Page:The Zoologist, 1st series, vol 4 (1846).djvu/304

1470 in. line.

Greatest height of largest bone of sternum 5 6

Greatest breadth of ditto 4 4

years before Mr. Newman's interesting article and Mr. Jer- don's notes, drew my attention more particularly to the subject of "Partial Migration," I conjectured that such was the case with many birds, and made remarks accordingly. Scotland, ever foremost in song and science, in art and agriculture, has not allowed her natu- ral historians to remain silent upon this subject, and consequently we find that Mr. Hepburn, Mr. Jerdon, and others ate pursuing it with that zeal and ardour so characteristic of her sons, and I heartily wish them success in their pleasant labour. Of their invitation to join them in the work I gladly avail myself, and echo the wish of Mr. Hepburn, that each naturalist who contributes to the * Zoologist ' "may give the most careful attention to the habits and distribution of the birds which occur in his daily walks," and I would add, also communi- cate the result, to this, the true 'field-naturalist's journal.' I am fully aware that the accompanying list is very imperfect, but I hope at some future opportunity to compile a complete ' Fauna Melbourniensis ' for the ' Zoologist,' for which I have long been collecting materials.

Kestrel, Falco tinnunculus. This bird appears to exist in greater numbers hereabouts, in the month of February than any other, but I am inclined to think that we have no accession to them at that period, but that they come more frequently under the eye, on account of their habit of drawing closer to farms and rick-yards in search of the small birds which the severe weather brings together.

Common Dipper, Turdus Cinclus. Breeds by our mountain streams, and as winter approaches, comes down to the Trent and stays here- abouts till towards March.

Song Thrush, Turdus musicus. Flocks or parties come with the northern birds of passage, spread themselves chiefly over turnip-fields,