Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 4 (1900).djvu/62

38 strated that the Rooks which were examined were practically living by marauding grain instead of eating up noxious grubs, insects, &c. All this led to various movements for destroying a portion of these birds in various parts of the kingdom. Shooting parties went to the rookeries for many hours, keeping up one continuous fusillade both by night and day, not only to kill the greatest number, but also to keep the birds as much as possible off their nests, so as to addle the eggs or destroy the young as the case might be. The result of this is that very many were destroyed, and a sensible reduction in number has taken place. But a certain change in the habits of these birds has been observed. They have during last spring attacked the nests of Grouse and other game, and pilfered the eggs for food, this being due, it has been supposed, to the annoyance which they have endured about their rookeries. This system of destroying them therefore requires to be considered, if we do not wish to make the bird a more mischievous one than previously. Another point of general interest to ornithologists has been brought out here by Mr. Turnbull, B.Sc, who has examined dead Rooks where a rookery was being "cleared out," and found grubs and wireworms in the birds when dissected shortly after they were killed, but grain only in those examined a day or two after being destroyed, his contention being that digestion went on after death, and that this accounted for little but grain being found in those the subject of the Highland Agricultural Society's article. Thus digestion after death is worthy of attention, and tends to bring out the views most commonly held on the food of the Rook. Those forwarded to the Highland Agricultural Society were driven by rail to Edinburgh from Montrane, and time must have elapsed before they were examined.— (Alford, Aberdeen).

Serrated Claws of the Common Heron.—On reading the description of the Common Heron (Ardea cinerea) given by Mr. Howard Saunders in his 'Manual of British Birds,' I was rather disappointed to find that he does not make mention of the serrated claws of this species, as I had hoped to gather some knowledge as to their probable use. On examining a specimen shot here a few weeks ago I find the serration is extremely similar to that of the Nightjar, situated upon the claws of the same toes, and pointing inwardly. I do not think they could be of the least use to the owner for holding or securing food, nor would they retard the bird's flight from branches of trees, &c, as the serration is not on the under part of the claw. I am of opinion that the Nightjar has a decided use for its serrated claws, and I should be pleased if ornithologists would enlighten me by giving their observations or opinions as to the use of these claws in the Common Heron.— (Wells, Somerset).

[Serrated claws are described in most of the handbooks where structure