well refer to it as Buzzard, Buzzard, Buzzard. We can, however, find some consolation in the fact that beginners do not pay much attention to scientific terms.—R. F. Naturalist, THE NEW ‘FOWLER’ 255 AND YORKSHIRE COLEOPTERA.* E. G. BAYFORD, F.E.S., Convener of the Yorkshire Coleoptera Committee. Tuis supplement to Fowler’s Coleoptera has for a long time been a de- sideratum. A careful perusal of the volume makes it obvious that a general notice would require more space than could be spared, and there- fore we have in the main considered it from the standpoint of a Yorkshire Coleopterist. That it is ‘ Fowler’ is of itself sufficient to commend it to every one who has realized the value of the five volumes which comprise the original work. Were it not for its familiar size, and the equally familiar names which bestrew its pages, we might be excused for taking it at first sight for a railway guide book or Police Manual, the abbreviation ‘Supt.’ having always been associated in our mind with ‘ Superintendent.’ Here, however, it does duty for ‘ Supp.’ or ‘ Suppt,’ the usual abbreviations for ‘Supplement.’ Misspellings, too, are more frequent than one cares to see in a scientific work, e.g., ‘ Babbington’ occurs three times, and ‘Point of Air’ (twice) provokes our risible faculties. When the fifth volume of ‘ Fowler’s Coleoptera’ was published in 1891, Coleopterists in Yorkshire were few in number, and their study of the order a purely personal one. Little was known of it except what was done at excursions of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union. As early as 1884 the late W. C. Hey, to whom we looked as our leader, commenced. a list of the Coleoptera of Yorkshire in the Transactions. Apart, however, from his own, experience, his records were perforce drawn from the work done by his father, the Ven. Archdeacon Hey, the indefatigable Scar- borough entomologists Lawson and Wilkinson, and the more ancient records which found their way into Stephens’s Illustrations and Manual and the Natural History magazines of the early part of the nineteenth century. Failing health obliged Mr. Hey to relinquish his work when the Staphylinide had been completed, and it was then, in 1897, on the initiative of Mr. W.. Denison Roebuck, that the Yorkshire Coleoptera Committee was formed with the dual object of investigating the coleop- terous fauna of the county and of completing the list of Yorkshire Beetles begun by Mr. Hey. By this time the published portion of the list had become obsolete in the sense that it did not give an adequate presentation of the state of our knowledge, and it was a moot point whether a sup- plemental list should be issued bringing the published portion up to date, or an entirely new list commenced. The scheme of the Victoria County History, embracing full accounts of the flora and fauna, provided an opportunity of publishing in a somewhat modified form a full list with localities of all the species recognized in Yorkshire up to that time. Since then this list has been carefully brought up to date year by year in the Annual Report of the Committee, which has been published in The Naturalist. These reports bear witness to the volume of work done in nearly every part of the county by the various coleopterists forming the Committee. A good list being in existence, one has a right to expect it to be consulted, but so far as can be judged from the records inserted in the Supplement, such has not been the case. The Naturalist itself, which caters for Yorkshire principally and the northern counties generally, has _fared no better. Of course this neglect does not affect either The Naturalist or the Yorkshire List, but it does most effectively reduce the value of the Supplement. The distribution of species is a most important and instructive part of all phases of Natural History, and in proportion as ** The Coleoptera of the British Islands,’ by W. W. Fowler, M.A., D.Sc., F.L.S., and Horace St. John Donisthorpe, F.Z.S., F.E.S. Vol. VI., Supplement. London: Lovell, Reeve & Co., Ltd., 1913, pp. Xiv.+352. Small paper edition, with three plain plates, price 18s. ; large paper edition, with twenty additional coioured plates, price £2 8s. od. 1913 July i. 256 The New ‘ Fowler’ and’ Yorkshire Coleoptera. the distribution given is complete so is the value of any work determined. Yorkshire is the largest county, its physical features the most varied, and its faunal contents most attractive from whatever point of view they are approached. In this Supplement only sixty odd species have York- shire records attached tothem. Three of these are recorded from a locality which is possibly not in Yorkshire at all, but in Lincolnshire, and the irony of it is that two of the species are fairly common throughout our county, while the remaining one has not, so far, been found in it at all. Of the others some could not very well be overlooked, e.g., Chaetocnema conducta, taken by Mr. Horrell at Forge Valley. The coloured figure of this species is very fairly drawn, but, if my memory is not at fault, the colour of the elytra should be somewhat warmer in shade, and the sutural line thickened in a peculiar manner, which is not so apparent in the plate. Another figure of interest to Yorkshire Coleopterists is that of Carpophilus sexpus- tulatus, which is grotesquely incorrect. It is difficult to believe that the artist had a genuine specimen before him, shape as well as colour being noticeably inaccurate. It is too bulky and heavy-looking, and the colour nowhere near the real thing. To place this figure side by side with the beautiful one of the same species in Murray’s monograph (Trans. Lin. Soc.) is to realize that in some inexplicable manner a mistake has been made. The text relating to this species would have been more accurate if The Naturalist for 1912, pp. 141-145, had been consulted. In that article I gave full details of all the occurrences, and showed that up to that time twenty-six or twenty-eight specimens had occurred in Yorkshire. In this Supplement the dual authors are not in agreement on the point, one giving the number as eight specimens, the other as ten. As shown above, both are wrong. One striking defect which will be apparent to others beside Yorkshire Coleopterists is the complete independence of each author’s work. This elaboration without collaboration has naturally produced two bad features—unnecessary repetition and contradictory statements. An instance of the first-named is found on page 295, where is a duplicate of a sentence on page 172. A Yorkshire instance of the second has already been referred to ; another will be found in the account of Bagous petvo. At page 187 we read ‘four specimens only have been taken since J captured mine, in company with Archdeacon Hey, on August 6, 1880,’ while on page 310 we find: ‘ the only British specimens are one taken by Canon Fowler at Askham Bog and another by Rev. W. C. Hey in the same locality.’ The former gives a minimum of five, the latter states definitely that there were no more than two. When we come to look into the matter more closely the confusion becomes greater. A note by Rev. W. C. Hey (The Naturalist for 1895, page 242) announces the finding of two specimens, ‘ the second and third of this species taken in Britain,’ and adds that Dr. Sharp, to whom they had been sent, had returned them named Elmidomorphus aubet. Canon Fowler, however, while leaving the species in Bagous decides that it does not belong to that genus but to Elmidomorphus, a genus very closely allied with it. Whatever may have been the method by which records have been selected for insertion, that they should increase the value of the original work by moditying or amplifying the distribution as there recorded seems to have been lost sight of. From a host of others the following instances are cited :— Blechrus maurus, ‘not found towards the north’ (1., 145). Atemeles emarginatus, ‘I know of no locality further north than Lincoln’ (II., 54). Prognatha quadricornis, ‘not recorded from the North of England ’” (II., 434). Dorcus parallelopipedus, ‘Church Stretton, Cheshire [recte. Shrop- shire]. It appears to cease further north’ (IV., 4). Saperda populnea, ‘ Lincoln, Langworth Wood; I know of no record). ©. further north wweM..ne58)e Naturalist, The New ‘ Fowler’ and Yorkshire Coleoptera. 257 These comments were quite correct when published, they are incorrect now, but as they are not corrected in the Supplement the work now conveys to the reader a false impression of the distribution of these species in the British Isles. The following records are from the list in the Victoria County History unless otherwise stated :— Blechrus maurus, Humber Bank, T.S. (The Naturalist, 1909, 352). Atemeles emarginatus, Near Doncaster (H. H. C.) (47th Ann. Rep. YUNA, “pp: 20). Pyognatha quadricornis, Raincliff Wood, near Scarborough (R.L.), Croft (G. T. Rudd), near Doncaster (H.H.C., E.G. B.). Dorcus pavallelopipedus, Studley (E. A. W.), Huddersfield (G. T. Porritt), Conisborough (H. H.C.), near Doncaster (H. H. C., i. Gree), Saperda populnea, Askham Bog (M.L.T.), near Selby (C.D.A.), Mean- wood, near Leeds (W.D.R.), Askern (A. R. Heath). Further evidence of lack of Teutonic thoroughness is on page 283, where Leptidea brevipennis is recorded from ‘ Huddersfield (Mosley).’ In The Naturalists’ Journal for 1898 is an article on this species by Mr. E. A. Newberry [stc} I had communicated to Mr. Mosley that I had taken the species, along with Gracilia minuta, in a fruiterer’s warehouse in Barnsley, and in consequence he appended a note, ‘ L. brevzpennts is not uncommon in some of the fruit shops in Barnsley ’ (italics mine). Mr. Newbery repeated the remark (E.M.M. for 1899, page 292), and there is little doubt that it is this record which in the Supplement is given to Huddersfield. Frankly, this portion of the work, which is about one- third of the whole, cannot but be disappointing to Yorkshire Coleopterists, because they know that a large body of useful material has been ignored. They know of Yorkshire specimens of Corymbites metallicus, Pyvopterus, Crypticus, Heliopathes, Phaleria, and Clinocava, and a host of others. which this book ought to record and does not. It must also disappoint those Coleopterists who, while not in our county, are endeavouring to gain a thorough knowledge of the distribution of species in these isles, and naturally expected to find the space devoted to records which would bring the recorded distribution up to date. The value of this part of the book will be found in what may be called the ‘ asides ’ of Mr. Donisthorpe, an illuminating remark here and there which marks him as a keen observer of differentiating distinctions. This is his metier, and he does it succinctly and well. The remainder of the work, the foundation of it in fact, for which Canon Fowler is responsible, is quite in keeping with, and a fitting continuation of the preceding five volumes. That it has been possible to preserve the spirit of the work after an interval of over twenty years is of itself sufficient indication that when Coleopterists have become accustomed to its necessarily disconnected arrangement they will prize the Supplement as they have hitherto done the original work. It may be as well to point out that two species not hitherto known to occur in the county are given Yorkshire records, viz ° Panageus crux-majoy 1., Eastoft, Yorks (Crawshay) (p. 203). Grammoptera holomelina Pool, Yorkshire (E. A. Waterhouse). One specimen taken thirty years ago (p. 157). This last would probably be in the Ripon district, where it is known Mr. Waterhouse resided for some time. 2O:; Under the head of ‘ Where to find it,’ in a recent Nature Study publi- cation, we notice two entries, as the editors feel ‘sure workers will be glad to be directed to what they want.’ The second entry reads ‘ Cumberland and Westmorel’d (sic) Carb. Succ. Pls. mps. OQ. J. Geol. Soc., December.’ We certainly think a prize should be offered to the beginner who can say what it is he has found! 1913 July 1. 258 BIRD NOTES FROM THE YORK DISTRICT. SYDNEY H. SMITH. Tue whole of March and the greater part of April 1973, was wet and stormy and the spring migration period was par- ticularly distinguished by gales that were bound to act disas- trously upon immigrant and emigrant species. Many were very late in arriving in their usual haunts, but in some in- stances, notably the swallow and the swift, the date of arrival was unusually early compared with previous years. The wheatear, a species that calls on passage, generally staying a few days, was never seen this season in one locality I know. possibly as a result of a favourable wind tempting them to continue their flight straight up country to their moorland haunts. The Landrail also put in an appearance several days before it was expected. Last year we had a record early date of arrival of the cuckoo. This season a corresponding fairly late date. Other records are :— Chiff Chaff York March roth, Swallow East Cottingwith March 27th (3). Swallow East Cottingwith March 28th (5). Swallow Moreby Park April 14th. House Martin Moreby Park April 14th. Cuckoo. East Cottingwith April 17th. Landrail York April 30th. Landrail Aldby Park May oth. Swift East Cottingwith May ist. Swift York May oth. Blackcap York 4 May 5th. Redstart York May 5th. Tree Pipit York May 5th. Nightjar Aldby Park May oth. Willow Warbler York March 23rd. Willow Warbler York April toth (num bers) Whitethroat York April 8th. Sand Martin Moreby Park April 14th. Cuckoo Moreby Park April 21st. Cuckoo Skipwith April 27th. Turtle Dove Aldby Park April 27th. Yellow Wagtail East Cottingwith May 4th. Spotted Flycatcher York May 5th. Garden Warbler , York May 5th. Sedge Warbler York May 5th. Pied Flycatcher Castle Howard May 6th. Reed Warbler Castle Howard May 6th. The first Lapwing’s eggs (2) were taken at Wigginton on March 26th, and at Fulford (3) March 26th. A big flock of geese and ducks, exact species undetermined, passed over York about 11 a.m. on April 23rd, they appeared to be flying N.E. but as they could not be seen the exact Naturalist, Proceedings of Provincial Scientific Socteties. 259 direction was very difficult to define. Earlier in the evening there had been a tremendous rainstorm accompanied by S.W. gale. Three pairs of woodcock have nested successfully at Aldby Park (Stamford Bridge) and in two instances the four young ones got safely away. The first young ones were discovered on May ist. On April 19th and 26th I visited the heronry at Moreby Park and found there was an increase in the number of the nests this year, the total being 23. Several of the nests were examined and found to contain four or five young birds yarying from seven days to fourteen days old. In company with Mr. Riley Fortune, I visited the heronry again on May 3rd ; many of the young birds were then fully fledged, but all were sitting in the nests. On attempting to photograph them we found they were able to fly short distances and no doubt most of the youngsters would be on the wing by May 6th or 7th. One young bird missing his perch came down 50 or 60 feet to the ground. He then disgorged his last meal, which consisted of about 20 sticklebacks. Early in May some heavy rainstorms resulted in the flooding of the Derwent Valley and caused the destruction of hundreds of nests of snipe and redshanks. It is possible many of these birds will nest again as the eggs destroyed were mostly freshly laid, except in the case of green plovers which either were almost on the point of hatching or the young were already abroad. Several nests of wild duck, teal and shoveller eggs were spoiled, and for some weeks afterwards three pairs of shovellers were frequenting the neighbourhood of East Cottingwith. A few pairs of these handsome rare ducks are nesting at Skipwith and I trust they will be successful ; nearly all the nests last year were destroyed by foxes. At Kirkham Abbey, on May 28th, I saw a nest of the grey wagtail. containing five eggs. This is a rather rare species locally ; also two pairs of coal tits, both of which were feeding young. In the neighbourhood the bullfinch and tree creeper were nesting. or The Sixtieth Annual Report and Transactions of the Nottingham Naturalists’ Society is commendably local in its scope. The Rev. H. Friend gives his second paper on ‘ Annelid Hunting in Notts.’ Dr. Swinnerton writes on ‘ The Palmistry of the Rocks,’ describing fossil footprints from the Permians of Mansfield, and Dr. A. J. Jackson has a lengthy paper “On Some New and Obscure British Spiders,’ which is well illustrated. The Report and Proceedings of the Manchester Field Naturalists and Archeologists Society for the year 1912, published 1913, pp. xvi. + So. This, the fifty-third year’s report, is an account of the Society’s meetings and excurisons, largely historical, mainly botanical. All are in abstract and many have little reference to the Manchester area. Still, the volume may bring pleasant memories to those who took part in the excursions. We are glad to notice that the advertisements (for pianos and optical instruments) are confined to two pages, but unfortunately one of those cannot be torn out as it is printed on the back of some matter which presumably should be kept in the volume, as the page is numbered. 1913 July 1. 260 FIELD NOTES. BIRDS. Peregrines at Bempton.—This year the Peregrine Falcons. have returned to their usual site at Ravencliff, on the Bempton cliffs. There are two young ones, and it is pleasing to report that, as a result of the stringent watching that has been kept by the ‘ climmers’ and others, the birds have been successfuliy reared.—E. W. WADE. Dipper using same nest twice.—A Dipper built its nest on the rock above a small waterfall near Beamsley Moor. It has done this for several years past but this year the first lot of eggs was taken by someone. After a short interval the bird laid another clutch in the same nest and is now feeding a lusty brood.—R. FORTUNE. — 0 :— GEOLOGY. Macropoma mantelli in the Lincolnshire Chalk.— Among some of the fossils recently obtained from the large chalk quarry at South Ferriby, Lincolnshire, is:a,small object very much resembling a fir cone. I have not seen anything of the kind in the North of England chalk previously, but they seem to be known to the quarrymen, who call them ‘fossil fir cones.’ This particular specimen was obtained in the Lower Chalk at a depth of twelve feet below the Belem- nitella plena zone. Mr. C. Davies Sherborn informs me that it is a coprolite of Macropoma mantelli Ag., and that it is not uncommon in the chalk of the south of England. So far as I can find, however, it does not appear to have previously been recorded for the Lincolnshire chalk.—T. SHEPPARD. —! 0 :— ARACHNIDA. Gamasus ignotus in Yorkshire.—I have received another specimen of this curious Gamasid (see The Naturalist for March) from Mr. Winter, of Shipley. They were collected by Mr. Castle at Kirkby Stephen. This is another locality, con- sequently the mite may be widely distributed and perhaps not uncommon. In Mr. Soar’s drawing no shoulder bristles are shown, and no doubt these had been rubbed off before Mr. Soar received the mite, but in this more recent specimen they are very much in evidence, and are long, straight, and pointed— dagger-like. This is of some importance, since Koch, in his Uebersicht, divides these mites into those with shoulder bristles, those without them, and those having shoulder bristles knobbed at the free extremity. Their absence may therefore be only accidental, in which case identification may be the cause of error in diagnosis.—C. F. GEoRGE, Kirton Lindsey. Naturalist, 261 BIBLIOGRAPHY. Papers and Records relating to the Geology and Palzon- tology of the North of England (Yorkshire excepted), published during 1912. T. SHEPPARD, F.G.S. For details of the previous instalments of this Bibliography see The Naturalist for July, Ig1I, page 257, and May, 1913, page 152. The lists for 1910 and Ig1I appeared in The Naturalist for 1912 (pp. 152-160, 188-190, 345-352, and 371- 372).. The Yorkshire items will be included in a Memorial Volume to the late C. Fox-Strangways, being published by the Yorkshire Geological Society, and now in the press, which is being edited by the present writer. 1910. Wm. EGGLESTON. Durham, Isle of Man. A Weardale Deer Horn, ete. Proc. Soc. Antiq., Newcastle-upon-Tyne. 3 Ser., Vol. 4, No. 30, I910, pp. 279-284. G. W. LAMPLUGH. N. Cheshire, Isle of Man, York. Notes on British Late-Glacial and Post-Glacial Deposits. Postglaziale Klimaveranderungen. Stockholm, 1910, pp.5I-54. i911. WALTER BALDWIN. Ikaness eno: The Pleistocene Lakes of Rochdale. ‘Trans. Rochdale Lit. and Sci. Soc. VOln XN. TOL, pp. L7-20- REINHARD Brawns and L. J. SPENCER. Northern Counties, The Mineral Kingdom [part 16 (pp. 281-296) issued during 1911}. W. A. PARKER. ances aoe A Description of Sandstones representing Twenty-five Quarries in the neighbourhood of Rochdale. ‘Trans. Rochdale Lit. and Sci. Soc.,’ Vol. X., pp. 80-88. W. A. PARKER. Lancs. Fossil Arachnid found at Sparth [Anthracoscorpio buthiformis]. ‘ Trans. Rochdale Lit. and Sci. Scc.,’ Vol. X., pp. 87-91. HENRY PRESTON. Lincolnshire. Observations on the Permanency of Overflow Springs. Proc. Assn. of Water Engineers, 1911 [10 pages of reprint]. 1912. ANON. Yorks, Lancs, S. [Announcement of the gift by Dr. W. E. Garforth, of specimens showing the structure of coal seams in Yorkshire, Lancashire, ete... Nature, October, 3, 1912, p. 138. ANON. Yorks, Lincs, U. An Interesting Yorkshire Calamite: Snakestones: The Scunthorpe Museum [Geological Notes]. ‘The Naturalist,’ December, 1912, P-P- 358-360. 1913 July r. x 262 Bibliography: Geology and Paleontology, 1912. . ANON. Yorks., Lancs, S., Notts. Ankerite in Coal. ‘ Naturalist,’ July, 1912, p. 202. ANON. Derbyshire. Insect Remains in Coal. ‘ Naturalist,’ July, 1912, p. 202. ANON Lancst5: ‘An interesting Palzeozoic Fern |Z)gopteris gvayi from Shore). ‘ Naturalist,’ April, 1912, pp. 102-3. ANON. Isle of Man. Cambridge County Geographies [criticises the geology in the Isle of Man volume]. ‘Geol. Mag.’ February, 1912. pp. 88-89. ANON. Yorks. Derbyshire. Metallurgy and Engineering {notice of Prof. Louis’s paper}. The * Nat- uralist ’ January, 1912, p. 3. ANON. - Lancs. Cave exploration in Lancashire |Dog Holes, etc.|. ‘ Lanc. Nat.’, Jan., 1912, PP. 344-5- ANON. Westmorland, Yorks. North of England Geology [Notice of papers by Messrs. Harker and Sheppard, in ‘ The Naturalist ’]. ‘ Geol. Mag.’ Nov. tgt2, p. 524. ANON. Lincs. N., Yorks. Fossil Fishes from the Chalk. Fossil Chalk Incecerami. |Figures Pachyrhi- zodus sp. from South Ferriby, and Inoceramus lobatus from Yorks.}. * Naturalist,’ May, 1912, p. 137, ANON. 7 Lanes. N. Further Explorations at Dog Holes Cave. ‘Lancs. Nat., July,’ 1912, PP-143-144. ANON. Lancs. oe Discovery of an Erratic Boulder near Preston. ‘Lancs. Nat.’ July, 1912, p. 160. ANON. Westmorland. The Gilpin Stag [Antlers of red deer found in the estuary of the Gilpin}. ‘Lancs. Nat.’, July, 1912, pp. 130-131. A. Batt. See A. R. DWERRYHOUSE. E, BARBER. Cheshire. Parkgate: an Old Cheshire Port {refers to coast changes}. ‘Journ. Chester Arch. Soc.’, Vol. XVIII., for r911 [publ. 1912], pp. 5-25. E. BARBER. Cheshire. Ancient Boat in Baddiley Mere {brief geological notes]. ‘ Journ. Chester. Arch. Soc.’, Vol XVIII., for 1911, [publ. 1912], pp. 204-212. GERALD E. H. BARRETI-HAMILTON. Derbyshire. A History of British Mammals, Part XII., October, 1912, [records (p. 312). fossil hare from Longcliffe Cave, Derbyshire}. Naturalist, Bibliography: Geology and Paleontology, 1912. 263 F, A. BATHER. i Yorks., Derbyshire. Notes on Hydreionocrinus [figuring and describing specimens from the Carboniferous Limestone of Yorkshire and Derbyshire]. ‘ Trans. Edinburgh Geol. Soc.’ Vol. X., part i., 1912, pp. 61-76. L. L. BELINFANTE, see W. RUPERT JONES. HuGuH BELL. Northumberland. Notes on a bloom of Roman Iron found at Corstopitum (Corbridge) [pro- bably obtained from the local Carboniferous rocks]. Advance proof of a paper read to the Iron and Steel Institute, May, 1912], 13 pp., and plates. JAMES BINNEY. Lancs., S. The Centenary of a Nineteenth-Century Geologist—Edward William Binney, F.R.S. Taunton, 1912, 58 pp., 2s. 6d. net. HERBERT Bolton. Derbyshire. Insect-Remains from the Midland and South-Eastern Coal Measures. [Describes Pteronidia plicatula and Cryptovenia moyseyt from Ilkeston]. ‘Quart. Journ. Geol. Soc.’, Vol. LXVIIL., pt. 3, No. 271, Sept., 1912, pp. 310-323. Abstract in ‘ Nature,’ May 10, 1912, p. 286. T. G. BONNEY. Yorks., Derbyshire, Westmorland. The Work of Rain and Rivers. Cambridge, 1912, pp. 144. Jno. W. BRANSTON. Cumberland. The Minerals of Cumberland. ‘ Trans. Carlisle Nat. Hist., Soc.,’ Vol. 2, 1912, pp. 14-29. Northumberland, Durham, Cumberland, REINHARD BRAUNS. Derbyshire, Yorks. The Mineral Kingdom. (Parts 17-25, contains illustrations of fluor-spar from northern counties of England, etc.) 1912, pp. 297-432. plates. W. D. Brown. Lancs. S. Erratics Etched by Blown Sand. ‘ Lancs. Nat.’ Oct., Ig12, p. 259. BROWNE, A. J. JUKES, see A. J. JUKES-BROWNE. R. C. Burton, see F. C. GARRETT. GRENVILLE A. J. COLE. Durham, Derbyshire. Rocks and their Origin. Cambridge, 1912, pp. VIII. + 175. T. Crook. Yorks., Lancs., Notts. On the frequent occurrence of Ankeritein Coal. ‘ Mineral. Mag.’, Vol. XVI., No. 75, May, 1912, pp. 219-223. A. C, Darton. Dimes: Ne Quartzite Boulders in the Scunthorpe district. ‘ The Naturalist,’ August, IQI2, p. 235. CHARLES Davison. Cumberland, Derbyshire. The Origin of Earthquakes [refers to the Derby and Carlisle Earthquakes). Cambridge, 1912 pp. viii + 144. i913 July 1. 264 Bibliography: Geology and Paleontology, 1912. A. R. DWERRYHOUSE. Yorks, S.E., Northumberland, Durham. Erratic Blocks of the British Isles: Report of the Committee [includes reports by R. M. Robson, U. (V. ?) Milthers, T. Sheppard, S. R. Haselhurst, E. Merrick, (D.) Woolacott, G. T. Mackay, A. Ball, (J. A.) Smythe. Rep. Brit. Assn. (Portsmouth) for 1911, [publ. r912) pp., IOI-104. A. R. DWERRYHOUSE. Northumberland, Durham, Yorks.. Erratic Blocks of the British Isles—Report of the Committee [includes records by G. Weyman, F. Walker, (D.) Woolacott, (J. A.) Smyth and! J. W. Stather]. ‘ Brit. Assn. Leaflet” (Dundee meeting), pp. 1-3. By GOIBCKEL. Northern Counties. Building Stones: their Origin, Characters, and Examination. Pp. xv. + 264. London, Ig9i2. WILLIAM E. Forp. Northern Counties. Dana’s Manual of Mineralogy. Thirteenth Edition. London, 1912, pp. vi+ 460. F. C. Garretr and R. C. Burton. Durham, etc. The Use of X Rays in the Examination of Coal. [Figures Durham examples] Trans. North of England Inst. Mining and Mech. Engineers, Vol. LXII., part 6. July, 1912. pp. 137-147. W. GiBson, see G. W. LAMPLUGH.. J. W. GREGORY. Northern Counties. The Making of the Earth. London. pp. viil.4 250. J. H. Grunpy. Lancs.. The Geology of Ashton-under-Lyne. ‘Lancs. Nat.’, August, 1912, Pp. 172-177 (plate). HAMILTON, BARRETT. See BARRETT-HAMILTON. ALFRED HARKER. Lake District. Lamprophyre Dykes in Long Sleddale, Westmorland. ‘The Nat.’, Sept., 1912, pp. 266-267. ALFRED HARKER. Northern Counties. Some Aspects of Modern Petrology [Presidential address to Section C.} “Rep. Brit. Assn.’, (Portsmouth) for 1911, [published 1912], pp. 370-381. ALFRED HARKER. Lake District. Appendix [to Prof. Kendall’s paper! on the Igneous Rocks {of the Vale of Eden,» ihe sNat< April Lome. pps mie —wlo. ALFRED HARKER. See P. F. KENDALL. S. R. HasELHuRST. See A. R. DWERRYHOUSE. SEL. RAT er. Northern Counties: Mineralogy. Fourth Edition [includes particulars of several northern county specimens]. 1912, pp. x. + 253. Epwin HAWKESWORTH. Yorks., Westmorland. Geology {of Tebay District]. “The Naturalist,’ Sept., 1912. pp. 275-6. Naturalist Bibliography: Geology and Paleontology, 1912. 265 Yorks., Lancs., Isle of Man, Durham, W. HEwIrttT. Cheshire, Lincs., Northumberland. President’s Address. The Coast in its Geological Relations. ‘ Proc. Liverpool Geol. Soc.’, Part III. Vol. XI., 1912. pp. 153-182. J. B. Hirt. See G. W. LAmpLueu. WILLIAM Hitt. Yorks) °S:B:;,. Lines: , “Ns Rocks containing Radiolaria [brief references to specimens in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Chalk]. ‘Proc. Geol. Assn.’, Vol, XXIII., Part 2, 1912, pp. 62-91. Wm. HOonceE. Cheshire. The Origin of the Meres in the Delamere Country. ‘Lancs. Nat.’, April, 1912, pp. 25-28, May, pp. 42-48. Str THomas HOoLranp. Lanes, S. Fossil Mollusca Committee [note urging colliery managers, etc., to preserve fossils and record full data]. ‘Trans. Manchester Geol. Soc.’, Vol. XXXII., Part XIX., 1912, pp. 349-350. A. R. Horwoop. Derby, Notts. Investigation of the Fossil Flora and Fauna of the Midland Coalfields [Lists of fossils from pits in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, in the Report of the Committee appointed to investigate the fossil fauna and flora of the Midland Coalfields}. ‘ Rep. Brit. Assn.’ (Portsmouth) for 1911, [publ. 1912], pp. 105-111. J. W. JacKson. Lanes., 'S. Paleontological Notes from the Manchester Museum: On Mollusca from the Lancashire Coal Measures. ‘ Geol. Mag.’, Oct., 1912, pp. 449-453. J. WILFRID JACKSON. Lancs. On the Former Range of Pomatias elegans. inthe Warton District [in Dog Holes Cave, etc.]. ‘Lancs. Nat.’, Aug., 1912, pp. 170-171. WALTER JOHNSON. Derbyshire. Byways in British Archaeology. [Brief reference to finds in the Cresswell Crags, etc.] Cambridge, I912, 529 pp. T. A. JONEs. Lancs., Cheshire. Petrographical Studies of Local Erraties. [Diabase, Olivine Dolerite, Hornblende-Biotite-Porphyrite, Mica-Porphyrite, Granophyre, Tuffs, Andesites, Granites]. ‘Proc. Liverp. Geol. Soc.’, Part 3, Vol. XI1., 1912, pp. 183-200. [W. Rupert JONEs, compiled by; L. L. BELINFANTE, edited by}. Northern Counties. Geological Literature added to the Geological Society’s library during the year ended December 31st, 1911. London, 1912, 164 pp. A. J. JUKEs-BROWNE. Northern Counties. The Student's Handbook of Stratigraphical Geology. Second Edition. [Many references to northern geology]. London, 1912, pp. xiv. +668. Pp, F. KENDALL. Lake District. Notes on the Geology of the Vale of Eden, with appendix on the Igneous Rocks, by Alfred HARKER. ‘ The Naturalist,’ April, 1912, pp. 105-113. 1g13 July 1. 266 Bibliography: Geology and Palaontology, 1912. G. W. LampLuau, J. B. Hitt, W. GIBson, R. L. SHERLOcK, and B. SMITH. Notts. The Geology of the country around Ollerton. (Geological Survey Memoir). Ppp. V.,+93, I9II. E. Ray LANKESTER. Lines., N., etc. The Investigation of Flint. ‘Nature,’ Nov. 21, 1912, pp. 331-333- J. Lomas (The late). Lake District. Valleys, and How they are formed. ‘ The Nature Book,’ London, Part 14, September, 1912. pp. 405-412. J. Lomas (The late). Yorks., Lake Dist. Life History of a Mountain. ‘The Nature Book,’ London, Part VIII., I9QI2, pp., 242-8; part X., pp. 332-338. J. Lomas (The late). Lancs., N. The Romance of a River. ‘ The Nature Book,’ 1912, pp. 89-95, and pp. 159-107. JosepH Lomas (The late). Lake Dist. Cheshire. Lakes and their Formation. ‘ The Nature Book,’ Part 20. Nov. I912, PP- 597-602. James LoMax. ; Yorks. Lancs. Natural History of Coal and Coal Dust [describes the Garforth collection, now in the Leeds University].. ‘ Trans. Manch. Geol. and Min. Soc.’, Vol, 32, parts. 20 and 21. pp. 351-355. James LoMAx. Lanes., Yorks. The Microscopical examination of coal and its use in determining the inflammable constituents present therein. Discussed upon, by various gentlemen. ‘ Trans. North Engl. Inst. Min. and Mech. Engineers,” Vol. LXII., part 3, March 1912, pp. 99-102., also part 5, May, 1912, pp. 123-131. and ‘ Trans Manch. Geol. and Min. Soc.’ Vol. XXXII, parts XVII and XVIII, 1912, pp. 344-347. See also ‘ The Naturalist,” Feb., 1912, p. 34. JANE LONGSTAFF. Durham. Some New Lower Carboniferous Gasteropoda [describes Tvopidostvopha punctata and Trechmannia trochiformis from Stanhope-in-Weardale]. “Quart. Journ: Geol. Soci s Vol Ex Lis pt. 3 Nes 27 epi TQ12, PP. 295-309. G. T. Mackay. See A. R. DWERRYHOUSE. R. C. McLean. ancss, se Two Fossil Prothalli from the Lower Coal Measures [of Dulesgate, and belonging to Lagenostoma lomaxii and to Bothrodendron (?) | ‘ The New Phytologist,’ Vol, XI., No. 8, Oct., r9r2, pp. 305-318; plates. J. E. Marr. Lancs. N. North Lancashire [in the Cambridge County Geography series ; geological chapters]. Cambridge, 1912, pp. 192. E. Merrick. See A. R. DWERRYHOUSE. V. MILTHERS. See A. R. DWERRYHOUSE. Naturalist Bibliography : Geology and Paleontology, 1912. 267 L. MoyseEy. Notts. On the discovery of Anthrapa/aemon in the Nottinghamshire Coalfield fat Cossall Moor]. ‘Ann. Rep. Nottinghamshire Nat. Soc.’, for IQIO-II, pp. 45-46. FELIX OSWALD. Notts. [Abstract of a Paper on] Geological Aspects of Scenery near Nottingham. Ann. Report Nottingham Nat. Soc., for tg10-1r (published r1912), pp. 19-20. W. A. PARKER. See W.H. SUTCLIFFE. [—. PICKERING]. Yorks., Derby., Notts., Lincs. Quarry Inspection Reports, 1911. Mr. Pickering’s Report on the York- shire and North Midland District. The Quarry, Dec., 1912, pp. 357-359: H. PRESTON. Lincs. Geological [Report; includes notes on ‘Chalky boulder-clay at Sap- perton ’; ‘ Limestone concretions at Saltersford’; ‘ Calcite Sand at Belton, Grantham ;’ and ‘a new boring in Lincolnshire Limestone ’ (at Grimsthorpe Castle.)]; ‘Linc. Nat. Union Trans. for 1911,’ publ. 1912, pp.305-9. Joun Ranson, Anes iS. The Geology of Accrington and district. ‘Lancs. Nat.’, June, 1912, pp. 83-89. ieee eA AN Works. work. Wuincse aN Notes on the Cretaceous Fossils in the East Yorkshire Drift. ‘ The Nat- uralist,’ Jan., 1912, p. 8. F. R. CowrPer REED. Yorks., Cumberland. Notes on the Genus Jrinucleus {refers to specimens from Norber and Melmerby]. ‘Geol. Mag.’, August, 1912, pp. 346-353. Part II. “Geol. Mag.’, Sep., 1912, pp. 385-394. CLEMENT REID. Northern Counties. Joint Discussion with Sections C and E on the Relation of the present Plant Population of the British Isles to the Glacial Period [with dis- cussion by various naturalists; Prof. P. F. Kendall referring to the Isle of Man]. ‘Rep. Brit. Assn. for 1g11’ (Portsmouth), publ. 1912, pp. 573-580. SIpNEY H. REYNOLDs. Yorks., Lancs., Derbyshire. A Monograph of the British Pleistocene Mammalia. Vol. 2, part 4, The Mustelidae. [Refers to specimens from Dog Holes, Kirkdale, etc]. ‘Paleont. Soc. Report for 1911,’ publ. 1912, Vol. LXV. See also ‘ Naturalist,’ May, 1912, p. 136. J. E. WYNFIELD RHODES AND C, H. SIDEBOTHOM. Lake District, Micropetrology for Beginners [deals with Shap Granite, etc.]. London, 1912, pp. Xvi-+-126. ARTHUR RUSSELL. - Derbyshire. Notes on the occurrence of Dundasite in Derbyshire and Co. Galway [from the Mill Close Mine, Wensley|. ‘ Mineralogical Magazine,’ Vol. XVI., No. 76, Dec., 1912, pp. 272-3. 1913 July r. 268 Bibliography: Geology and Paleontology, 1912. Ls Bee SARGENT. Derbyshire. A note on the Carboniferous Limestone of the Crich Inlier. ‘Geol. Mag.’, April, 1912, pp. 163-164. H. C. SARGENT. Derbyshire. On the Origin of Certain Clay-bands in the Limestone of the Crich Inlier, “Geol. Mag.’ Sep. 1912, pp. 406-412. DUKINFIELD HENRY SCOTT. icancses- On Botrychioxylon paradoxum, sp. nov., a Palzeozoie Fern with secondary wood [from Moorside, Oldham). ‘Trans. Linc. Soc. 2nd. Ser. Botany,’ Vol. VII., part 17, July 1912, pp. 375-389. - Ds ELeScorr: Lancs, The Structure of Mesoxylon Lomaxii and M. poroxyloides (from coal-balls from ‘Shore, Lancs]. Annals of Botany, Vol. XXVI, No. CIV., Oct. 1912, pp. IOII-1030. Dt. Scorn. Lancs: On a Palaeozoic Fern, the Zygopteris Grayi of Williamson (described from specimens from Shore, Littleborough]. ‘Annals of Botany,’ Vol. 26, No. CI., Jan. 1912, pp. 39-69. See also ‘ The Naturalist,’ April 1912, pp. 102-3. De Scorer: ea. Lancs.,.S: A Palaeozoic Fern and its Relationships (Zygopteris Grayi, Williamson) [from the Lancashire coal-beds). ‘ Rep. Brit. Assn.’ (Portsmouth) for 1911, publ. 1912, pp. 568-9. DUKINFIELD H. Scort. N. Counties. The Work of Sir Joseph Hooker on Fossil Plants {Presidental address to the Linnean Society]. ‘ Journ. Linn. Soc.’, 1912, 16 pp. ALFRED B. SEARLE. N. Counties. An Introduction to British Clays, Shales, and Sands. {Many references to the northern counties). London, 1912, pp. xli+-451. ALFRED B. SEARLE. N. Counties, The Natural History of Clay. Cambridge, 1912, pp. vili.+176. T. S[HEPPARD]. Lincs. In Memoriam, F. M. Burton, F.L.S., F.G.S. (1829-1912) [brief notes on his geological work in Lincolnshire}. ‘ The Naturalist,’ June, 1912, Pewoz. T. SHEPPARD. Lines pe Ne A New Fossil Fish {an undescribed species of Pachyvhizodus from the Chalk at South Ferriby]. ‘Hull Museum Publications,’ No. 86, 1912, page 6. T. SHEPPARD. N. Counties. Bibliography : Papers and records published with respect to the Geology and Palaeontology of the North of England (Yorkshire excepted), during 1910. ‘The Naturalist,’ May, 1912, pp. 152-160, and June pp. 188-190. T. SHEPPARD. N. Counties. Bibliography: Papers and Records published with respect to the Geology and Palaeontology of the North of England (Yorkshire excepted), during 1911. ‘ Naturalist,’ Nov. 1912, pp. 345-352, and Dec. pp. 371-2. Naturalist, Bibliography : Geology and Paleontology, 1912. 