Page:The Zoologist, 1st series, vol 4 (1846).djvu/84

1250 haps it will contribute to the better understanding of the distinction between the spe- cies if I describe it. About an inch and a half from the beak the trachea is abruptly contracted or pinched in, from its formerly cylindrical form. This contraction extends for about half an inch, whence it resumes its former shape till within four inches (or thereabouts according to the state of extension of the trachea) of the bronchial tubes, where it is more gradually enlarged and flattened, for about an inch and a half, whence it regains its cylindrical form, and maintains it to the parting oflf of the bronchial tubes. — H.T. Frere; Aylsham, January 29th, 1846.

Norfolk Swan-fatting. — I may add, though it is not strictly ornithological, one or two points to Mr. Yarrell's account of Norfolk swan-fatting. The proprietor sends to be fatted either two lean swans on condition of receiving one fat one, or a swan and a guinea. After most of the swans have been sent for, till perhaps there are not above half-a-dozen left, these are killed, as so small a number will not feed sufiiciently, they will only fat in flocks. If you get one at Norwich the expense is this, — Lean swan, one guinea; fatting the swan, one guinea; dressing the swan, one guinea; cook's customary fee, one guinea ; — so that it costs four guineas, and when done is nearly as good as a goose: experto crede.—H.T. Frere ; Aylsham, January 29th, 1846.

The Oil-Gland.—

"Will any naturalist declare that he has actually seen a bird procure liquor, or oil, or whatever else you choose to call it, from the gland with its bill, and then apply that liquor or oil to the plumage?" Thus writes one who has written but too little, our own Waterton. I will declare that I have seen a bird so act. I have a tame magpie ; on the evening of the 16th ult. I was writing under a powerful gas-light and the bird was on my left wrist ; it presently began to preen its feathers, and ever and anon it applied its bill to the oil-gland, and I most distinctly saw a matter, a liquid, shining on its back, wings, and breast, in little palettes, looking as if one had taken a feather and placed a small quantity of oil over the various parts of its plumage. Again, quoting from " Nature's true son, the friend of man and truth," who asks "How is the head and part of the neck to be supplied with oil?" I answer thus, — after having applied its bill to the nipple many times and deposited the oil on the surface of its plumage, (for it merely ran its bill on the outside), it again pressed the gland, and immediately began to scratch the point of its bill with its left claw, and without placing that foot down, directly scratched its head all over the left side. Again pressing the gland, it did precisely the same to the right side. I do not declare that by the action of scratch- ing it transferred the liquor from the bill to the claw and thence to the head, because I cannot prove it, the action being so quick : let it speak for itself. I as firmly believe it did so, as that it was there and then present before me. Many are the times that I have seen it do this ; and more are the times that I have seen the liquid on its fea- thers immediately after it had pressed the gland ; I too have seen the liquid, but not often, on the sides of its bill. If any doubt this let them come here, and each day they may see what I have stated. After having compressed the gland and carried its bill