Page:Midland naturalist (IA midlandnaturalis01lond).pdf/266



.—In reply to F. L. I hope to state, in our September number, my scheme for a combined examination of the Glacial Deposits of the Midland Counties, by the members of the Scientific Societies comprised in the Midland Union. In the meantime I shall be glad to receive suggestions from all who are interested in the subject.—W. J..

, so called (page 187.)—It is to be hoped that this name will not be adopted, as it will add one more to the already sufficiently long list of incorrectly formed words. Magnophone is a hybrid, the first element being derived from the Latin, and the latter from the Greek language. If it is required to invent a word which shall mean “an instrument for increasing sound,” it will be easy enough to do so. The word Megaphone has also been used; this is incorrect too; Megalophone is not liable to the same objection, and may be used if it can be accepted as expressing the required idea.—W. B. G.

.—We have just had forwarded for inspection and to report thereon a number of leaden figures, vases, &e., some of which bear the date 1OO1, and others 1010, They are evidently of the same description as those which were "sown" during the construction of the Thames Embankment, some ten or fifteen years ago, A medal of Claudius Caesar cast in brass, which accompanies them, is of rather better execution, but still is plainly enough a modern antique.—.

.—Walking through the Jermyn Street Geological Museum a few days ago I noted a remarkable addition to the ease of stone implements. This is a palæolithic implement of yellowish Hint, about three inches in length and of a type between ovate and pointed. It is still embedded in a reddish brick-earth. The accompanying label describes it as "Palaeolithic implement embedded in matrix of loam below the chalky boulder clay at Botany Bay Brickyard, Weeting, near Brandon." it was found by Mr. S. J. B. Skertchley, of the Geological Survey, As the chalky boulder clay of the eastern counties marks the height of the Glacial Period, it is evident that the finding of an implement undoubtedly wrought by human hands, beneath that boulder clay, is a satisfactory indication of the existence of man prior to or during the Glacial Period. We trust Mr. Skertehley will at no distant date make public the full details of his most interesting and important discovery.—W. J. H.

.—I do not know whether it has over been noticed by your readers that the cuckoo is extremely active previous to rain. I have frequently noticed this during the spring, and could always reckon upon rain within two hours of his singing.—, Bishop's Castle,

.—In answer to your correspondent, N., I beg to say I have many times heard the cuckoo give the note mentioned, but have always concluded that it did 30 when alarmed. The first two notes are sounded somewhat slowly and the next four very much more quickly —, Stroud.

.—The additional “Cucks” in the song of the cuckoo, mentioned by "N." in the last number of the "Midland Naturalist." are by no means uncommon, and may be heard most frequently when the bird is chasing another, or being itself chased; er sometimes—but more rarely—it appears to he uttered from very wantonness, a perfect volley of "Cuck-Cuck" being shouted out before the final "o-o."—.