269 THOMAS SHEPPARD. TeMGSes ei. ‘Guide to the Scunthorpe Museum. [Geological notes]. 16pp., 1912. R. L. SHERLocK. See G. W. LAMPLUGH. C. H. SmDEBOTHAM. See J. E. WYNFIELD. RHODEs. BERNARD SMITH. Cumberland. ‘The Glaciation of the Black Combe District (Cumberland). ‘ Quart. Journ. Geol. Soc:’, Vol. LXVIII., part 3, Sept. 1912, No: 271.: pp: 402.-448. Abstracts of ‘ Proc. Geol. Soc.’, of London, Nos., 913-928, 1912, pp. 70-71. BERNARD SMITH. Notts., Lincs. The Green Keuper Basement Beds in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. ‘Geol. Mag.’, June 1912, pp.252-257. B. SmitH. See G. W. LAMPLUGH. G. F. HERBERT SMITH. N. Counties, ‘Gem-Stones and their Distinctive Characters.’ London, 1912, xiv.+312. Yorks., Northumberland, Durham, Cumberland, STANLEY SMITH. Westmorland, Lancs. Report of the Committee appointed to report upon the Carboniferous Limestone Formation of the North of England, with special reference to its coal resources [with maps, etc.]. ‘ North of Engl. Min. and Mech. Engineers,’ Newcastle, I912, pp. x.+231. [J. A. ] SmytHe. See A. R. DWERRYHOUSE. [J. A.] SmytTHE. See G. WEYMAN. L. J. SPENCER. See REINHARD BRAUNS. R. STANDEN. Lancs, S., Derbyshire. ‘Reminiscences of the late Mr. Robert Cairns [refers to his geological work in Lancashire, Derbyshire, etc.). ‘Lanc. Nat.’, Jan. 1912, pp. 347-353. J. W. STATHER. Yorkss S:E-, Lincs: N; ‘Glacial Committee of Yorkshire: Report. ‘The Naturalist,’ Jan. 1912, pp. 27-28. W. H. SutcLiFFE and W. A. PARKER. Lancsans: Pigmy Flint Implements [brief geological notes]. “Lancs. Nat., Nov. 1912, pp. 301-307. J. J. H. Treat, and others. Cheshire. ‘Summary of Progress of the Geological Survey . . . for 1911 {refers to recent work in the Cheshire area.| London, 1912, pp. 6-20. F. WALKER. See A. R. DWERRYHOUSE. F. WALKER. See G. WEYMAN. F. E. WEIss. Yorks., Lancs. Presidential Address, 1912. The Microscopical Study of Fossil Plants. ‘Ann. Rep. and Trans, Manchester Micro. Soc.’, 1911, issued Dec. IQI2, pp. 34-42. 11913 July 1 270 Bibliography: Geology and Paleontology, 1912. G. WEyMAN. See A. R. DWERRYHOUSE. G. WeymMan, F. WALKER, [D.] Wootacort, [J. A.] SMYTHE. Northumberland, Durham. Boulders Committee Report No. 6 [records of erratics in Northumberland. and Durham]. ‘Proc. Univ. Durham Phil. Soc.’, Vol. 4, pt. 4 LOUZ Mp 282. LEONARD JOHNSTON WILLS. Lancs., Cheshire. Late Glacial and Post-Glacial Changes in the Lower Dee Valley. ‘ Quart. Journ. Geol. Soc.’, No. 270. Vol. LXVIII, Part 2, June 1912, pp. 180-198. Yorks., Derbyshire. ALBERT WILMORE. Lake District, Lancs. Some Geographical Problems of the Mid-Pennines | refers to the faults, former river channels, etc]. ‘ Journ. Manch. Geol. Soc.’, Vol. XXVII., Part II., 1911, publ. May 1912, pp. 33-38. ALBERT WILSON. Yorks., Durham, Lincs, N. Sea Spray carried Inland. ‘ Bradford Scientific Journ.’ No. 8, Vol. III., IQI2, Pp. 242-247. ARTHUR SMITH WoODWARD. Lincs, N. The Fossil Fishes of the English Chalk. Part VII., pp. 225-264, plates. [Describes and figures Pachyrhizodus sp. from the chalk of north Lincs., and refers to a specimen of Pyvotosphyvaena stebbingt from the same locality]. ‘ Palewont. Soc. Report for 1911,’ publ. 1912,. Vol. LXV. See also‘ Naturalist,’ May 1912, p. 137. A. SMITH WooDWARD. Lincs:, JNe On the Snout of a Pachychormid Fish (Protosphyraena stebbingi) from the Lower Chalk of S. Ferriby, Lincolnshire. ‘ Naturalist,’ Nov.. 1912, pp. 329-330 (plate). Davipn WooLacotTt. Durham, Northumberland The Stratigraphy and Tectonics of the Permian of Durham (Northern Area) ‘Proc. Univ. Durham,’ Vol. 4. pt. 5, 1912, pp. 241-313. [D.] Wooracotr. See A. R. DWERRYHOUSE. [D.] Wooracotr, See G. WEYMAN. ee According to the Forty-second Annual Report of the Bradford Libraries, Art Gallery, and Museums Committee, the Natural History Museum during the year has been enriched by two hundred marine shells, a Dab Chick, .Moor Hen, Corn Crakes, Little Owl; seventeen Liverworts, minerals, and fossils, and fresh wild-flowers; all gifts. Some additions have also been made to the ‘Old Bradford Room.’ A second-hand bookseller’s catalogue is not usually a source of amusement, but the following description, taken from a recent Birmingham bookseller’s list, is evidently an inspiration on the part of the compiler :— ‘ Blackpool in 1840.—A Very Fine Water-Colour Drawing, by F. McCallum, of Blackpool Beach, signed and dated. In the background can be seen the Houses, in the foreground is the Beach, upon which is a Boat, whilst to the right of the Boat is a Donkey, upon which a Man is sitting; in front of the Boat is a cart being drawn by two Donkeys, and in the Cart are two Women; a Man is walking by the Donkeys, holding the reins, and a Woman is walking by the Cart; mounted, size of Water-colour, 92 by 7in., size including mount, 16 by Irin. Bargain.’ Naturalist,. 271 YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS AT BURNSALL. BURNSALL proved an admirable place for the gathering of the Union on the 7th June. The geologists assembled in strong force. Under the able guidance of Dr. Albert Wilmore they carried out the whole of their programme. The zoologists, led by Messrs. H. B. Booth and Thomas Roose, worked the valley of the Wharfe from Grassington to Burnsall, finishing the day in the woods and on the fells to the right of the Barden Road. Like the entomologists, they blamed the prevalent high wind for the paucity of their records. Under the guidance of Mr. C. A. Cheetham, the botanists - investigated Trollers Ghyll, passing over the moor to the left of the ghyll, and returning by way of the Hartlington Valley. The President of the Union, Mr. Harold Wager, F.R.S., took the chair at the meeting held at the close of the excursion, when sectional reports on the day’s work were presented, and thanks accorded to the Duke of Devonshire and Colonel Daw- son for permission to visit their estates ; to Mr. Riley Fortune for making.the local arrangements, and to the guides. VERTEBRATE ZooLocy.—Mr. H. B. Booth writes :— Mr. Roose set several small traps the day previously, at various altitudes near to Burnsall. These yielded the long-tailed Field Mouse, the Bank Vole and the Common Shrew. The Water Shrew was not taken; but plentiful evidence of its presence was seen by the number of scales and tails of small fishes near the entrances to its burrows. An unexpected ‘catch,’ however, was in a trap that had been set in a small dell near to the village. It had been ‘sprung,’ and contained. the rough drawing, on a plain card, of a mouse with its mouth at the bait of cheese, and tied on with black hosiery yarn. Inscribed on the body of the mouse was a too familiar phrase about Votes, being no doubt a ‘joke.’ Pied Flycatchers were noted at about a mile below the village, near the point which marks the limit of its known breeding range in Wharfedale. Among other birds seen or heard were the Yellow and Grey Wagtails, Goldcrest, Bullfinch and Common Sandpiper. Quite close to the village was a Dipper’s nest, beautifully hidden in a small clump of ivy, at which the birds were feeding their young. A pair each of Sparrow Hawks and Magpies (both uncom- mon birds in this neighbourhood) were hung on the keeper’s ‘gibbet,’ all recently shot. The Merlin ‘ground’ on which a pair of these birds has attempted to nest, and has as regularly been shot at the nest for two or three generations of game-keepers, is this season untenanted. A visit was paid to the top of the moor where Vipers are occasionally seen, and where they were formerly common. But in spite of the hot sun, the wind was so strong on these exposed parts that not a single Viper had 1913 July 1. e72 Yorkshire Naturalists at Burnsall. apparently ventured into the open. We had, however, the satisfaction of seeing the havoc wrought on these moors by the cloud-burst of five years ago; where gullies more than twelve feet in depth had been formed in the course of a few hours. ConcHoLocy.—Mr. J. E. Crowther writes :—Starting from Bolton Abbey station the conchologists visited Trollers Ghyll. The only live water shell noted during the day was Limnea pereger in the conduit belonging to Skyreholme Mill, though dead shells of this species, along with L. truncatula, were found. on the site of the old dam. Ona wall near the entrance to Trollers Ghyll, Balia perversa and Pyramidula rupestris were found spat- ingly, and in an adjoining wet place was Agriolimax levis. Among the screes and the stones on the slope of the disused dam, Cepea nemoralis, Hygromia granulata, H. hispida and H.rufescens occurred in small numbers. In the same locality Arion ater, with its var. plumbea, A. fasciatus and Agriolimax agrestis, both the common form and the var. violacea, were more or less abundant. On a wall by the riverside near _Burnsall the var. nigrescens of Helicigona lapicida, in company with Pirostoma cravenensis was fairly plentiful. Inthe afternoon, near Lythe Plantation, a search was made for living examples of Pomatia elegans, dead shells of which have been collected many times, but although they were again fairly plentiful no live specimens were found, and the conchologists finally came to the conclusion that this species only occurs here in a fossil form and is washed out of the soil by the heavy rains. Helicella itala, Vitria helvetica, Cepea nemoralis and C. hortensis, Helicigona lapicida and others were all more or less common near this place. A noticeable feature was the large size of Agriolimax agrestis which was plentiful all over the dis- trict traversed. Altogether thirty-four species and four varieties were noted, viz., seven slugs, twenty-five land shells and two freshwater species, as follows :— A griolimax agrestis. Helicella ttala. r) var. violacea. Hygromia granulata. J levis. = hispida. Avion ater. Ye vufescens. » var. plumbea. Helicigona lapicida var. nigrescens. “ intermedius. Arvianta arvbustorum. », hortensis. Cepea nemoralts. ) fasGuatus. | hortensts. var. subfusca. | Ena obscura. Vitvina pellucida. | Cochlicopa lubrica. Vitria cellaria. | Lauria cylindracea. », helvetica. | Balea perversa. , alliaria. | Ptrostoma bidentata. ,, nitidula. a cvavenensts. » pura. | Carychium minimum. crvstallina. Pomatia elegans. Euconulus fulvus. Limnea pereger. Pyvamidula vupestris. » tvuncatula. votundata. 2 Naturalist, Yorkshire Naturalists at Burnsall. 273. FLOWERING PLANTS.—Mr. Wattam writes :—Trollers Ghyll proved an excellent working ground for the Botanists. In the meadows at the entrance to the ghyll was noted a fine array of Orchis mascula, and an abundance of Ophioglossum vulgatum. The ledges of the limestone scars were inhabited by such char- acteristic plants as Thalictrum minus L. var. montanum Wallr..,. Arabis hirsuta, Galium sylvestre, Geranium lucidum, Poterium sanguisorba, Saxifraga hypnoides, Sax. tridactylites, Sedum acre, Lactuca muralis and Scabiosa columbaria. Geranium Robertianum and Festuca ovina were common plants of the basal. screes. Watercress, water avens, brooklime, and Equisetum palustre were common plants of the streamside, and the following sedges were noted in the moist situations :— Carex Goodenown, C. glauca, C. pilulifera, C. precox, and C. panicea. Within the narrow gorge Draba incana and Hieracium murorum were observed, whilst Myosotis sylvatica made a pretty picture. The shale areas were controlled by Mer- curialis perennis and Arum maculatum. Noticeable features. were many fine examples of Yew, Ash, and Mountain Ash which had established themselves within crevices of the scars. Ferns were. also prominent, of the species Asplenium Ruta- muraria, A. viride, A. Trichomanes, Cystopteris fragilis (with prothalli in situ), Polypodium vulgare, and P. Phegopteris. The refuse of the old lead workings was whitened with the blossoms of Avenaria verna, a double form being found by Mr. Gough, and here also occurred Linum catharticum, Thymus serpyllum, and Hieracium pilosella. On reaching the head of the ghyll the limestone area, with its typical scar and scree flora, gave place to siliceous rocks and soils, and the vegetation consisted of dwarf bilberry, gradually passing into an Eriophorum moor with Molinia cerulea as a co-dominant species. Sphagnum was abundant over the moor, and other common associates were Calluna, Erica tetralix, Juncus squarrosus, Scirpus cespitosus and Deschampsia flexuosa. This sharp transition was the more pronounced on looking backwards and noticing on the farther side of Trollers Ghyll the wide stretch of calcareous pasture with its typical grasses, Festuca ovina and Sesleria cerulea. On the moor where paring had been done it was noticed that Calluna was reasserting ilself. Hartlington Valley, through which courses the river Dibb, had a rich flora. A prominent picture was a group of spikes of the Butterbur in fruit, nearly a yard in height. Antennaria dioica, the blue, white, and deep pink flowered forms of Milk- wort, Aiva precox, and Scolopendrium vulgare were noted. The bog areas displayed a glorious wealth of Primula farinosa, Pedicularis palustris, Pinguicula vulgaris, and Eguisetum maximum. Within the wood by the river side Geranium —— eS SS 1913 July tf. 274 Yorkshire Naturalists at Burnsall. sylvaticum, Trollius europeus, and Crepis paludosa were notice- able features of the flora. MycoLocy.—Mr. C. Crossland writes :—Between twenty and thirty species of fungi, including Agarics, Polypores, Uredines, Pyrenomycetes and Discomycetes, all of common occurence and wide distribution were sent me by Messrs. Malone, Broadhead, and F. A. Mason. Mr. Mason, however, a few days later wrote me that he had exposed three prepared dishes in the hope that spores floating in the air might be caught and developed on the gelatines prepared for them. Mr. Mason sends me the names of some of the fungi which have so far developed on the dishes :— 1. Oospora lactis. 5. P. olaraceum. 2. Monilia variabtlis. 6. Botrytis cievrea. 3. Aspergillus glaucus. 7. Saccharomyces ellipsoideus. 4. Penicillium glaucum. Nos, I, 2, 5, 7, are not previously recorded in the Yorks. Fungus Flora. The beautiful Thamnidium elegans found on insect excreta has only one record in the flora. Mr. Mason has three others grown on the prepared dishes not yet identified. BryoLocy.—Mr. C. A. Cheetham writes :—The mosses seen in Trollers Ghyll were of the usual type associated with a lime- stone gorge. In the stream at the bottom of the valley Eur- hynchium rusciforme took the main place with Amblystegium filicinum and Hypnum falcatum var. virescens. On the stones and sides of the stream were Bryum pseudo-triquetrum, B. bimum, B. pallens, Philonotis fontana and Wetsia viridula. On the vertical walls of the ghyll the most interesting were Tvichos- tomum mutabile var. lophocarpum, Seligeria pusilla, Eurhynchium tenellum, Mnium orthorynchum, and the hepatic, Madotheca laevigata. Where tufa was being deposited Weisia rupestris and Hyp- num commutatum were frequent. In one or two places Encalypta vulgaris was in fine fruit and on a solitary grit boulder in the midst of limestones a patch of Ptychomitrium poly- phyllum was in good fruit, this moss is no lover of limestones and it was interesting to see it here, we did not meet it again even on the grit area. Above the limestones the mosses changed quickly, on the clayey banks of the stream, Dicranella varia was abundant and asmall patch of Bryum filiforme was - noted. The bed of the old Skyreholme dam had a fine growth of the var. elatum of Mnium affine and the grit rocks had Dicranium scoparium and Campylopus flexuosus, these two with the hepatic Lophozia Flerkit were the only rewards of a scramble up the grit scars above. While crossing the cotton grass area midst Sphagnum and Polytrichum commune we got a few tufts of Polytrichum strictum. Nataraligty Yorkshire Naturalists at Burnsall. 275 In the Hartlington Ghyll the same types were seen. On the tree trunks here and previously, Dicranoweisia cirrata was gathered in good fruit. Mr. H. E. Johnson submitted many of the critical species to Mr. W. Ingham, to whom thanks are due for verification. _ NEUROPTERA AND TRICHOPTERA :—Mr. G. T. Porritt reports that in consequence of the violent wind it was quite impossible to work for Neuroptera and Trichoptera with any satisfaction. The district is a good one for these insects, but under the cir- cumstances only the following were noted :—Perla maxima, Chloroperla grammatica, Isopteryx tripunctata, Nemoura cinerea, emerobius micans, and Agapetus comatus. GroLocy.—Dr. A. Wilmore, F.G.S., writes :—Over a dozen geologists were met at Skipton where the general build of the district between Skipton and Rylstone was pointed out. The anticline at Hawbank Tunnell was clearly seen. On reaching Rylstone the party proceeded to Hetton where an old quarry with Tournaisian limestones dipping North at about 65° was inspected. Here several of the characteristic fossils were obtained :—Syringopora reticulata, Caninia cylindrica, Orthotetes crenistria and Productus pustulosus being the chief. From Hetton, the party proceeded to exposures near Skelda Gate, where evidence of folding was seen. Here also more specimens of the above-named fossils were obtained, together with Chonetes, sp. The next exposures were at Win- terburn where a large quarry showed abundance of Caninia cylindrica, and most of the other fossils were seen. Michelinia megastoma was also secured. The party next walked back to Rylstone where a very fossiliferous quarry in the upper (Visean) limestone was visited. Here were obtained abundant specimens of Zaphrentis amplex- oides, Denstphyllum sp., Lophophyllum sp. and some good Cephalopods, especially a good specimen of Pyrolecanites com- pressus. The afternoon party was met at Rylstone station and numbered about 30. Cracoe Gill was first visited. Here the lower limestones are seen to be much disturbed. Upper fossiliferous beds of somewhat knoll type were examined at the upper end of the gill. Here were seen numerous Brachio- pods, Corals, and Polyzoa. The Pendleside beds, with their characteristic fossils, are seen almost in contact with the white limestones at this point. The next exposure visited was the large quarry worked by Messrs. P. and W. Spencer, whose manager, Mr. Todd, kindly met the members and gave permission to inspect the rocks. Many fossils were seen here of characteristic knoll type. The writer gave some account of the problem of the limestone knolls and of the various explanations which have been offered. 