Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 4 (1900).djvu/63

Rh is dealt with. Prof. Newton, in his 'Dictionary,' writes:—"The inner side of the nail of the third toe is often serrated like a fine comb, as in Cormorants, Herons (including Scopus), Ibis, Dromas, Cursorius, Glareola, also in many Nightjars." Dr. Bowdler Sharpe ('Handb. Birds Great Britain') has also referred to the combed or pectinated claw of the Heron, like the claw of the Barn-Owl or of the Nightjar. This ornithologist (ibid. vol. ii. p. 49) has discussed the use of this serration. He writes:—"Another puzzling character found in the Nightjar is the pectinated claw on the middle toe, and it is extremely difficult to imagine the use of this comb-like appendage. It has been suggested that it is of use to the bird in retaining a firm hold on the bark of the trees, when it sits along a bough. Another use for the comb has been suggested in the cleaning of the long rictal bristles from the débris of the moths and beetles on which the bird feeds. Dr. Günther, who had some young Nightjars for some time in confinement, tells me that the only use which he found the birds to make of this pectinated claw was to scratch the surface of a chair or sofa on which they were sitting. Thus it may be a useful appendage in scratching or distributing the earth for the purpose of seeking its food." Seebohm ('Brit. Birds') refers to the same or similar theories.—]

Bewick's Swan in the Moy Estuary.—On Dec 12th, 1899, a herd of twenty Bewick's Swans (Cygnus bewicki) visited the estuary, and rested for some hours on the Bartragh sands, opposite Moyne Abbey. One fine bird was secured; it measured 3 ft. 9 in. in length from tip of bill to end of tail-feathers, and weighed 14 lbs. All the birds appeared to be adult, for there were no grey-plurnaged individuals amongst them.— (Moyview, Ballina).

Black-game in Suffolk.—Referring to my note under this heading in 'The Zoologist' (1899, p. 557), I have just received a letter from J.D. Cobbold, Esq., Holy Wells, Ipswich, stating that he had lately turned down about twenty of these birds (Tetrao tetrix) on the heath to the east of Ipswich as an experiment. There is no doubt therefore that the young Blackcock shot on the Cliff Farm was one of them, and it is to be hoped now that the facts of the case are known that the remainder of these grand birds will be left unmolested until they have become thoroughly established in the district.— (Plumton House, Bury St. Edmunds).

For many years Mr. Mackenzie has turned down large numbers of Black-game on his estate near Thetford. They have been known to breed, but do not increase. Possibly the bird mentioned by Col. Butler came from this estate. It may interest your readers to know that the same gentleman has turned Capercaillie on his property near Inverness, and that they are doing well.— (Temple Combe, Henley-on-Thames).