The healths of Cuvier and Jussieu, and the Naturalists of Europe, were drunk with much approbation.

Dr. Buckland's health, and Prosperity to the University of Oxford, having been most cordially received, the learned Professor addressed the meeting at considerable length, bearing testimony to the merits of Ray, whom, as an individual, we must ever esteem, love, and venerate, and whose name the annals of philosophy will never cease to record among the first founders and benefactors of natural science.

On giving "the University of Cambridge," the Chairman took notice of the expulsion of Ray from that University, which harsh act he was disposed to attribute to the persecuting spirit which raged without the walls of that learned seminary. He could say of many of the present members of Trinity College, that they regret that the violence of the times had compelled their predecessors to acquiesce in the retirement of Mr. Ray from his Fellowship, for refusing to subscribe a declaration altogether unwarrantable. Oxford had as much to answer for in regard to her treatment of Mr. Locke.

The Rev. Professor Henslow returned thanks. He remarked that the University of Cambridge had, so far as the marble or the canvass could make amends, endeavoured to atone for the little, or, he should rather say, the great, injustice which Mr. Ray had sustained. The bust of that great man was ranged by the side of those of Newton, Boyle, Barrow, Dryden, and Willughby; and his portrait was considered to confer honour on the place in which it was. But Cambridge might, with justice, boast of possessing a far more powerful proof than those, of the estimation in which it held the genius and conduct of Ray: his spirit still lived there; and although the study of natural history had not yet been brought to that degree of perfection there which it might be, he hoped the day was not far off when it would command general attention. Such pursuits he considered the best correctives of fanaticism and bigotry.

"The Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London," and the healths of Baron Humboldt and Dr. Wollaston, having been severally drank, the Chairman retired amidst the applauses of the Company.

The health of Mr. Children, who suggested the Commemoration, was then given with hearty approbation, and the company separated, after having spent a day which they will long remember with delight.

A more full account of this Commemoration will be found in the Philosophical Magazine and Annals of Philosophy, for February, 1829, from which the above is extracted.

ART. III. Natural History in the English Counties.

BREEDING of Woodcocks in England. - Sir, The fact that woodcocks occasionally breed in this country has long been established on undoubted authority. The occurrence, I am inclined to think, may perhaps take place oftener than is generally supposed. It should be remarked that the woods, which are the usual haunts of the species, are comparatively but little disturbed during the breeding season, viz. the end of April, or beginning of May; so that these birds may, possibly, sometimes retain quiet possession of their sylvan domains without attracting our observation. It is highly probable that the individuals of this species, which are sometimes seen in the beginning of autumn, may not have migrated from the north at that early period, but may be such as have remained in this country through the summer (as is suggested in one of the extracts from the public journals ). I beg to offer you the following instances of woodcocks breeding

in this country, which have come to my knowledge. On the 19th of May last, James Smith, keeper to John Chetwode, of Ansley, Esq., near Nun. eaton, shot two young woodcocks in a wood called Hore Park, in that neighbourhood; and, on the following day, an old bird was shot by the same person at the same spot. The young birds are described to me as having been dry and bad when cooked and brought to table, but the old one was excellent.

John Wigson, woodman to W. Dilke, Esq., informs me that he observed a woodcock sitting on four eggs in Ryton wood, in the neighbourhood of Coventry, in the beginning of May, 1827. From some cause or other, however, the nest was deserted, and some of the eggs destroyed : on breaking one that remained, it was found to be nearly ready to hatch. Ryton wood, I am told, is a very favourite spot with cocks; and J. Wigson thinks there was probably a brood at that place this season, from the circumstance of his having observed a bird there very late in the spring.

One remark presents itself on the above notices; namely, that if the eggs of woodcocks are about to hatch by the beginning of May, and the young birds are able to fly by the 19th, the old ones must have paired and commenced the business of nidification, &c., at least, we may suppose, a month previously, i. e. by the beginning of April, which is earlier than many individuals of this species leave this country for northern climates. The idea, therefore, which I believe is entertained by many sportsmen, that woodcocks pair before they quit our island, appears to be well founded,

I have just been informed that woodcocks were shot in the woods of J. Boultbee, Esq. of Baxterley, which almost adjoin to Hore Park wood, on the 9th of April last.

