Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 5 (1901).djvu/177

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Observations on the Noctule (Pipistrellus noctula).—In the interesting observations of my friend Mr. C. Oldham upon this species (ante, p. 51), he says that "it may be that the period of activity is not limited to a short vespertinal flight of from one to two hours, and the Bats leave their den again before daylight; but I do not think so," giving such conclusions from the actions of a Noctule when in captivity. Personally it had not occurred to me but that a matinal as well as a vespertinal flight was at least not uncommon, but, owing to the early hours in summer when such observations have to be made, it requires more than an ordinary enthusiast for the purpose; hence it is probable that two instances only recur to my memory. Of these two specimens were observed some years ago flying through the glades of one of the woods in Warwickshire during the early hours of the morning; and in the other instance I can refer to a note taken at the time— "Tempsford, Bedfordshire, 25th May, 1893, about 4 a.m., several Noctules observed on the wing." These, I well remember, were taking one direct line of flight, evidently returning to their sleeping quarters.— (Clent, Worcestershire).

Bank-Vole in Sussex.—I send you a small animal which was killed in my garden to-day (March 16th). It appears to me to be a Bank-Vole (Microtus glareolus); if such is the case, perhaps the record thereof in 'The Zoologist' may be of interest, as I do not see many occurrences noted in Sussex.— (The Vicarage, Compton, Petersfield).

[The specimen has been duly received, and is undoubtedly Microtus glareolus.—]

Black Rat in Great Yarmouth.—During the past winter the Black Rat (Mus rattus) has made itself exceedingly obnoxious to several provision dealers in the town. Many have been killed by traps, dogs, and cats, but the survivors profit by the lesson, and occasionally shift their quarters, or refuse to be captured. After receiving several last February, with two or three of the subspecies Mus alexandrinus, the supply suddenly ceased at a certain grocer's stores, and the Brown Rat (M. decumanus) made its appearance. The Black Rats had apparently fled, and were swarming in Zool. 4th ser. vol. V., April, 1901.