Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 2 (1898).djvu/339

Rh Dyke. They simply cleared the flesh from the bones. The late Sir E. Newton, in a letter some time previous, suggested the number of broken fresh-water Mussel shells (Anodonta cygnæa) as being the work of Voles. On Sept. 12th, 1896, I examined a number at Lound, when I was led to the conclusion that the animals were actually responsible. One valve only was broken, and that always on one particular side, presumably the easier side broken. The excrement of Voles lay against every little batch of broken mollusc." On one occasion I actually observed a Vole in the daytime endeavouring to drag a Mussel up the bank, and have since received a communication from West Norfolk which clearly pointed out the Vole as partial to Crayfish. Four white examples were killed at Haddiscoe in 1892 (L. Farman).

(Lepus timidus). F.C.—Becoming yearly scarcer. I frequently observed this species on the marshes before it was excluded from the game list. Appears, however, to be rather more numerous this year than for some time past. In 1887 Mr. Last Farman shot one at Haddiscoe, almost white in colour, weighing eleven pounds. A mottled Hare caught at Horsey, Nov. 28th, 1896.

(L. cuniculus). C.—Abundant on the adjacent warrens. Prior to 1880 was frequent on the North Denes, but with the advent of rail and golfers, and the destruction of the furze, it disappeared. Prior to that date, in spring, young bucks not infrequently wandered to within the town boundary; and in the early eighties several made themselves notorious by locating in the cemetery, from which, for the sake of decency, it was found necessary to dislodge them. An earless example was taken in the neighbourhood two years ago, and is now in the Yarmouth Museum.

(Phoca vitulina). R.R.—Sir Thomas Browne mentions the killing of a Seal at Surlingham Ferry, "having continued in the river for divers months before." At that time the Salmon was undoubtedly no stranger to the Norfolk rivers. "One [Seal] weighing fourteen stone killed, March, 1822" (Pagets). Of late years Seals appear to have increased in the Wash, where they are comparatively safe from molestation, and