1913 July 1. 276 —- Reviews and Book ‘Notices. N. The folded knoll beds of the railway cutting were casually examined, and then the party proceeded to Linton, to walk — along the line of the Craven Fault in the direction of Burnsall. The evidence of the fault was pointed out, and the party spent some time in examining the folded beds near to Burnsall, those of Loup Scar especially attracting attention. He then gave some account of the relation of the Wharfe Valley to the Craven Fault and to the limestone and grit hills in the neigh- bourhood. W.E.L.W. Re a Wild Birds through the Year. George A. B. Dewar. Herbert Jenkins, Ltd., London, 248 pp., price 5s. This is not, as one might imagine from the title, a diary of happenings in the bird world through the different seasons of the year, but a medley of delightfully written essays upon different phrases of bird life. All of them are good and show that the author is a keen and accurate observer. He is strong in his condemnation of the collector of rare eggs and the following remarks, referring particularly to the New Forest, are worthy of specialattention. ‘ The rare-egg collector is the enemy of all who care for the forest. He is a child who never grows up, a child of constant mischief. I say deliberately that any man who buys for his collection an English specimen of a buzzard’s or honey buz- zard’s egg, acts against the public interest. It is a graceless traffic.’ These remarks may well be applied, not only to the New Forest, but to the whole of the British Islands, and to very many more species in addition to the Buzzard’s. The author overlooks the fact that there are breeding places of the Gannet, off the British Coast, other than the West Coast of Scotland and the Bass.—R. F. A Catalogue of the Lepidoptera of Northumberland, Durham, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne. By John E. Robson, F.E.S. Edited by John Gardner, F.E.S. After considerable but unavoidable delay, the last part of this Catalogue is before us. The delay has been occasioned by the death of the late J. E. Robson, after which Mr. Eustace R. Bankes under- took to edit and see the part through the press. Then unfortunately Mr. Bankes fell ill, and finding no chance of immediate improvement, after having had Mr. Robson’s manuscript in his possession for nearly three years, requested the Council of the Northumberland Society (under whose auspices all the catalogue has been published) to relieve him of his promise. Mr. John Gardner was then requested to finish the work, and right well he has done it. As Mr. Bankes had made critical notes upon the whole of the manuscript, it goes without saying that everything in the Part may be regarded as absolutely reliable. The Part deals with the Tineina and Pterophorina, the latter order entirely by, Mr. Gardner, as Mr. Robson had left no notes on the group. At the end of the Part a short supple- ment by the Editor is given, containing the additional species and records made since the catalogue was commenced, and bringing the list up to: the present date. In the introduction we are told that the total number of species for the area included is 1,169 or 56.7 per cent. of the known British Species, as against 66-9 per cent. recorded for Yorkshire. As. the area of Yorkshire is double that of Northumberland and Durham, this is regarded as highly satisfactory. As we have said the editing has been exceedingly well done, and although much of the text is admittedly the work of Mr. Bankes, it reflects the greatest credit on the late J. E. Robson, Mr. Gardner, and the Northumberland and Durham Society. Tt is indeed a good deal more than a Catalogue, for the critical and lengthy notes on many of the species (as for instance those on Solenobia clathrella) are most interesting and valuable. A very good photograph of J. E. Robson forms a fitting and appropriate frontispiece to the work.—G.T.P. Naturalist, N -ATURALISTS, as . g ie duh: i a i rene Bes eh ass ae. STRAND, LONDON, W.C. —— re =. ‘ (Five Doors from Charing Cross), __ rire. a ey Keep in stock every description of os APPARATUS, CABINETS, BOOKS, AND ee ae for Collectors of Bess: BIRDS’ EGGS, BUTTERFLIES, MOTHS, ETC. Catalogue (96 pages) sent post free on application. ae HE LOST TOWNS OF THE YORKSHIRE COAST And other Chapters bearing upon the Geography of the District. By THOMAS SHEPPARD, F.G.S., F.R.G.S., F.S.A.(Scot. \ my 352 pages Demy 8Svo, with over 100 illustrations. Cloth Boards; sah . 7/6 net. 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BROWN & SONS, Ltp., 5 FARRINGDON AVENUE, ipeenk j AND AT HULL AND YORK, Printed at Browns’ SAVILE PREss, 40, George Street, Hull, and published by A. BRowN & Sons, Tinited, at 5 Farringdon Avenue, in the City of London. July 1st, 1913. ~~ ee ee ". = *t™ A MONTHLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND EDITED BY T. SHEPPARD, F.G.S., F.R.G.S., F.S.A.Scot., THE Museums, Hutt; AND _T. W. WOODHEAD, Ph.D., F.L.S., TEcHNIcAL CoLLEGE, HUDDERSFIELD, WITH THE ASSISTANCE AS REFERRES IN SPECIAL DEPARTMENTS OF J. GILBERT BAKER, F.R.S. F.L.S., GEO. T. PORRITT, F.L.S., F.E.S Prof. P. F. KENDALL, M.Sc., F.G.S., JOHN W. TAYLOR, T. H. NELSON, M.B.O.U., WILLIAM WEST, P.L.S., RILEY FORTUNE, F.Z.S. Contents :— PAGE Notes and Comments:—Botanical Survey; The British Ecological Society ; The Journal of Ecology ; The Museums Association; Handbooks ; indies and Discussions; The Social Side; The Mortimer Museum ... <5 ae <0 «277-279 Coast Changes at Robin Hood’s Bay. 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A donation of Seven Guineas constitutes a life-membership, and entitles the member to a set of the” Transactions issued by the Union. Subscriptions to be sent to the Hon. Treasurer, Ep Hawkeswortu, Esq., Sunnyside, Crossgates, Leeds. i Members are entitled to buy all back numbers and other publications of the Union at a discount of 26 per cent. off the prices quoted above. += a All communications respecting ‘ The Naturalist’ and publications should be addressed to T. Sheppard, F.G. The Museum, Hull; and enquiries respecting the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union should be addressed t Hon. Secretaries, Technical College, Hudderstield. "bates ed. wl: i », Py iM Vv Variee cdlun s Ada atl 277 NOTES AND COMMENTS. BOTANICAL SURVEY. In December, 1904, a meeting of four botanists—Dr. W. G. Smith and Messrs. C. E. Moss, A. G. Tansley, and T. W. Woodhead, was held in Leeds at the house of the former, to consider the formation of an Ecological Society. The outcome was the ‘Committee for the Survey and Study of British Vegetation.’ This Committee, restricted to about a dozen members, has done valuable pioneer work, and the results of their investigations have been recognized by and have in- fluenced the work of Ecologists both on the Continent and in America. The work in the main has consisted of primary surveys, and considerable portions of England and Scotland, also a part of Ireland have been surveyed. The work has also extended to more detailed and intensive studies of selected areas and the large amount of sound work accomplished re- flects great credit on the members; a valuable summary of it is contained in Tansley’s ‘ Types of British Vegetation.’ THE BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY. After an active existence of less than nine years, and largely from demands for membership by a wide circle of botanists, the Committee has resolved itself into the ‘ British Ecological Society,’ founded in April last at a meeting held at University College, London. Many doubts have been expressed as to the wisdom of adding another to the long list of Scientific Societies. Certainly there is a limit to one’s time and means and there is a danger of withdrawing support from older institutions. In the opinion of many, a wiser course would have been to add an ecological section to one of the existing societies, ¢.g., the Linnean, but there are obvious difficulties to such a course. We can only hope that the new society will not only maintain its high reputation, but justify its formation by greatly extending its scope and usefulness. The fee for membership is {I Is. per annum; 7s. 6d. for Associates, and Natural History Societies and Field Clubs may become affili- ated by an annual subscription of one guinea. THE JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY. In anticipation of the formation of the British Ecological Society, the first part of the ‘ Journal of Ecology’ was issued on March tst of this year. The editor, well known to our readers by his work on Hepatics, is Dr. Frank Cavers. The aims of the journal are set forth by the President, Mr. A. G. Tansley, from which we learn that Foreign as well as British Ecology is included in its scope, and it is intended, by means of reviews and extracts to acquaint its readers with the main results recorded in the world’s ecological literature. Professor F.W. Oliver gives some interesting ‘ Remarks on Blakeney Point, 1913 Aug, I. U 278 Notes and Comments. Norfolk,’ where he has founded an Ecological station and carried on for some time valuable researches on the Shingle Beach which has been acquired by the National Trust. Dr. Smith gives an appreciative account of Raunkiaer’s work during recent years on ‘ Life Forms’ and Statistical Methods. Mr. Tansley reviews at great length—Brockmann—Jerosch and Riibels, ‘ Classification of Plant Communities.’ A paper by Mr. Clement Reid is given (read before the meeting of the Bri- tish Association in 1911) on the ‘ Relation of the present plant population to the Glacial Period.’ The remaining pages are devoted to notices of ‘ Publications of General Bearing’ and work on British and Foreign Vegetation, also a list of recent ecological literature. The Journal, the first part consisting of 80 pages, will be issued quarterly by the Cambridge press, at the rather high figure of 5s. a part. THE MUSEUMS ASSOCIATION. What was certainly the most largely attended conference of the Museums Association, and what was generally stated to have been the most successful conference ever held by the Association, took place at Hull during the week commencing July 14th. There were representatives present from practic- ally every museum of importance in the British Isles, as well as from Germany, America, and Australia. Mr. E. Howarth, F.Z.S., was the president. HANDBOOKS. In the way of literature also the delegates were well supplied, the Local Committee giving to each visitor a set of the Guides to the Hull Museums, tastefully bound in green cloth, and a large official handbook to the city, specially bound for the meet- ing, and containing portraits of the prominent officials of the Association and of the local Committee; descriptions of the Museums, Art Galleries and other places likely to interest the members. This was similiarly tastefully bound. PAPERS AND DISCUSSIONS. In addition to the President’s address, the following papers were read and discussed at the Conference :—‘ Methods of Col- lecting, by Mr. Thos. Sheppard; ‘How we may show our Museums and Art Galleries to the Blind: a report on some experiments,’ by Mr. J. A. Charlton Deas ; ‘A method of Fixing Specimens in Spirit,’ by Mr. J. W. Baggaley ; ‘ The Organisation of a Textile Museum,’ by Professor Roberts Beaumont ; ‘ The Decay and Preservation of Antiquities,’ by Dr. F. Rathgen ; “Some Reflections on the work of a Museum Guide,’ by Cecil W.C. Hallett, B.A. ; ‘A Museum Guide and his work,’ by J. H. Leonard ; ‘Note on a Form of Inverted Electric Light,’ and ‘Lantern-Slides of Museum Objects in Colour,’ by Mr. E. E. Naturalist, Notes and Comments. 279 Lowe; ‘Curators and the Stone Age,’ by Mr. Reginald A. Smith; ‘Museum Notes at I’Institut Oceanographique de Monaco,’ by Dr. F. A. Bather ; “ Museums and Classical Studies’ by the Rev. Professor Henry Browne. THE SOCIAL SIDE. The people of Hull seem to have excelled themselves in the way of hospitality. On the Tuesday evening, His Worship the Mayor (Alderman Brown) gave a reception and conver- sazione in the Royal Institution, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion ; during the afternoon the delegates visited Burton Constable by motor char-a-banc, where they were entertained to tea by Major Chichester Constable. On Wed- nesday the delegates were driven round the various museums and galleries in the city and were entertained to tea by the Wardens of the Trinity House. On Thursday the local com- mittee invited the visitors to lunch and afterwards a visit was paid to the Driffield Museum, Burton Agnes and Flam- borough Head, partly by rail and partly by motor char-a-banc. At Burton Agnes Mr. Wickham Boynton kindly entertained the members to tea. In the evening was a successful smoking concert at the Royal Station Hotel. Friday was occupied by a river trip to Spurn, where the members landed and heard an address on the geology, archeology and natural history of that interesting area; and on this occasion His Worship the Sheriff kindly provided lunch and tea. These items, together with bands of music, free tram rides, etc, as well as the glorious weather throughout the conference, contributed towards a most successful gathering, and, with one exception, when the delegates paid part of the cost, the whole of the items were provided at the expense of the Local Committee. THE MORTIMER MUSEUM. Perhaps the most interesting announcement made during the Conference was on the night of the Association Dinner, when Colonel G. H. Clarke, of Hull, announced that arrangements had been made for the Mortimer Museum of Geology and Archeology to be given to the citizens of Hull. His Worship the Mayor explained this was due to the generosity of Colonel Clarke who had purchased the collection and presented it to the City on condition that a special building be provided for the reception of the specimens. This was agreed to. While we do not pro- pose to divulge the exact amount that has been given for the collection, we may say that it reaches four figures. 7O: Part 9, forming the first part of the second volume of Yorkshire Type Ammonites, by Mr. S.S. Buckman, deals with Ammonites vermis, foveatus, gubernator, subtriangularis, aculeatus, luridts, and nitrescens, all from the Lias. ag13 Aug. I. 280 COAST CHANGES AT ROBIN HOOD’S BAY. \ LIONEL WALMSLEY. (PLATE XIII.). DurInG the last few years the Boulder Clay of Robin Hood’s Bay has greatly suffered denudation, resulting in the loss of much valuable land, Wht | j et € o> i is A ey ~~ 1) A) hw Mt ae : : fan af SR gp) \4 cD WN; TT by COW FIELD HILL The thick lines indicate the chief cracks and movement planes. The arrows indicate direction of movement ; and the figures the amount in feet of vertical displacement. 25 inches = 1 mile. This denudation is no doubt due to the thick bed of sand and gravel which divides the Boulder Clay into two distinct parts. At the base of this bed of sand is a series of intermittent springs (the chief source of the Fylingdales water-supply) the constant action of which is to undermine the heavy super- imposed beds. Thus, aided by the wet weather, huge masses of the Upper Boulder Clay and Middle Sands have slipped Naturalist, Ce = > = = Rs ad 7 " ca "> as : * * je *¥ ° a * Sas -' . i ™ Le - a { “- aA ON Bde: yrs . mn « os ae : + G = ~ ™ Z , Se eee a Sk} + me A a s-4 5 : wl 4 » bl he “ a - en oe ; : a .p-Te ry = 4 - iv ‘ ; ss ‘ **, - < 7 é : ‘ ‘ Ls 4 aod - -— > +? - : _ r Omer? aa) *y 5 < Ls ~~ ; = ¥ a - fa + = r. ee . . a ah, . a ag rt - a= + ius. % » , 3 a 7 Dy flee fs ~ 4 : s “eS j=% wo. es -y aS. ee ae y - = 4 a i a : $ , Z t~ PRA : ’ - } in yy» 4. 0 of ou Wg. * or . a7 Po ee : > oe, He 7 F: a 4 he ee siege om “ 2. 4 i>. : "v, . a ~* a a ee ee Md ot ae me att Pee sh 4 = _ t 35 7 ov * ed: ° x * Pe —" ; a ot '™. ; ; : fp aes Phe? -- vo NAS i we Bo 'gter Ton Sn nk oy Soe wee, i> . - - | #. he my a» onl ' ? = hes pt Ga ee ee 3 \ ag — ‘ _ > ee THE NATURALIST, 7973. PuLatre XIII, Landslip at Robin Hood’s Bay, looking North. Taken from point 1 on map on Shrove Tuesday, 1913. Landslip at Robin Hood’s Bay, looking South. Taken from point 2 on map on Shrove Tuesday, 1913, Walmsley: Coast Changes at Robin Hood’s Bay. 281 down the face of the cliff, and have actually covered the out- crop of the Lower Boulder Clay. In the year 1910 the heavy seas had done considerable damage to the cliff, and the margin was further in than it had previously A sooT) GIDANEKEES 0 STREETER, Fig. I. D F Eas SSSI : =e F A ’ Page Lite WAIN, 6 0" SOY is ee Land under cultivation. A= B = Upper boulder clay. C = Middle sands, with patches of gravel, D = Lower boulder c'ay. E = Middle Lias (zone of Ammonites armatus). F = Beach. G = Slipped mass containing material from the three drift-beds. been in the memory of many of the old fishermen. A good section of the sub-zone of A. aymatus was exposed, and several specimens of this ammonite were procured. During r1gro, however, a large amount of the Upper Boulder Clay and the 1913 Aug. I. 282 Walmsley: Coast Changes at Robin Hood’s Bay. Middle Sands slid down gradually, and was finally thrust on to the beach as in Fig. 2. By the end of the year 1911, however,’ this was eroded by the sea, and the margin was restored to its original position as in Fig. 3. During 1912 and 1913 the upper beds have been again slipping as shown in the photo- graph, and the margin of the clay is now further out than it was in IgIo (Fig 4). Assisted by the water from the fields above, and from the springs, the cliff proper resembles a tremendous chute, delivering excellent agricultural land into the sea, at the rate of many square yards per year! One of the peculiarities of this Middle Sands is the persistent occurrence therein of thin beds of coal pebbles. This coal is identical in structure with that found in the Lower Estuarine Beds which cap the hills around Robin Hood’s Bay, and the whole bed is similar to what we might expect to be the result of the denudation of the Estuarine Beds. It was in one of the gravelly patches of the Boulder Clay at Stoupe Beck, that I recently found a portion of a Mammoth tusk in good preservation. One side of it shows decided evidences of glaciation, and several geologists to whom I have shown it express the opinion that it is a genuine ice ‘ boulder.’ * Since the photographs reproduced were taken, the slipping of the cliff on the southern part of Bay Town has reached serious proportions. As may be seen by the map, most of the slipping has been in a seawardly direction, but owing to the high slope of the cliff above the Gas-house, a considerable amount of material has moved in this direction, as is shown clearly by the ‘ slickensliding’ on the faces of the planes of movement. The effect of this movement is evident in the stables and ware- house marked X! where the furthermost walls are bulging in an alarming manner, in one place projecting ro inches from the jambs of the door. This bulging has taken place within the last seven months, and coincides with the movements of the cliff above. The Gasometer X* would also seem to be threatened, but up to the present there are no cracks in the solid surrounding retaining wall. On the seaward side the slipping has been much more extensive, and one house, marked X* now occupied, appears unsafe for habitation. The opinion has been expressed locally that the clay is now settled down, and that nothing is to be feared for many years to come. This opinion, however, I fear is not reliable, and if proper protection to the property has to be given. it must be in the form of a substantial wall, which would finally reduce the slope of the cliff and increase its stability. * Its good state is doubtless due to the fact that it was transported in a frozen mass. It is at present in the museum at Hull.—Ed. Naturalist,’ 283 VARIATION IN THE LEAVES AND FLOWERS OF GOLDILOCKS. RANUNCULUS AURICOMUS L. W. P. WINTER. (PLATE XIV.). ON the occasion of the visit of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union to Kirkby Stephen there was ample opportunity for observa- tion of this interesting spring flower. The following notes mainly describe the results of examining flowers obtained on _/ GREEN a7 YELLOW RANUNCULUS AURICOMUS (L)CF MODIFIED PETALS NECTARIES PETAL (NECTARY) STAMINOID ad PETAL this excursion. The drawings are purposely diagrammatic, but the variations are easily found in all cases where there is access to a number of flowering specimens. At Kirkby Stephen Ranunculus ficaria L. was in full blossom, while R. bulbosus L. was beginning to flower and more.sparingly still R. repens L. R. acris was evidently later. Hence there was no marked display of yellow buttercups in the fields, what golden colour there was being furnished by the ever abundant dandelion. But in the hedgerows and partial shade of the edges of the wood- land Ranunculus auricomus L. held full sway. Specimens were obtained from a lane leading to Stenkrith and it was evi-’ dent that these represented a fairly average set. The two points worthy of note are the great variation in the corolla, Ig13 Aug. I. 284 Variation in Leaves and Flowers of Goldilocks. and the vast range of leaf-form in the foliage-leaves. Plants examined in other localities on previous occasions led to the belief that there was some connection between the character of the variation and the locality in which the variety grew, but no evidence was obtained either way on this occasion. Three hundred and seventy-six specimens were examined in detail. The sepals were five in number in 345 cases, while the six sepals in 24 cases and seven occurring six times plainly owed their larger number to an ordinary duplication of one sepal or of two sepals. In only one case was the number of sepals reduced to four. It is evident that the number of sepals is remarkably constant and as a rule they were arranged on a 2 spiral. But in the corolla there is a great amount of variation in number, shape and appearance of the petals. In gI cases there was no sign of petals at all, and in all of these the sepals had completely altered in general appearance; they were more papery in texture, somewhat larger, less leafy, and much yellower than in the typical sepals. These are shown in figure C from the front and D from the side. The edges were well-wrinkled and there was often a tendency to an obscure division into three parts as shown. No traces of nectaries were found, In 88 other cases one petal occurred. In nearly all this was well-developed and typical in shape, as at E. The nectary was well formed. The ends of the semi-circular mouth were con- tinued into the tissue of the lamina of the petal exactly at the veins next to and on either side of the middle one. As a rule the sepals on each side of the fully developed petal were green, like the type A, while those away from it were all more or less petaloid, some as in figure B, with a green centre and a yellow petaloid rim; and others more like C and D. Almost in- variably the petaloid sepals became thin, yellow and papery, but did not acquire the almost waxy texture and glossy surface of the true petals. In 74 flowers there were two petals, while 42 had 3 petals each, and 32 possessed 4. In all these the tendency was for some of the sepals to be petaloid, and which of them were modified seemed to depend upon two factors. Frequently the alteration of the calyx took place in such of its members as made the whole flower more conspicuous. But in other cases the modification towards the petalised condition is much increased at the end of the spiral nearest to the petals or to the place where they would be under normal conditions. This is shown most plainly perhaps in the cases where there are two normal and three ‘ petaloid’ sepals. In this case Nos. I. and II. of the spiral, whether direct or reversed (see Figs. K, L), are sepaloid, four and five are petaloid and No. III. is either wholly petaloid or in the instances where it is half petaloid, the petaloid wing was always observed on the side Naturalist, THE NATURALIST, 71973. PraTE XIV 7 Vw eae ay A be ‘LU \aNA a oat cee ( ea 3 SVAN is he ee 23 ere 1a fob sh shee Seoeee Loe Wr ye ww Ne sae dS oe eee tk “a seat Doe ake ye wo Neske Nene AL wW scr Msk N= \ Ze104 AURA ENA Wes AVNER OR Ds poem shy M% gn, BR He MgT Hh BM -_ ay ik Ws | 7 VAX Variation in Leaves of Goldilocks. Variation in Leaves and Flowers of Goldilocks. 285 of No. III. nearer to No. IV. or in other words on the side of it approaching the corolla.* The positions could usually be made out quite easily so that it was not at all difficult to trace the spiral, as the sepals were distinctly not cyclic, in.their in- sertion at any rate. In 49 cases the set of five petals was complete. The full sized petals generally carried an indentation marking the posi- tion of the nectary though very often it was not functional. In rare instances two nectaries occurred and these were usually on the two lateral veins next to the centre vein. But of greatest interest were those petals which had devel- oped in the direction of a tubular nectary, sometimes functional, sometimes not. Of these some had a yellow lip on the inner side of the nectary, as in Fig. G; In others the growth had taken place to such an extent that the opening was much more to the distal end of the petal than usual as in H, and there was often a corresponding reduction in the size of the lamina; while in one case the petal had become a real tubular nectary. In a very few instances the petals were almost staminoid, and sometimes these were really functional stamens, but of quite exceptional form, and still, from their position, really petals. Fourteen such modified petals occurred, some, as in M, with antheroid corners, and some as in N., with antheroid edges resembling on the whole stamens with very wide connec- tives. The foliage leaves also showed wide variation. The examples illustrated were selected from a large number, and exhibit forms with at first three segments to the leaf (I-1TI). These are followed by some with three segments so toothed as to suggest a division into four (12-23) the proportional size of the tooth increasing in the series. From 24 to 51 are repre- sentatives of a numerous set beginning with four segments toothed as in 24, or three segments double toothed as in 25, leading up to five segments as in 46 which have a tooth increas- ing in size up to 51 ; 52-54 illustrate an increase in the depth of cutting from the simple tooth of 52 to the deep division of 54. From 55 to 66 are five segments with a tooth, and so on, the de- gree of division increasing up to No. 124, the latter indicating peculiarly long-stalked forms. All of these are cauline leaves. The types from 125 to 145 are radical leaves with good stalks. The whole variation is of interest as arising ina member of the Ranunculacee for if the floral organs be studied one is re- minded of types like the Ranunculus with a naked nectary (e.g., R. aquatilis). While with the growth of scales over the nectary of a less size than G is a suggestion of resemblance to k. vepens and others. With the disappearance of petals and * The ‘petaloid’ wing is shown.in blank on the drawing. 1913 Aug. I. 286 Variation in Leaves and Flowers of Goldilocks. the assumption of a petaloid character by the sepals, is a sug- gestion of types like Caltha, while the tubular forms like H, /, strongly suggest Helleborus. Even among the foliage leaves are many that are remindful of other plants. An average specimen has. usually about three leaves of the types I to 118 on the stem well spaced, while there will be about four or five radical leaves with stalks, as. in 119 to 145. The early forms occur high up on the stem and are highly suggestive of similarly situated leaves of the ‘crowfoot ’’ type formed in other Ranunculi. As we pass. down we find forms (68, 77, etc.) resembling miniature Hellebore leaves. Some again (117 to 121) resemble R. sceleratus. In fact in many respects the variations resemble the larger ‘variations from type to type that occur in the Order as a whole. Examinations of the unopened buds did not reveal anything sufficient to cause the abnormalities, and unfortunately time has not permitted of observations on insect visitors and the connection, if any, between the nature of the modifications and the proportion of fertile séeds. This note may however, lead someone more fortunately situated as regards the habitat of this plant working out such points more in detail and helping to some decision as to whether this plant is really in a state of mutation as it sometimes appears to be. Sepals. Petals. No. of Specimens. Percentage. AG, 7) fo) 82, (5, 4) 24-2 (4), 5, (6) I (1), 80, (7) 23°4 5, (6) 2 66, (8) 19°7 5 (Gan) 3 25, (2422) II.2 5, (6) 4 30, (2) 8-5 5 =) oO 49 13° Professor C. J. Patten writes on the discovery of a colony of tree- sparrows on Inishtrahull Island, co. Donegal, in Britesh Birds for July. In a note on Trachyphleus digitalis Gyll., an addition to the British list of Coleoptera, Mr. Newberry records having seen an example of the species taken by Mr. E. W. Morse at Boston, Lincs. ( Entomologist’s Maga- zine for June). In the Geological Magazine for July, Dr. G. J. Hindle describes Solen- oporva gavv‘oodt, a new species of calcareous alza from the Lower Carboni- ferous of Westmorland. In the same journal Mr. H. L. Hawkins describes the Lanter of Pevischodomus from Clitheroe. Mr. N. H. Joy describes Atheta britteni, n. sp., and Tvrogophiceus hemerinus 0. sp., two new Staphylinids, from Cumberland, in The Entemolo- gist’s Monthly Magazine for July. In the same journal Mr. E, Meyrick describes Scoparia vafra n. sp., from Chester. Mr. R. Standen records Ancylus fluviatilis var. gibbosa, from Derby- shire, in The Journal of Conchology for July. In the same journal Mr. W. Denison Roebuck describes a case of perfect albinism in Limax arborum, ‘and gives it the name ‘ var. nov. albinos Roebuck.’ Naturalist, 287 A NEW MITE—OTTONIA SHEPPARDII. C. F. GEORGE, M.R.C.S., Kirton-in-Lindsey. TuIs small but elegant Trombidium does not appear to have previously been described and figured. Mr. Soar gives the length of the body as 1.36 mm., the crista (see figure d) differs from any I have yet described ; its pos- terior termination is somewhat pyriform in shape (figure g), and there are twostigmata, each having a protec- ting hair. The hairs or papilla on the an- terior part of the body are rather long, aS pointed at the distal aie: end, and very plumose (see figure 5), while i those on the back and Wi} y sides are curved, thick- oie iy ened at their free ex- tremity, and palmate or digitate (see figures e and /f). They are of a very beautiful ruby colour, and much of this colour is retained even when mounted in balsam,ifthe mite has «£ not been kept very Z, NN long in preservative pie solution. The hairs are also not very Co) thickly crowded to- gether. The legs are G like those of most of A.—Ottonia sheppardii n.sp. x 30. Body length Eee ae cae B and C.—Haies on papillae 1-36 mm, ones the longest, wit Crista. : , epee cic chighes 6S Stara lay weil real ened and club-shaped ; the other legs are rather thin and short. The claws are simple. The eyes have each two ocelli. The vulva is rather large in proportion to the mite, and has the usual three copulatory discs on each side. The claws of the palpi are double, as is common in the small species of Trombidium. I believe the SSS = ~> = ~ 19t3 Aug. I. 288 Bennett: Paludestrina jenkinsi in Fresh Water. mite is not uncommon, and is probably widely distributed, being doubtless overlooked in consequence of its smallsize. The type specimen, which will be placed in the museum at Hull, is from Canwick near Lincoln. I also have examples from York- shire localities, I have named the specimen after Mr. T. Sheppard, who has done sc much to advance the knowledge of the natural features of his native county, Lincolnshire. PALUDESTRINA JENKINS] IN FRESH WATER. R. J. WELCH, Belfast. In Mr. T. Sheppard’s ‘ Lost Towns of the Yorkshire Coast,’ page 264, I note his remark that this species may now be found in almost pure fresh water. In Ireland, though it often occurs in drains and marsh pools near the sea, mostly near or at river mouths, the majority of these habitats are really fresh water. Those that are not absolutely so seem much too fresh for P.ventrosa to live in. Apart from these, however, P. jenkinsi lives far inland in Ireland in a number of places in rivers not tidal or connected directly with the sea, such as the Upper Bann, near its mouth on Lough Neagh, and the mouths of the Blackwater and Six Mile Water rivers which also flow into Lough Neagh. This Lough, thirty miles long, drains out to the sea by the Lower Bann, but I have never found P. jenkinsi in it above Coleraine, 7.e., the tidal area. It was at the mouth, some miles below Coleraine and close to the sea that I first found the species, a new record for Ireland in 1893. This was in shell-pockets in the dunes, close to the river, and near this in brackish pools in 1897. The species, so far, has not been found living in Lough Neagh, even close to the rivers full of it which flow into the Lough, though in the late autumn and winter immense numbers of dead shells come out of the rivers in floods and occur in masses on the Lough shore. This is especially the case at the mouth of the Blackwater in Co. Tyrone.* In the Letterkenny River, which divides East from West Donegal, it is very abundant above the town, and far above salt water influences. Stelfox gives in his Irish List, f page IIg, a map with its distribution in twenty-three counties in Ireland. : 0. = Turtle Dove nesting near Harrogate.—This year a pair of Turtle Doves nested at Killinghall, and at the time of writing are incubating—R. ForTUNE, July 19th, 1913. *See Milne and Stilfox, Ivish Naturalist, XV., p. 75, 1906. {+ Proc. R.I.A., March, rgrt. Naturalist, . . 289 MAIANTHEMUM BIFOLIUM SCHMIDT. ARTHUR BENNETT, Croydon. In the Journal of Botany for July, Mr. Jackson has an interest- ing paper on the above species. He there acts as a pleader for the plant as a native of Middlesex where it was found by Hunter in 1818, and indirectly impugns the nativity of the Yorkshire station (Forge Valley, near Scarborough). Hunter mentions it as growing in a wood (Caen or Ken Wood) with Convallaria majalis, C. verticillata and C. Polygonatum. These two latter species would seem to me to at once suggest doubt as to the other being native there. While the same argument that Mr. Wheldon uses with the Yorkshire plant, “ that the plant does not occur in other woods,’ may be used with the Caen Wood plant, why does it not occur in Bishop’s Wood, or other woods near or at the north of Caen Wood. Another thing may be urged, plants must have their range-end somewhere and it is quite possible the species may have been far wider distributed in England than at present. At the same time the planting of trees does introduce plants, and a fair guess may often be made as to how long the plants have been there by the age of the trees. Of course, being a species found over nearly the whole of Europe, it may quite well be native in Southern England. So far as the Yorkshire station is concerned a note by Mr. J. Backhouse, Junior, may be quoted.* ‘It is growing in the utmost profusion among Tvientalis europaea, Vaccinium, Luzulas, etc., on the slope of a steep brow covered with scattered trees. Suffice it to say that before knowing where the plant was, I decided where, 7 it were a native, it ‘ ought to be. This was determined partly by the general configuration of the country, and partly by the kind of vegetation clothing the district, and proved quite correct. Never in Norway, did I see it more abundant or finer, that I remember. For a considerable dis- tance the hillside is carpeted with it. It is not, however, the quantity merely, but as I said before the general circumstances and position of the locality, which leave no doubt whatever on my mind of its being a genuine native.’ But there is another thing, I think, which has been over- looked as to its being found. All the rules of the old records seem to accept without any doubt the idea that Gerarde’s locality of ‘ Dingley Wood, six miles from Preston, in Aunder- nesse,’ must be the Lancashire Preston as Gerarde so gives it ; but I would suggest it may have been Preston in Holderness, in the East Riding? Can any local botanist suggest any place within six miles of that Preston now (or formerly in old documents) called Dingley Wood ? * Phytologist, p. 318, 1861, Ig13 Aug. fe 290 Field Notes. Many old names are lost sight of, and sometimes only to be . found in old documents, as I have proved. It will perhaps be noticed that I give Schmidt as the authority for the name (which the L. Cat. last ed., has), while our latest Flora has M. Convallaria Weber (in Prim. FI, hobat, 1780). Schmidt’s name appeared in his unfinished work, ‘Flora boémica inchoata, 1793. T. 1, Cent. 4,’ he being the first to take up the Linnean name Odifolia; Linneus putting it in the genus Convallaria (Sp. pl. ed. I, 1. 316, 1753). Other references to the species as British will be found in :— Phytologist, V. 1, p. 579, 1843. Proc. Berwick. Nat. Club, 11, 20, 1843. Phytologist, p. 236, 1861. Phytologist, p. 45 and 162, 1862. N. Yorkshire (Flora), part 5, p. 381, 1892. Science Gossip, p. 210, 1876. Naturalist, p. 249, 1806. Journal of Botany, p. 431, 1896. Flora of Middlesex, p. 279, 1869. Comp. Cybele Brit., p. 336, 1869). Journal of Botany, pp. 202-208, 1913. —_@e—— MOSSES. Oreas Mielichhoferi Brid., var. elongata B. and S. = O. Mielichhoferi (Funck.) Brid., var. compacta (Hornsch. ) Braithw. Br. M. FJ.—In October, 1g1o, I had the pleasure of again finding, in Mudd’s locality, this rare and interesting moss.—R. Barnes, Harrogate. BIRDS. Removal of Feces from Bird Nests —A few years ago I was interested in the nest of a Common Wren, the young of which repeatedly passed out the feces to the parent bird, deliberately waiting to receive them. This year two other cases of similar methods have come under my observation while in a photographic tent, the species in question being respectively a willow warbler and a yellow wagtail.—JASPER ATKINSON. Merlin Mobbed by Wagtails.—At Bolton Abbey I watched a Merlin on the ground immediately close to where I knew the nest and young of a yellow wagtail to be. It was searching the ground carefully, and was being mobbed by the parent wagtails and three house martins. Mr. Roose went down to examine, and found all the young wagtails had been killed, but only one eaten. The remarkable feature seemed to me to be that this occurred on a very fine Saturday afternoon, with the usual number of visitors passing constantly less than 150 yards away.—]ASPER ATKINSON. Naturalist, PROMINENT YORKSHIRE WORKERS: VI.—_GEORGE MASSEE, F.L.S., V.M.H.* Born at Scampston, a hamlet in East Yorkshire, in 1850, George Edward Massee spent his youthful days on his father’s farm. It was at this village where, to use his own words, “they attempted to educate me at a private school, but failed.’ It was intended that he should follow in his father’s footsteps and be a farmer, so that on leaving school we see the youthful botanist performing the duties of ploughing, sheep washing, threshing, milking, and the like. It is to this practical routine work on the farm that Mr. Massee attributes a great deal of the success that he has achieved in plant pathology. Many of the so-called plant diseases are due to cul- tural defects. As a far- mer’s son Mr. Massee is able to give practical advice, and in this respect he has the advantage over the man of purely academic training. But as a young man George Massee had ambitions in life other than that of being a farmer. He had a great liking for drawing and nature study. So it was that he was sent to the York School of Art, where he was fortunate in gaining the national medal of the year for drawing flowers from Nature. At the same time he studied chemistry and physics. . At this time he was taken in hand by his relative, Dr. Spruce, botanist and traveller, and when not ploughing or working in the sheep- fold he worked hard at botany. Massee’s gift of drawing from Nature stood him in good stead, and the illustrations of Dr. Spruce’s classical work on Hepatics are mostly his George Massee, F.L.S., V.M.H. ' * Reprinted from The Agricultural Economist and Horticultural Review by the kind permission of the Editor. 1913 Aug. I. 292 Prominent Yorkshire Workers. work. It was at Dr. Spruce’s suggestion that Mr. Massee went to the West Indies and South America to study plants and collect orchids. He sent home Oncidium macranthum, the large golden-yellow flowered species, and one of the most handsome Orchids in cultivation; also Nanodes meduse (Medusa’s), an Orchid with lurid purple and deeply fringed flowers that give it a most sinister appearance. The Andes, notably the eastern slopes and the great Brazilian Plain are, in Mr. Massee’s opinion, far less known than darkest Africa, and from a botanical and zoological point of view there is no corner of the world that offers such a wide field to the explorer and collector. Among his many exciting experiences on this expedition were earthquakes. Being an only son, his mother prevailed upon him to stay at home on his return. So that we again see him dividing his energies between farming and botanical study, specialising in fungi and plant diseases. On his father’s death he came to Kew and worked in the herbarium as a free lance, and in 1893 was appointed Principal Assistant (Cryptogams). During the twenty years that Mr. Massee has spent at Kew it is not too much to say that he has done more than any man towards elucidating mysterious fungus diseases. His name is as familiar and almost as widely known as the nefarious plant diseases of which he has made a special study, He has written books and voluminous articles in the leading scientific journals of the day. Among his most useful works may be mentioned the ‘ Text-Book of Plant Diseases,” which. has been superseded by his ‘‘ Diseases of Cultivated Plants and Trees”’ (1910), a work that is necessary for the proper equipment of every gardener, farmer, or forester. “British Fungi, with a Chapter on Lichens,” is his most recent book, and this is beautifully illustrated by Miss Ivy Massee, his talented daughter. In collaboration with Professor Theobald he brought out the book, indispensable to rosarians, entitled the ‘“‘ Enemies of the Rose.” It is, however, as lecturer that Mr. Massee will best be remembered by those who have had the real pleasure of listening to him. He is a breezy Yorkshireman, and_ his perorations always ripple with good humour. He is beloved of Kew men, and an appreciation, obviously written by one who knows him well, appeared in the ‘‘ Kew Guild Journal,” 1908, from which the following extract is taken :—‘‘ No one who has heard George Massee lecture upon or talk about the department of science of which he has long been a past master, could think the subject uninteresting; on the contrary, they would probably say that it was as exciting as romance... . His method—if it be method, probably it is the man himself— is not to talk learnedly about things, the common fault of Naturalist, THE NATURALIST, 1913. ——————— PLACES OBVIOUS MOST ALL fHE ~~ tN uJ I } Rai =] Aly \ mee | ee 3) | | | /!| [Is Ay i \ {I y Se Soh y 7 Wy) i) Ae PLATE XVI. ISXCITEMEN A LATE NESTER HAS HAD TO FALL BACK IN THE NEWSPAPER WORLD! BEING OFCUPIED, Reproduced by special permission of the Proprietors of Punch. Prominent Yorkshire Workers. 293 lecturers, but, as it were, to pitch the subject before his class or audience, get them all round it, and then help them by means of comment, explanation, joke, and gibe to take in as much of it as their capacity will stand.” Few men know better than Mr. Massee how to sugar a pill, and however technical and otherwise uninteresting a subject may be, he has the happy knack of imparting it with good humour. The present writer well remembers a lecture by Mr. Massee on the diseases of fruit trees, wherein the lecturer impressed his hearers with the importance of keeping a constant lookout for the first signs of attack, concluding his remarks with the appropriate exhortation, “ above all, watch and spray.” Although an accomplished man he does not seek the lime- light, but would, in fact, rather hide his ight under a bushel. It is only after repeated requests on our part that we are able to publish these notes and portrait. Like a true scientist, he is ever willing to acknowledge his indebtedness to fellow workers, attributing much of his success in mycology to his. personal acquaintance with the Rev. M. J. Berkeley and Dr. M. C. Cooke. * Mr. Massee is a Fellow of the Linnean Society and many other societies, and in 1902 received the Victoria Medal of Honour in Horticulture—V.M.H.—from the Royal Horti- cultural Society, in recognition of his services in the interest of horticultural science.—H.C. eS) -——— We have previously had occasion to draw attention to the fact that our contemporary Punch is drawing upon the readers of The Naturairst. instead of sticking to his last. Not only do we reproduce an illustration obviously intended for our journal, but we notice the following natural history items in one issue of Punch: —‘ A lady—Dr. Marie C. Stopes—has been appointed Lecturer on Fossils at London University, and there is an ugly rumour on foot to the effect that the subject of her first paper will be Man.’ =‘ The elephant which Lord Hardinge was riding at the time of the bomb outrage at Dehli, has, in consideration of his steadi- ness on that occasion, been made a State pensioner. We understand, since the news has leaked out, that he ha$ been pestered with unwelcome attentions on the part of fortune-hunters, ‘and, with the view of putting an end to the nuisance, he would like it-to be known in the elephant world that it is not his intention to marry.’ ‘ At the request of Mr. Mawson, Mr. E. R. Waite, curator of the Christchurch Museum, has con- sented to prepare the report on the collection of fishes made by the Aus- tralasian Antarctic Expedition. Mr. Waite has in hand already the fishes which he collected at the Macquarie and Auckland Islands when he went to the Southern Ocean in Dr. Mawson’s exploring vessel, the Aurora, last year.—Christchurch Press. We are prepared to congratulate Mr. Waite, to take off our hats to him—but we will not shake him by the hand.’ ‘Among the Caves and Pot Holes. Interesting visit to Clapham. (By “One of Them.’’)—West Yorks Pioneer.: Oh to be a pot-hole, now that July’s here.’ [Mr. Waite was formerly curator of a Museum in England, at Leeds, in fact, and if Mr. Punch won’t take him by the hand, we will, especially if there’s a rare fish in it !—Ed. ] 1913 Aug. I. Vv 2904 . Sn Memoriam. JAMES NEEDHAM (1849—10913). Mr. JAMES NEEDHAM, a noted all-round botanist of Hebden . Bridge, passed away on Monday, July 14th. He had been confined to his room five or six weeks. An attack of influenza about Christmas left him with general debility affecting his lungs and very much reducing his strength. He came round sufficiently to go out of doors, but never regained his usual health. Almost to the last he spoke in a hopeful vein of being James Needham. able to get about again ; a day or two before the end came he sent his son-in-law into Crimsworth Dean to find one of his favourite orchids. Mr. Needham was born at Hebden Bridge in March, 1849. By trade he was an iron moulder which he followed to about five years ago when he became incapacitated from doing heavy work. ¥ Along with a friend, the subject of our notice took up the study of flowering plants and ferns in 1885 as a result of a ramble to Hardcastle Crags under the auspices of the Hebden Bridge Co-operative Society, headed by a Rochdale naturalist. Their books were ‘ Withering’s Botany,’ from the library of Naturalist, In Memoriam: James Needham. 295 the Mechanics’ Institute, and ‘ Hayward’s Pocket Guide.’ In 1887 Needham’s colleague discontinued these studies, but he himself ‘kept at it’ with keen interest, gradually adding to his pile of named dried plants. About 1889 the present writer met with him and soon - interested him in collecting fungi, as well as mosses and hepatics. He proved an excellent and most helpful guide throughout his exceedingly rich district, and scores upon scores of times have we hunted it together. For many years he never left me short of either fungi, mosses, or hepatics to work out at home. Whilst compiling the cryptogamic portion of the “Flora of the Parish of Halifax,’ Needham’s help was invalu- able. The extensive list of fungi owes much of its length to his zealous and skilful collecting. These combined investiga- tions eventually resulted in the Hebden Bridge portion of the parish being worked for its fungi better perhaps than any other equal area in the Kingdom with the exception of Kew, and the Scarborough district. Many of the species he found proved to be new to science, one being called Gnomonia Needhamii Mass. & Crossl. (Pocillum Needhanut Mass. & Crossl. was found by Mr. J. T. Aspin in Elland Park Wood). Numerous other Hebden Bridge finds proved to be newto the British Flora. All were recordedin The Naturalist from time to time. The last he found and deter- mined about a couple of years ago was a beautiful little agaric growing on soil in a neighbouring greenhouse ; it was known as Lepiota medio-flava Boud., only previously recorded in France. In 1892 he drew my attention at Hardcastle Crags to a yellow fungus on earthnut, and remarked that he had noticed where this occurred the neighbouring sweet-dock leaves were soon after affected with a brownone. This information brought the late Mr. H. T. Soppitt (then of Bradford) on to the scene, and led him to undertake the series of experiments which resulted in the discovery that they were two separate stages in the life history of one and the same parasitic fungus. During one of his woodland investigations (February, 1897) he came across an old clothtab hearthrug, probably a Christmas outcast. Remembering past conversations on fungi growing on damp sacking, decaying cloth, etc., he moved the old rug to a damp shady part of the wood with the idea of giving it a chance to produce something of the sort. Nor was he disap- pointed. It was visited at intervals, and when it looked like getting too dry the watering can was brought into play, although the water was to carry some distance. By the end of July no fewer than ro observable species, and some in quantity, had matured and been identified. This was the first year’s crop. Seven additional species came forward the year following. See The Naturalist, December, 1904, pp. 359-63, for particulars. 1913 Aug. 1. 296 In Memoriam: James Needham. He was as much enamoured with the mosses as with the fungi; the former of which he could work at in winter. Though the moss flora of his district had been closely investi- gated by John Nowell, Todmorden ; Samuel Gibson, of Hebden Bridge; A. Stansfield, Todmorden, and others, Needham succeeded in adding to the local flora var. ampliretis of Philo- notis fontana, new to Britain; several types and varieties of mosses new to Yorkshire, and 14 or 15 others. In the liverworts Jubula Hutchinsia was a valuable new Yorkshire record. He was justly proud of this discovery, and visited the place several times each year, rejoicing to see it continuing to grow in great luxuriance. Naturalists visiting the Hebden Valley and Crimsworth dean always found in him a cheerful, capable, and informative guide to the botany of those areas. .Needham always used discretion as to what he should show them. From the veal student of nature none of his discoveries were hid; to such he has often been very helpful in procuring material, fungi particu- larly, for special study. In recent years various Universities and Institutions have found in him a very able collector. Many school teachers sought his assistance and he was never weary or chary of imparting to them the knowledge he had gained by hard and persistent study. He was always ready and willing to give his specimens to those likely to be interested in them. He knew every nook and corner throughout the whole length of both the valley and the dean. For many years he had special leave from Mr. Lipscombe, Lord Savile’s agent, to explore any part of the Savile estates. He was greatly in request when Literary and Scientific Societies and kindred bodies visited the Hebden Bridge district. The following incident shows the esteem in which he was held. After a ramble in July, 1895, he received a packet with the inscription ‘ Kindly accept the microscope as a memento of a pleasant day spent in Crimsworth Dean on Saturday, July 6th, under your leadership, and as an expression of hearty good wishes for further successes in your researches for micro-fungi.— July 6th, 1895.’ His home became a treasure house of botanical specimens, mosses particularly, arranged with scrupulous care, and in chem he took a great pride. The walls of his room were closely hung round with framed mounted specimens. Some years ago a few local gentlemen and Societies, on the initiation of Messrs. John Clay and Joseph Greenwood, combined and purchased Needham’s collection. By permission of the Governors, the specimens were temporarily stored in the Secondary School buildings until some definite arrangements could be made to utilise them to the best advantage. At present they are vested Naturalist, In Memoriam: James Needham. 