Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 5 (1901).djvu/275

Rh Smew from Wallington, recorded by Mr. A.H. Smee in the 'Zoologist,' 1871, p. 2487, and the Sclavonian Grebe, recorded by the same gentleman in the 'Zoologist,' 1870, p. 2106.

Amongst other of the more interesting species, Mr. Smee notices the Water-Rail, the Jack Snipe, the Common and the Green Sandpiper, the Quail, Hooded Crow, Magpie, Wood-Lark, Grey Wagtail, Grasshopper- Warbler, and the overhead passage of Geese, Whimbrels, and Curlews.

He also says:—"A bird supposed to be a Crane (Grus cinerea) appeared in the park every evening for fifteen or sixteen days in Feb. 1871, but it was never absolutely authenticated" (p. 530).

This is a pity, as it would have added another name to the county list. Mr. Smee also speaks of the Rock Dove, though only in a quasi-feral state. On the whole, this publication may be regarded as distinctly useful.

A recent publication, entitled 'Farnham and its Surroundings,' by Gordon Home (London, 1900), contains a chapter upon the Birds and Reptiles of the neighbourhood, compiled by Mr. Bryan Hook; but, although it is a good list of birds which is given, it is unnecessary for me to dwell upon it, as Mr. Hook favoured me with his personal notes in the preparation of my book. I think all the rarer species mentioned by him in this list have been referred to in my text.

I have also, through the kindness of my deeply lamented friend, Mr. Philip Crowley, of Waddon, had the opportunity of making a very close examination of his magnificent collection of eggs, which is very rich in "clutches" of rare Surrey birds, mostly taken in the 'sixties near Farnham, when Mr. Crowley was then at Alton. In those days there must have been a wealth of bird-life on those western moors of quite an astonishing character, as Mr. Crowley's cabinets show.

I have been very carefully through the Epsom College Natural History Club Reports, and have also been favoured with a copy of the Proceedings and Lists of the Wellington College Natural Science Society. Both these journals contain extremely useful information.

The following are the chief notes of importance which I have received since publication.