Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 2 (1898).djvu/461

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The Mammalia of Hampshire.— I am collecting information concerning the Mammalia of Hampshire, and should be grateful to any of your correspondents who could help me, especially with regard to the Bats, of which we claim eleven species, and the Cetacea (eight species), the Polecat, Marten, Black Rat, and Roebuck.— (Milton Rectory, Lymington).

Swallow v. Flycatcher's Peculiar Nesting Site.—Whilst searching a certain portion of the Mendip Hills for eggs of the Corn Bunting on June 20th last, I chanced to pass close to one of the well-like excavations which are numerous in this particular locality, and perhaps date back to 1500, when these hills were searched for lead, &c. On walking round this circular excavation in the earth, edged entirely with tall bracken, I was surprised to see a Swallow (Hirundo rustica) fly up from the depths below; so, having procured from the near woods a long stout fir-pole, I slid one end down, and firmly ledged it on an opposite rock. After half an hour's steady and laborious work in 100° Fahr., I found myself eighteen feet below the surface, and not altogether in an agreeable position or condition. After closely examining my landing stage, I commenced a hasty search for the nest of my little friend the Swallow; I found it close in reach, perhaps fourteen feet from the top, fixed against the rock, and built in the ordinary way of mud, and lined with hay and feathers, and containing five young ones. The nest appeared to be one of former years, only freshly lined. Personally, I have never found a Swallow's nest in such a queer situation before. On July 19th, having to visit a Greater Spotted Woodpecker's nest close by, I again walked to the gruff-hole; getting my pole once more into position, I was much quicker at the bottom of it than on the previous occasion. Now for the surprise: a little brown bird was sitting on the Swallow's nest. I reached my hand towards her, and she disappeared out of the hole above; I immediately recognized the Spotted Flycatcher. A pair of these birds had evidently taken possession of the Swallow's nest,