297 in the above two names. The late J. B. Brown, a life member of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, was one of Needham’s practical friends. We learn that his foundry mates used to laugh and banter him for a while, but this gradually changed to admiration and respect as his many finds became duly acknowledged in the mycological world. Scientific books, mostly mycological, were presented to him at various times by admiring members of the Union, and by others who had come in contact with him. From 1891, when I invited him to join the Fungus Foray of the Union, he has not often missed a meeting. For some years he has been a valued member of the Mycological Committee. On the initiation of Mr. Gibbs and myself, it was through the efforts of this Committee, and other admiring friends connected with the Union, that just over five years ago he obtained an annual grant of £40 a year from the Murdoch Trust at Edinburgh, established for the benefit of worthy indigent naturalists. In him the Union has lost a most interesting, and exceed- ingly useful worker. Among the many other qualities he exhibited at the Annual Forays was his early rising ; he would be out betimes in quest of specimens, peering into corners and other out-of-the-way places where probably some of us would never think of looking. He considered his times at the forays to be red-letter days. Needham was well acquainted with all the edible species found in his district, and made good use of them, When first he began to know these he showed them to friends, but soon learned better than to tell of all the whereabouts of toadstools good for the pot. Now and again he had gone to gather a few for himself, when the crop for the moment had been plucked, and he had to return home empty-handed. Mr. Needham was slow of speech, but his earnestness was remarkable, and he was wont to express himself with amusing frankness in his native dialect, and with a quaintness all his own. He hada most genial disposition. Of educational ad- vantages he had little, but zest in his hobby, a keen eye, an alert mind, and a retentive memory, acquired for him a won- derful store of botanical knowledge. All his spare time was given to his hobby, either in the field or at home. Often in summer he would rise early and have a look round before going to the foundry. During his twenty-eight years’ nature studies he noted and catalogued between one and _ two thousand species, including flowering plants, ferns, mosses, hepatics and fungi. Apart from two papers in The Naturalist, and two others in The Halifax Naturalist in collaboration with the present writer, his written contributions are to be sought in the Hebden Bridge newspapers. He also 1913 Aug. I. 298 In Memoriam: James Needham. supplied a lengthy list of plants for a local guide to the Hebden Bridge district. He was made a life member of the Hebden Bridge Literary and Scientific Society, and the Halifax Scientific Society. Many times Mr. Needham has entertained and instructed the members of both societies.* In recent years he has often spent weekends at Stanbury on the invitation of Jonas Broadley, the versatile school- master, one of the first in this country in training school children in the outdoor study of nature. On these visits Needham has occasionally entertained the school children with his homely talks on toadstools and other works of nature. Needham related some amusing stories concerning the remarks natives had made when he was collecting. One old farmer in whose pasture he was searching for Clavaria rosea, says:—‘‘ W’at, are ta on wi’ that babby-wark yet? We hav’nt seen that pink thing tha’rt seekin’ this year soa far.’ On another occasion when searching for micro-fungi one friendly native asked another :—‘ W’ats Jimmy rooitin’ for; has he lost sommat ? Nay (was the reply) he’s nobbut seekin’ fun- gusses ’at he will’nt kno’ he’s fun, wol he gets a magnifying glass to see ’em wi’ !’ He was always treated by the Hebden Bridge people, high and low, with the greatest respect. His last visitors were four bryologists, including Mr. D. A. Jones, Harlech, Wales, and Mr. Broome, Manchester, in quest of certain hepatics, September, 1912. Mr. Needham conducted them to a place where he knew two of them were to be found along with many others he had not investigated. They gather- ed freely, and in December sent him the results of their examination which pleased him very much, for about half-a- dozen were additions to our flora. Mr. Needham was a convincing type of what an untrained hard working man may achieve in the study of nature by per- severance and close application. He was interred at Birchcliffe Baptist Church, on Thursday, July 17th, 1913.—CHAs. CROSSLAND. S310 Besides the Secretary’s Reports, Lists of Officers, etc., the Proceedings or the Cleveland Naturalists’ Field Club, 1910-1911, edited by the Rev. J. C. Fowler, and just published, contain illustrated obituary notices of the late T. M. Fallow and Henry Simpson; notes on local ecclesiastical antiquities by the late T. M. Fallow, the Rev. C. V. Collier and Mr. P. Huntington ; borings in Kildale Carrs by the late Rev. J. Hawell; Cleve- land Lichens by Mr. F. Elgee ; Cleveland Lepidoptera, by Mr. T. A. Loft- house, and Cleveland Coleoptera, by Mr. M. L. Thompson. This part commences a new volume, and is an improvement upon its predecessors. It would be an advantage if the Proceedings had been lettered on the back. * He was on the Halifax syllabus for a talk on Hepatics, Sept. 8th next. Naturalist, 299 YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS AT STAMFORD BRIDGE, (PLATE XV.). TYPICALLY rural are the surroundings of the historical village of Stamford Bridge which the Union had chosen for the oc- casion of their two hundred and forty-sixth meeting. The attendance was particularly good, fourteen of the affiliated ‘Societies being represented. Though not offering any striking geological features, the geologists under the able guidance of Mr. J. W. Stather, F.G.S., journeyed to High Catton and there examined sections of the morainic materials well exposed in several gravel pits. For the general body of naturalists there was much favourable working ground, and with Mr. S. H. Smith as guide, they spent a profitable time along the left bank of the River Derwent, in Aldby Park, and particularly in Buttercrambe Woods. Headquarters were at the Bay Horse Hotel, where, after tea, the usual meeting was held, with the President of the Union, Mr. Harold Wager, F.R.S., occupying the chair. Sectional reports were given, and thanks accorded to Major W. H. Collins for permission to visit his estate, to the guides, and to Mr. Wm. Hewett for making the local arrange- ments. VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY.—Mr. Sydney H. Smith writes :— Mr. George Hall, the head-keeper on the Aldby Park estate, accompanied us, and assisted admirably in helping to make the excursion most successful. He informed me that on June 4th and 5th he saw a rough legged buzzard in Buttercrambe Wood. It was feeding upon the caterpillars of the oak-eggar moth that were dropping in large numbers from an oak tree. This is contrary to all accepted information as to the food of this species. Mr. Hall is very familiar with these birds, having shot them on the moors at Grantley. It was pleasing to hear that the buzzard left the neighbourhood without molestation. Attempts were made to obtain photographs of the fine herd of fallow deer in Aldby Park, but without much success. There were several newly-born fawns. The following is a list of the species observed upon the excursion :— Mammals.—Fallow Deer (an introduced species), Fox, Otter, Stoat, Weasel, Hedgehog, Brown Rat, Water Vole, Hare, Rabbit, Mole, Squirrel, Short-Tailed Field Vole, Noctule and Pipistrelle Bat. Birds.—In the brick pits near the village were the Coot, Moorhen, Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler, Willow Wren. The marshy ground below ‘ Battle Flatts’ affords a harbourage for Redshank, Green Plover, etc. In the woods and adjoining district were Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Redbreast, 1913 Aug. I. 300 Yorkshire Naturalists at Stamford Bridge. Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Hedge Accentor, Long Tailed. Tit, Blue “Prt; Greeper, Wren, Pied) Waprail, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Lesser Redpoll, Linnet, Bullfinch, Yellow Bunting, Reed Bunting, Skylark, Starling, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, Hooded Crow, Swift, Great Spotted Wood- pecker, Cuckoo, Sparrow Hawk, Kestrel, Mute Swan, Mallard, Teal, Turtle Dove, Ringdove, Pheasant, Partridge, Landrail, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Woodcock, Snipe, Redshank. Reptiles and Amphibia.—Toad, Frog, Great Warty Newt, and Smooth Newt. Fish.—The River Derwent is well stocked with fish, and the neighbourhood of Stamford Bridge enjoys a good reputation among ‘brothers of the angle.’ On this occasion were seen the Brown Trout, Pike, Chub, Roach, Dace, During the ex- cursion Mr. Denison Roebuck and I caught a ten spined stickleback, a species I have not previously taken here. Close to Buttercrambe Bridge a magnificent Chub was found. floating dead in the water, which is the largest Chub I have seen up to the present in the flesh, and the weight was estimated at from 7 lbs. to 7} lbs. I submitted two scales from this specimen to Mr. P. D. Malloch of Perth. He states that the number of rings on the scales proves the fish to have been twenty years of age. Botany.—Mr. W. Ingham, B.A., writes :—Most of the botanists took the left bank of the River Derwent as far as Buttercrambe Bridge and locks. Close by Stamford Bridge the dominant plants are two grasses bordering the edge of the stream, viz., the Reed Meadow Grass (Glyceria aquatica) and the Reed Grass (Phalaris arundinacea). Farther along the river the dominant plant is the Great Hairy Willow Herb, a sub-dominant being a very fine growth up to five feet high of the Hemlock. Interspersed among the above are the Yellow Rocket, the Water Rocket, Valerian, Yellow Loosestrife, Mugwort, Tansy, Throatwort or Great Bellflower, Floating. Persicaria, Marsh Woundwort, and the Water Fig- wort, the last plant very tall and with stems as thick as a walk- ing-stick. Extending in a long straight line on the opposite side of the river is a little forest of the Common Rush, with stems also appearing as thick as a walking-stick. In the ditch by the side of the river the dominant plant is the Hemp Agri- mony, and interspersed are the Skull-cap, Meadow Rue, Meadow Crane’s-bill, Marsh Bed-straw, and the Great Hedge Bedstraw. In wet places were the Yellow Iris, Water-Violet, and the Marsh Club-Rush. Floating in the river were the large-leaved Shining Pond- Naturalist, THE NATURALIST, 1973. PLATE XV. Photo by] [Sydney H. Smith. Buttercrambe Mill. Photo by] [Sydney H. Smith. The Lock. Buttercrambe. ; es al ee | ") oe Rc a wee G th) Sa - i Anrine eee prices s ales o ete. Yorkshire Naturalists at Stamford Bridge. 301 weed, the grass-like Fennel-leaved Pondweed, and the Yellow Water-lily. On the mud and partly in the river were the rare Water- Rocket and the Flowering-Rush. Near Aldby Lock were the Thyme-leaved Sandwort, Common Sowthistle, Mare’s-tail, and the Great Branched Bur- reed. Passing through Aldby Park, we saw the Dogwood and the Rose-bay Willow Herb. Buttercrambe Woods proved a happy hunting ground. Here two of the Fern tribe are exceedingly well-developed, the Male Fern and the Bracken. In one part was a fine growth of the Lady Fern, Spiny-Buckler-Fern, Broad Prickly-toothed Fern, Oak Fern, and the Beech Fern. On the partly dried bed of a pool were two fine compact masses of the Narrow-leaved Cotton-grass, accompanied by abundance of Bog-bean, the Marsh Cinquefoil, and the stately Cyperus-like Sedge. In another pool was abundance of the Great Reed Mace, commonly called the Bulrush, with many spikes gone to seed. On another piece of marshy ground were a few interesting plants, the All-Seed or Flax Seed, Bog St. John’s Wort (both found by Mr. Cheetham), Creeping St. John’s Wort, and the Bog Pimpernel. During the excursion three other St. John’s Worts were seen, viz., the Hairy St. John’s Wort, Perforated St. John’s Wort, and the Marsh St. John’s Wort. A fine specimen of the Marsh Lousewort was seen in the wood. Near the keeper’s House is a very large mass of Honeysuckle which was all in the yellow or second stage of its life-history. The most interesting plant was shown by Mr. Mennell who found it some time ago, although it had been previously known for some time by certain members of the Friends’ School, York, This plant is the Interrupted Club Moss (Lycopodium annott- num), the rarest of all our Club Mosses. On this occasion the solitary sessile clubs or spore spikes were seen on a few plants. The Buttercrambe Woods plant also agrees with a specimen I have from the Dovrefjeld, Norway. It is hoped that those who know the habitat of this rare Club Moss will protect it as much as possible. MossEs AND HEpaAtics.— Hepatics :—The only species seen are of the thalloid kind. These were Conocephalus conicus, Lunularia cruciata and Pellia epiphylia, the two former reported by Mr. Cheetham after the meeting. Sphagna or Peat Mosses.—In the wood were three species at least, S. cymbifolium, S. acutifolium and S. squarrosum of very fine growth near the Cotton grass habitat. True Mosses.—The dominant feature in the wood was Leucobryum glaucum. Some of the tufts were loose on the 1913 Aug. I. 302 Yorkshire Naturalists at Stamford Bridge. ground and rounded into various shapes, some being exactly circular in outline. In past years this moss grew to such a size or Strensall Common that Wilson, the great bryologist, mistook them at a distance for sheep. Other mosses seen on this occasion were Barbula cylindrica, Eurhynchium rusciforme, Fontinalis anti- pyretica, Brachythecoum rutabulum, Tortula muralis, and Grimmia pulvinata, all at the Lock. In the marshy ground in the wood where the Bog Pimpernel erows, Mr. Cheetham detected a small tuft of the rare moss, Bryum erythrocarpum—a new record for Buttercrambe Woods. The writer found this moss in abundant fruit on Strensall Common on roth August, 1906. On the muddy banks of the Derwent the Alga, Botrydiwm granulatum was frequently seen. This also occurs on the side of a pond near Skipwith Church. Both these habitats are in the East Riding. By the roadside near Stamford Bridge the dried-up bed of a shallow pool was carpeted with the moss Hypnum aduncum var. tutermedium, all brown and golden in colour. MycoLtocy.—Mr. W. N. Cheesman, J.P., writes :—Messrs. A. E. Peck, Fowler Jones, and the writer, proceeded on arrival to Buttercrambe Woods, where the day was spent. The dry condition on entering was somewhat disappointing, but on nearing the moist places along the lake side the collecting proved quite satisfactory, and a total of 60 species was the result. Some attention was directed to the species of fungi injurious to forest trees, three of which were somewhat conspicuous by the havoc they had wrought, viz. :— Dasyscypha calycina causing the Larch disease. Polyporus betulinus destroying the Birch trees. Armillaria mellea killing several species of deciduous ihees.:, No sporophores of the last-named were observed but the black cord-like mycelium (rhizomorphs) between bark and wood on fallen trees gave unmistakable evidence of the foe. Several other parasitic fungi (Polyporus hispidus on ash, Hirnoela Auricula-judae on elder, Polystictus abietinus on Pinus sylvestris, Bulgaria polymorpha on oak, etc.) were seen flourish- ing without any apparent inconvenience to the host plants. A fine sporophore of Lenzites betulina was found on alder with the hymenium surface in pores and gills, showing its inter- mediate position between the Agaricine and the Polyporee. The odour of Ithyphallus impudicus was strongly in evidence in the moist parts of the woods, and at the meeting a collection of specimens was passed round showing the plant in all stages from the egg-shape beginning to the mature form then deodour- ised. Notable amongst the Mycetozoa was an abundant growth Naturalist, Yorkshire Naturalists at Stamford Bridge. 303 of the rare Amaurochete fuliginosa on felled pine logs showing all gradations of growth from the cream coloured plasmodium rising into strawberry-like ethalia turning pink, then crimson, eventually to sooty black. These colour transitions have not hitherto been noted by writers on these organisms and it is pleasing to record this phase in the life history of these strange plant-animals. BASIDIOMYCETES. ASCOMYCETES. . Dasyscypha virginea. Amanitopsis fulva. el calvcina. Collybta platyphylla. i hvalina. » tenecella. Sphaevospora asperior. Mycena galericulata. Lachnea scutellata. » haematopoda. ie umbrorum. Lactarius rufus. Orbilia leucostigma var. xantho- Se subdulcis. stigma. Russula lepida. Chlovosplenium aervuginosum. ” mustelina. Mollisia cinerea. ” cyanoxantha. Bulgaria polymorpha. Mavasmius epiphyllus. Exoascus turgidus. Lenzites betulina. Hypoxylon cohaereus. Pluteus cevvinus. Polyporus squamosus. MyYcETozoa. » betulinus. Physarum nutans. ” hispidus. Cratevium minutum. ” chioneus, Leocarpus vernicosus. Fomes annosus. Didymium difforme. Polystictus versicolor. ye squamulosum. ae abtietinus. Stemonitis fusca. ie perennis. Comatricha nigra. Pavia collgsa. Enerthenema papillatum. ; Amaurochaete fuliginosa. ” Paporaria. Reticularia Lycoperdon. Odontia fimbriata. Lycogala epidendrum. Thelephora laciniata. Trichia persimilis. Steveum hirsutum. PF scabra. a sanguinolentum. ” ggg ed Hi Tenet oan +e decipiens. wyneola auvicula-jude. Bouin. Ithyphallus impudicus. Mveuria Gen udata. Cyathus striatus. Perichaena corticalis. Portia callosa and Hypoxylon cohaerens have each only one previous record for Yorkshire. CONCHOLOGY.