Page:The Zoologist, 1st series, vol 1 (1843).djvu/104

76 the middle of the day last summer.—Robert John Bell; Mickleover House, near Derby, January 19, 1843.

Note on the early incubation of Birds. The extraordinary mildness of the present season has brought forth many of the spring flowers; even the birds have anticipated their usual period of incubation. A nest of the hedge-accentor, with eggs, was taken at Eashing last week, and a pair of carrion crows have recently built a nest at Wintersale Park, the seat of Geo. Barrett, Esq.—J.D. Salmon; Godalming, January 9, 1843.

Note on the early Nests of the Sparrow. On the 20th of December last was found at Darley-abbey, Derby, the nest of the sparrow (Passer domesticus) with four eggs; and on the 22nd of February, 1842, I also observed one building its nest in the spout of the schoolroom at the same place.—Robert John Bell; Mickleover-house, near Derby, January 19, 1843.

Note on the occurrence of the Black-cap in January. I have much pleasure in forwarding for 'The Zoologist' the following interesting and singular fact in Ornithology. On Friday, the 20th of January, 1843, I had brought to me by a gentleman a fine male specimen of that sweet and melodious bird of song, the black-cap warbler (Curruca atricapilla, Bech.), which had been caught on the 18th instant in a common bird-trap baited with apple, in the township of St. John in Bedwardine, near the city of Worcester. The usual time for this bird's appearance is towards the latter end of April or beginning of May, as the seasons are late or early; when, on the summit of some tree in our gardens, it will frequently greet us with its clear and well-defined notes.—G. Reece; Museum, Foregate St., Worcester, January 20, 1843.

[No migration of this species could have taken place, and we presume it must have been a bird hatched too late to leave us with his kindred.—Ed.]

''Note on the late departure of Swallows, &c. in'' 1842. Owing to the mildness of the season the swallows have remained late. I shot a specimen of Hirundo rustica on the 9th of November; it was a young bird, and without the long tail-feathers. This was the last swallow 1 saw, but the house-martin continued with us in tolerable plenty until the end of November; and I saw two on the 5th and one on the 9th of December.—Robert C.R. Jordan; Teignmouth, January 17, 1843.

Note on the late departure of Swallows in 1842. The swallows