Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 3 (1899).djvu/298

272 Grey and Yellow species appeared earlier than usual, and during the height of the snowstorm. The Ring Ouzel seems to vary, over a series of seasons, in its date of appearance, being evidently guided by the nature of each year. These birds certainly came earlier during recent years than formerly; but they were certainly not welcomed, owing to their habit of plundering gardens, but they have probably increased since protection has been resorted to. Sandpipers seem to appear fairly near one date, viz. about the end of April. The Cuckoo was evidently early, especially when there was so little genial weather. Local circumstances govern their appearance in our immediate locality, where young wood, with abundance of insects, attracts them earlier than before. But it must be remembered that on moors here Cuckoos choose Mountain Linnets (Linota flavirostris) for foster-parents, and the offspring may be hardier and calculated to appear earlier, and remain longer than those brought up by less hardy birds. There were twos and threes flying together a few days after their first appearance, and apparently more notice was taken of them by the Twites than by other birds. It is an open question whether any recognition would occur either between the last season's young or adult Cuckoos, and those Linnets which had been foster-birds. The Wild Geese were evidently later than usual by one month to even six weeks, while the Swallows were pretty early considering the cold season. — (Alford, Aberdeen).

The Cape Monitor.—In Mr. C. Haagner's remarks upon Varanus albigularis (ante, p. 226), I think he must be confusing that reptile with V. niloticus, as I have killed several of each species in the north-east of the Transvaal, and never found V. albigularis near water, but always far away from it, and invariably taking refuge in clefts of adjacent rocks. Moreover, I have never met with one four feet in length. V. niloticus I have found existing in quite large colonies on sunny banks near rivers, into which they invariably plunge on being disturbed; and I have never seen them, when near water, take refuge in rocks. I have noticed them dive headlong from banks quite twenty feet above the level of the water. I have by me several skins of both species, some of V. niloticus measuring five feet in length; but those of V. albigularis, although when killed apparently covering bodies of full-grown specimens, none of more than three feet in length. I may say that I have carefully compared my skins with the Zoological Society's living specimens of these two species.— (2, Cardigan Mansions, Richmond, Surrey).

Notes from Great Yarmouth.—On Jan. 5th I saw a stunted Codling (Gadus morrhua). Length, 14 in.; of this the head measured 5 in. Depth of