—This Section was represented by Mr. W. Denison Roebuck, who writes :—The route was at first up the left bank of the Derwent, in division York S.E. Bythinia tentaculata was not uncommon in the still reaches of the river and a fine example of Acroloxus lacustris was found on a floating leaf of Polygonum amphibium. Among Sweet-Flags was Succinea putris in abundance, and in the axils of the leaves occurred Agriolimax levis and young A. agrestis. In the coppices occurred juvenile examples of Helix nemoralis, and I913 Aug. I. 304 Yorkshire Naturalists at Stamford Bridge. Helicigona arbustorum taken by Dr. W. G. Fordham. AHy- grvomia hispida was not uncommon, and the still reaches of the river towards Aldby Bridge, yielded Bythinia tentaculata, Planorbis vortex, Pl. albus and abundance of young Spherium corneum, and Mr. Bellerby found a fine adult example of Helix hortensis var. lutea of the unusual band-formula 10345. Near the Lock a tree trunk turned over yielded no fewer than five different species of slugs, Limax arborum, Agriolimax agrestis, A. levis, A. intermedius, and A. circumscriptus. At Aldby Bridge the party crossed over into North East Yorkshire, and were guided by the head-keeper through Aldby Park and Buttercrambe Moor Woods. On this part of the route was found H. arbustorum. Mr. Greevz Fysher and Mr. A. Smith found abundance of Helicella cantiana, and Mr. R. Fowler Jones brought Avion ater var. plumbea and fine examples of A. subfuscus var. rufofusca. Mr. A. Smith has observed, on the North Riding side of the district, Hyalinia cellaria, Helix hortensis var. lutea 00000, and lutea 12345 arenicola, and H. nemoralis var. lbellula 10345 and carnea 10345, all at Stamford Bridge ; H. nemoralis v. olivacea 00000 and 00300 (the band being the faintest trace) from the gamekeeper’s cottage on Buttercrambe Moor ; Hyalinia mitidula and H. crystallina on pieces of stick in Buttercrambe Moor Wood; Zonitoides nitidus common on the bottom of a dried-up pond at Strensall; and Limnea peregra from Strensall pond. Mr. Smith also noted that he had not particularly worked the ponds on Buttercrambe Moor except near the sides, where he has taken Limnea glabra and small Bythinia tentaculata. L. peregra swarms in these ditches and Succinea putris is plentiful on the Great Water Plantain. Valvata cristata and Limnea truncatula are very common. On the roadsides about Stamford Bridge he has found Helix nemoralis, H. hortensis, H. aspersa, Helicella cantiana, Hy- gromia rufescens, H. hispida, Pyramidula rotundata, Vallonia pulchella, Ena obscura, Vitrina pellucida, Clausilia bidentata, Cochlicopa lubrica, Carychium minimum, etc. (To be continued). —:0:— Mr. W. G. Fearnsides, of Cambridge, has been appointed to the Sorby Chair of Geology, Sheffield. Mr. P. F. Kendall junior, Assistant Curator of the Zoological Museum of the University of Sheffield, has been appointed Lecturer in Zoology and Geo!ogy to the South-Eastern Agricultural College at Wye. We regret to record the death of Dr. P. L. Sclater, F.R.S., at the age of 84. He was elected secretary to the Zoological Society in 1859 and held the post till 1902. His zoological work was well-known, and he was one of the pioneers of the modern science of geographical distribution. Naturalist, 395 NOTES ON THE BLUE-GREEN ALG&, mitt A. KEY TO THE.SPECIES OF OSCILLA- TORIA AND PHORMIDIUM. HAROLD WAGER, F.R.S. THE Blue-green Alge (Cyanophycee, Myxophycee or Schizo- phycee) form a group of plants which resemble the green Algee in some respects, but are sharply differentiated from them in the structure of the cell. They are characterized by the presence of a bluish purple colouring matter called phyco- cyanin which is contained in the cells in addition to the ordinary chlorophyll. This colouring matter is soluble in water, and can be easily extracted by allowing the plants to stand in water for some time, or better, by placing them in water to which a few drops of chloroform have been added. The constitution of the colouring matter is unknown. The plants vary in colour from a bright blue-green to reddish purple, violet, dark green, or even black, according to the amount of phycocyanin present. The darker colouring is found mainly in plants growing in a shady situation, the lighter colours, as a rule, in those growing more in the light. It has been found possible to vary the intensity of the colour by growing a given species under different light conditions and under various light filters. The cell structure of these plants is much simpler than that of the green alge and other plants. In most cases two distinct regions can be recognized in the protoplasm, a central clear region commonly known as the central body and a peripheral region in which the colouring matters are contained. Both show a reticulate or vesicular structure and both contain deeply stainable granules. The staining reactions of the central body show that it possesses some of the characteristics of a nucleus, but its structure is much simpler than the nucleus of the higher plants. The peripheral area gives the staining reaction of cytoplasm. Among the granules present three distinct kinds can be recognized. In the central body chro- matin granules, recognized by their reaction to nuclear stains and by the fact that they are found to contain phosphorus, are found, together with bright refringent granules easily seen in the living cell, which stain a reddish blue in a solution of methylene blue and which are known as metachromatin granules. In the peripheral area, and especially on the trans- verse walls, there are bright refringent granules, visible in the living cell, and easily differentiated by the bright red colour which they take in a solution of carmine. These are cyanophycin granules. The function of the metachromatin and cyano- I913 Aug. I. - 306 Notes on the Blue-green Alga, etc. phycin granules is unknown, but they are probably composed of some kind of reserve substance which is produced as a result of the cell activities. The cyanophycin granules fre- quently occur in a double row, one on each side of the trans- verse walls in the filamentous form of the blue-green alge, and are especially characteristic of certain species. The chlorophyll is contained in the peripheral layer of the cell protoplasm, never in the central body, but the outline of this body is frequently irregular, and the peripheral chloro- phyll layer in contact with it takes the same irregular outline. The peripheral layer is sometimes regarded as a chromato- phore, but the evidence for this is not satisfactory, and my own observations do not support this view. The chlorophyll appears to be lodged in the meshes of the network or foamlike structure of the cytoplasm and frequently presents the appear- ance of minute granules. This may, however, be an optical illusion caused by the small size of the cytoplasmic meshes, the different layers of which, some being in focus and others not, when seen one behind the other, may present a granular appearance similar to what is observed in a very fine oil emulsion. The cell contents are sometimes vacuolate, but not usually so, in healthy trichomes. It is only when the cells are old and in various stages of decay, and in certain floating forms, that vacuoles appear. The protoplasm is in all cases surrounded by a cell membrane. This can be made distinctly visible by placing the plants in a chemical reagent, such as a 30 per cent. solution of chromic acid, which dissolves or destroys the protoplasm. The mem- brane does not give the reaction for cellulose, but is coloured strongly by various aniline dyes, and is probably related to cutin. A mucilaginous layer is frequently present outside the cell wall. In the filamentous forms the mucilaginous layer forms a sheath which is usually firm and leathery in Lyngbya, usually diffluent or mucous-like in Phormidium and some other forms. It differs in its chemical reactions from the cell wall surrounding the protoplast, being composed of a substance similar to cellulose. It is largely soluble in chromic acid and in strong sulphuric acid. The sheath can be rendered visible by staining in safranin and in iodine reagents, such as chlor-zinc-iodide, in which it often takes a blue colour. In the classification of the blue-green alge the sheath is used for the primary separation into families. I have found glycogen in the cells of all the blue-green algze which I have examined, including species from all the families and from a considerable number of genera, Nostoc, Scytonema, Oscillatoria, Lyngbya, Phormidium, Gleocapsa, Naturalist, Notes on the Blue-green Algae, etc. 307 Tolypothrix, etc. It occurs usually in the peripheral layers of the cell, but is sometimes also encountered in the central body. The glycogen takes the place of starch, and appears to be a product of photosynthesis. It is not found in the absence of light or carbon dioxide, and the amount present varies when the plants are grown under different coloured light-filters, being greatest under orange and red, much less under blue- violet, and still less under green-coloured filters. Cell division takes place by the formation of a new cell wall across the middle of the cell. This begins first of all by the formation, on the lateral wall, of a peripheral ring, which gradually grows inwards. The cell then increases in length, and both central body and. peripheral cytoplasm become elongated. As the new cell wall grows it gradually brings about a constriction of the cytoplasm and central body, until they are finally completely divided into two parts. A continuity of protoplasm has been observed in some forms from cell to cell, as in higher plants, so that the protoplasts of a trichome are all connected with one another. In some cases I have observed that prolongations of the central bodies themselves are continued from one cell to another, and in Cylindrospermum a single deeply-staining strand extends through the cell wall from one cell to the next. In many cases cell division goes on so rapidly that the daughter cells begin to divide before they are fully separated, and in some cases a second and even a third division begins before the first cell wall is completed. I have observed in one cell as many as seven new cell walls in various stages of development. Reproduction takes place in the unicellular forms by simple division, or by the formation of spores. In the filamentous forms reproduction takes place by means of portions of the trichome, consisting of one or more cells which become separated from the rest and ultimately develop into new trichomes or filaments. Sexual methods of reproduction have, so far, not been discovered in any members of the group. CLASSIFICATION. The Blue-green Algz are primarily divided into two orders, (1) the Coccogonez, consisting mainly of unicellular plants, either free or surrounded by a layer of mucilage derived from the cell-wall, and sometimes forming groups or colonies of cells in a common mucilaginous matrix, to which such forms as Gleocapsa, Chroococcus, Gloeothece, etc., belong, and (2) the Hormogoneez, to which the filamentous forms Oscillatoria, Phormidium, Lyngbya, Nostoc, etc., belong. Some of the filamentous forms are surrounded by a mucil- aginous sheath, which is more or less distinctly visible under natural conditions; in others the sheath is absent. 1913 Aug. T. 308 Notes on the Blue-green Algae, etc. There are six well-marked families in the Hormogonez, (x) Oscillatoriaceee, (2) Nostocacez, (3) Scytonemaceze, (4) Stigonemacee, (5) Rivulariacee, (6) Camptotrichacee, and two in the Coccogonee. The Oscillatoriaceze contain a large number of species very widely distributed and frequently met with, belonging especially to the genera Oscillatoria, Phormidium, and Lyngbya. The primary distinctive characteristic of these three genera is the presence or absence of a gelatinous sheath. In Oscillatoria the sheath is absent; in the other two genera it is present, well-marked in Lyngbya, but usually not so well marked in Phornidium. Many species of this genus have a sheath which is so thin and transparent or diffluent that it is not easily made out without staining reagents, and it is extremely difficult, therefore, to differentiate them from species of Oscillatoria which they much resemble in other respects. In order to obviate this difficulty to some extent, and to allow of a more rapid preliminary diagnosis, I have for many years made use of a key for the species of these two genera, which is drawn up © in a purely artificial manner, and is based mainly upon the structure of the trichome as given in Gomont’s monograph*. The sheath is only used as a distinguishing feature when there can be no doubt of its visibility under the microscope. As I have found this key extremely useful, I have now made it more complete by the addition of references from De Toni’s “Sylloge Algarum ’+ and from Josephine Tilden’s monographt on the Myxophycee of North America, and venture to publish it, together with the more important characteristics of each species as given by Gomont and Tilden, in the hope that it may be useful to others. For a general account of the various families and genera of the Myxophycee the reader should consult Professor G. S. West’s treatise on British Freshwater Alge.§ References to some of the Yorkshire species will be found in ‘The Alge-Flora of Yorkshire,’ by W. and G. S. West, published by the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union in 1r90T.|| (To be continued). * Gomont, ‘ Monographie des Oscillariees.. Ann. des Sci. Nat. Bot., 1893. + J. B. De Toni, ‘ Sylloge Algarum,’ Vol. 5 (‘ Sylloge Myxophycearum Omnium Hucusque Cognitarum,’ by Achilles Forti, 1907). t Josephine Tilden, ‘ Minnesota Alge’ (Vol. 1, ‘ The Myxophycez of North America and Adjacent Regions, including Central America, Green- land, Bermuda, the West Indies, and Hawaii.’ Report of the Survey, Botanical Series VIII., Minneapolis, 1910). § G. S. West, ‘ A Treatise on the British Freshwater Alge.’ Cambridge University Press, 1904. || Botanical Transactions of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, Vol. 5. Leeds, I901. Naturalist, Pee INS & DONCASTER, sa N ATURALISTS, _ Po 36, STRAND, LONDON, W.c. . AS . hey (Five Doors from, Charing Cross), ied : +; Keep in stock every description of ~~ oa ee e APPARATUS, CABINETS, BOOKS, AND SPECIMENS: a wes for Collectors of BIRDS’ EGGS, BUTTERFLIES, MOTHS, ETC. Catalogue (96 pages) sent post free on application. THE LOST TOWNS OF THE YORKSHIRE COAST _And other Chapters bearing upon the . Geography of the District. By THOMAS SHEPPARD, F.G.S., F.R.G.S., F.S.A.(Scot.). 352 pages Demy S8vo, with over 100 illustrations. Cloth Boards, 7/6 net. A new Volume which contains much valuable information in reference to the various towns and villages which have dis- appeared by the encroaches of the sea. It is also profusely llustrated by plans, engravings, etc., of the district, including many which are published for the first time. There are also chapters on the changes in the Humber; new land; Spurn; the geological structure of the district ; natural history; etc., etc. LONDON: A. BROWN & SONS, Limited, 5 Farringdon Avenue, E.C. Issued Monthly, illustrated with Plates and Text Figures THE ENTOMO LOGIST’S MONTH LY To Subscribers, 6s. per annum; Post Free, 6s. 6d. MAGAZINE. The Scottish Naturalist with which is incorporated PRICE SIXPENCE MONTHLY. ‘“«The Annals of Scottish Natural History ’’ Edited by G. C. Ch Pe, Gre vonie e ree ets are Cond! A Monthly Magazine devoted to Zoology W.W. 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Pondorr Edinburgh : OLIVER & BOYD, Tweedale Court 5 Lond.: GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 Paternoster Row ‘Their Natural History. and Origin. s —— By FRANK ELGEE, F.G.S. - 377 pages Demy 8v0, Cloth Boards, Gilt Top, with two large coloured maps, numerous text diagrams and maps, 39 photographic plates, 1 coloured plate, and folding geological section. Price baie net. ; This work is the first of its kind in the English language, and deals not. oar a _ with the various problems presented by the special area of which it treats, butalso _ _ with the origin of moors, of the Red Grouse, of moorland floras, and other subjects ; at interest to naturalists and sportsmen. _ Yorkshire Moors and Dales | A Description of the North Yorkshire Moors . together with Essays and Tales, By - ALFRED. 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AND AT HULL AND YORK, | a ame ee a SS SS SS A TE Printed at BROwns’ SAVILE PRESS, 40, George Street, Hull, and published by A. Brown & Sons, Limited, at 5 Farringdon Avenue, in the City of London. August 1st, 1913. Y * my ’ Bh rat ae | he (Ne. 457 of eurrent series). ; r = f % % A MONTHLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF Bitte, _ NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND. | 2 eh 82 “ EDITED BY Pies Be Q T. SHEPPARD, F.G.S., F.R.G.S., F.S.A.Scot., ae eae . : THE Museums, Hutt; a aXe ay i: AND <2 Va) i , ty | T. W. WOODHEAD, Ph.D., F.L.S., An Aah 2 ees TECHNICAL CoLLeGE, HUDDERSFIELD, + ites WITH THE ASSISTANCE AS REFEREES IN SPECIAL DEPARTMENTS OF te J. GILBERT BAKER, F.R.S. F.L.S., GEO. T. PORRITT, F.L.S., F.E.S rt i Prof. P. F. KENDALL, M.Sc., F.G.S., JOHN W. TAYLOR, yr T. H. NELSON, M.B.O.U., WILLIAM WEST, F.L.S., fh. al ats RILEY FORTUNE, F.Z.S. “ ¥ a nn x Contents :— : PAGE _ Notes and Comments:—Q.J.G.S.; The Bootle Museum; Entomological Records; Present , Knowledge of Protura; A Folk Museum for England ; Open-Air Museums; The Crystal Palace; The Age of the Earth; Public Utility of Museums; Classification of Igneous Rocks ; Evolution of the Arrow; The Mineralogical Magazine; Foraminifera; The Origin of Life ; Eozoon canadense; The Selby Museum ... ee apr ep a Ne ... 309-414 Abnormal Flowers of the Foxglove (Illustrated)—Ethel M. Poulton, M.Sc. ... BEALS ... 815-318 _ Yorkshire Naturalists at Stamford Bridge—W.E.L.W. aus 52 i se ... 319-320 Field Notes :—Three House-Martins building one Nest ; Strangers at the Farnes ; Decrease in thé number of Starlings ; The Ribbon Fish Ae aA ae oe ae fat tse OAL eee Yorkshire Naturalists at Great Ayton (Illustrated)—W.E.L.W. ... Be Se a4 A > LIST OF YORKSHIRE LEPIDOPTERA. By G. T. PORRITT, F.L.S., F.E.S. ba : The First Edition of this work was published in 1883, and contained particulars of 1840 species of Macro- and Micro-Lepidoptera known to-inhabit the ‘county of York. The Second Edition, with Supplement _ contains much new information which has been Searrntaeel by the author, including over 50 additional species, together with copious notes on variation (particularly melanism), &c. rie In progress, issued tn Annual Parts, 8vo. ie 4 - TRANSACTIONS OF THE YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS’ UNION. ne iE The Transactions include papers in all departments of the Yorkshire Fauna and Flora, and are issued in _ separately-paged series, devoted each to a special subject. The Parts already published are sold to the publi¢ as follows (Members are entitled to 25 per cent. discount): Part 1 (1877), 2/3; 2 (1878), 1/9; 3 (1878), 1/6; 4 (1879), Q/-; 5 (1880), 2/-; 6 (1881), 2/-; 7 (1882), 2/6; 8 (1883), 2/6; 9 (1884), 2/9; 10 (1885), 1/6; 11 (1885), 2/6; 12 (1886), 2/6; 18 (1887), 2/6; 14 (1888), 1/9; 15 (1889), 2/6; 16 (1890), 2/6; 17 (1891), 2/6; 18 (1892), 1/9; 19 (1893), 9d. ; 20 (1894), 5/-; 21 (1895), 1/-; 22 (1896), 1/3; 28 (1897), 1/3; 24 (1898), 1/-; 25 (1899), 1/9; 26 (1900), 5/-; 27 (1901), 2/-; 28 (1902), 1/3; 29 (1902), 1/-; 30 (1903), 2/6; 31 (1904), 1/-; 82 (1905), 7/6; 383 (1906), 5/- ; 34 (1908), 2/6. a! THE BIRDS OF YORKSHIRE. By T. H. NELSON, M.B.O.U., WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S. M.B.O.U.,and F. BOYES. 2 Vols., Demy 8vo 25/= net. ; Demy 4to 42/- net. id Annotated List of the LAND and FRESHWATER MOLLUSCA KNOWN TO INHABIT YORK- ‘ SHIRE. By JOHN W. TAYLOR, F.L.S., and others. Also in course of publication in the Trans- actions. ¥iel THE YORKSHIRE CARBONIFEROUS FLORA. By ROBERT KIDSTON, F.R.S.E., F.G.S. Parts 14, 18, 19, 21, &c., of Transactions. ; ne LIST OF YORKSHIRE COLEOPTERA. By Rev. W.C. HEY,.