Page:The Zoologist, 1st series, vol 1 (1843).djvu/250

222 to feed on the seeds of the larch. They are generally seen in spring.—Archibald Jerdon; Boujedward, Roxburghshire, May 12, 1843.

Note on the Siskin. In March, 1841, a small party of siskins (Carduelis spinus) frequented this neighbourhood for a few days. They fed on the seeds of the alder, on small larvae concealed in the flower-buds of the elm, which they extracted with great dexterity, and on a small species of insect which abounded upon the branches of the larch, especially around the base of the leaf buds. I am no entomologist, and am therefore unable to name the insects. The siskin seems to be a lively little bird, and in this respect resembles its not very distant relation, the greenfinch. Its habits are also very analogous to those of another allied species, the lesser red-poll (Linaria minor). This is the only instance in which I ever saw the siskin; but it is most probable that it breeds somewhere either in England or Scotland, as it has been seen in the latter country in the months of May, August and September. One authenticated instance of its having bred in Kincardineshire, is recorded in the third volume of Macgillivray's 'British Birds,' which excellent work I would strongly recommend to the readers of 'The Zoologist.'— Id.

Note on a nest of the Ring-dove. In my morning rambles last spring I discovered the nest of a ring-dove placed in a young Scotch fir, about three feet from the ground, containing, to my surprise, three eggs, one of the three was much less than the other two; I mention this on account of the rare occurrence of this bird having more than two eggs.—Vivian Walmesley; Westwood House, Wigan, Lancashire, May, 1843.

Note on the occurrence of the Reed-warbler in Lancashire. It is with pleasure that I am able to make known, through your interesting magazine, the appearance of the reed-warbler (Salicaria arundinacea of Selby) in this neighbourhood. I am not aware of its occurrence farther north than Derbyshire. It is a sweet songster, and its imitative powers are truly wonderful. I shall give it every protection in my power, hoping my trouble may be amply repaid by its reappearance next spring. I am sure the like treatment to other rare species of birds in this country would be a means of their becoming regular periodical visitors, or permanent settlers.—Id.

Note on the arrival of the Summer Birds of Passage at Epping, in 1843.

The house-martins were remarkably late in their appearance here this spring, and are much less numerous than usual. The willow-wrens arrived earlier than I had ever before known them: I saw many on the 29th of March. The redstarts arrived early, and in great numbers. The whinchat, although in former years one of our most abundant visitors, for the last two or three seasons has been very scarce. I have not