Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 1 (1897).djvu/196

168 jackals and small beasts of prey than directly to forward the process of hatching, for that is often left wholly to the sun. Some thirty eggs are laid in the nest, and round it are scattered perhaps as many more, which are said to be used as food for the newly-hatched chicks."

When the zoologist reads corrections of errors which have existed up to the present time with reference to a bird with which man has had direct acquaintance for nearly half a century, he may console himself with the thought that the zoological field has not been entirely explored, and that there is still room and time for fresh discoveries and observations.— (Winchester).

Ornithological Folk-Lore.— In reply to Mr. Bird's query (p. 144), Mr. Moore ('Folk-lore of the Isle of Man,' p. 151) states:—"Some of the names" (i.e. of the "seven sleepers") "vary. Craitnag (the Bat), Cooag (the Cuckoo), Cloghan-ny-cleigh (the Stonechat), and Gollan-geayee (the Swallow), are found in all the lists; the others being Crammag (the Snail), Doallag (the Dormouse), Foilljean (the butterfly), Shellan (the Bee), Jialgheer (the Lizard), and Cadlag (the Sleeper), a mythical animal." Mr. Kermode ('Manx Note-book,' No. 4, p. 122), says:—"I have always heard that there were seven, though there seems a difference of opinion as to which were the seven. The following list I have received from a Manksman, now nearly ninety years of age, who knows every part of the island, and whose memory is good:—Foillyean (Butterfly), Shellan (Bee), Jialglheer (Lizard), Craitnag (Bat), Cooag (Cuckoo), Clogh-ny-cleigh (Stonechat), Gollan-geayee (Swallow). The Hedgehog is not included, and I fancy has no more claim than the Dormouse, which has been included by some, but which, not being a native of the island, is unlikely to have a place in any Manx tradition." The Stonechat mentioned above is probably, as elsewhere pointed out by Mr. Kermode, the Wheatear (often so called in the island), as Saxicola rubicola does not disappear in winter. It will be observed that our "seven sleepers" are not, like those of Dorset, all birds.— (Laxey, Isle of Man).

Amongst the Birds in Norfolk.— Green Sandpipers.—A pair of these birds appeared on the Haddiscoe marshes on Jan. 11th, and allowed me to get within easy shooting distance before they took wing; another of the same species appeared on Feb. 22nd. These birds somewhat frequently appear, more especially during August and September.

Golden Plover.—A specimen of this bird attracted my attention on April 4th. During January large flocks of these birds were daily feeding on the marshes, the greatest quantity I have seen during the past ten years; one flock must have numbered about a thousand.

Redshanks.—On Feb. 15th I flushed five Redshanks on the verge of