The following notices from the public journals are in unison with those above recorded :·

England. A few weeks ago, woodcocks were still in the preserves of R. More, Esq., of Linley Hall, in Shropshire. This is not quite a solitary case this year. A woodcock's nest was lately found in Chicksand woods, Bedfordshire; since which time, in the same woods, and within 300 yards of the same place, another has been discovered; having, like the other, four eggs in it. They have all been hatched, and four couple of birds produced, which are now about the woods. (Coventry Mercury, June 1. 1828.)

Scotland. A very beautiful woodcock was shot last week at Banchory by Major Cruickshank, of Langley Park. This circumstance is looked upon as prognostic of an early and severe winter, as woodcocks usually do not make their appearance before the month of October. (Aberdeen Chron.)

Ireland. On the 8th of August, a fine woodcock was shot in Florida demesne, county of Down. This, we believe, is rather a rare occurrence, as these birds do not visit us till about November, and emigrate again in February. As it was seen in the course of the spring, it is supposed to have remained in the country since last winter. (Belfast Chronicle.) — Yours, &c.-W. T. Bree. Allesley Rectory, Sept. 26. 1828.

MIDDLESEX.

An Artesian Well has been bored in the Duke of Northumberland's grounds, at Syon, to the depth of 535 ft. The first 20 ft. bored through consisted of loose gravel and sand; to this succeeded strong blue clay, to the depth of 410 ft.; next, 10 ft. of green sand; then between 30 and 40 ft of loose chalk; and, finally, very firm and hard chalk, to the depth of 535 ft., which is said to extend to an unknown depth. A strong spring was found in the green sand, but it was not powerful enough to rise higher than 30 ft. from the surface. The next spring was found in the solid chalk; and the two springs, united, now rise to the height of 5 ft. above the surface, and

the water flows over at the rate of 5 gallons per minute, of a temperature of 55° Fahrenheit. W. Brentford, Feb. 9. 1829.

Flycatcher in November. The first week of this month I observed a spotted flycatcher in a field near this place; but it had been apparently wounded in one leg, as it leaned on one side when perching on some rails. - R. Sweet. Pomona Place, King's Road, near Fulham, Nov. 28. 1828.

-

SUFFOLK.

Thecla spini. It may be interesting to many of your readers to hear that, during the past summer, a new, or at least a very rare, insect (Thècla spini) has been taken in this country. Mr. J. Seaman, of Ipswich, a most indefatigable and persevering entomologist, captured many specimens of it during the month of June last. I have a catalogue of some of the rarer British birds killed in this county within a few years, which I will forward -J. D. Hoy. Stoke Nayland. Nov. 22. 1828.

to you.

Plants in flower on 21st December, 1828, near Bungay, Suffolk. Graminea: Pòa ánnua, Annual meadow grass. Euphorbiacea: Mercuriàlis perénnis, Perennial Mercury. Thymèlea: Daphne sempervirens, Evergreen Daphne. Vinceæ: Vinca màjor, Great periwinkle. Labiàtæ: Làmium álbum, White dead-nettle; L. purpureum, Purple dead-nettle; Hormìnum sylvéstre, Wild oculus Christi (Sálvia Verbenàca). Compósitæ: Sónchus oleràceus, Kitchen-garden sowthistle; Crèpis tectòrum, Roof hawk's beard; Taráxacum officinale, Shop dandelion ; Phrýgia nigra, Black [knapweed; Béllis perénnis, Perennial daisy; Achillea Millefolium, Many-leaved yarrow; Senecio laciniàtus, Jagged groundsel; S. vulgàris, Common groundsel. Leguminosa: Ulex europæ'us, European furze; Trifòlium arvénse, Fallow trefoil. Geranica: Gerànium Robertiànum, Robert geranium; G. mólle, Soft geranium; G. pusillum, Pygmy geranium. Malvàceæ: Málva vulgàris, Common mallow. Caryophylle: Lychnis vespertina, Evening lychnis; Stellària mèdia, Middle-size chickweed. Crucifera: Sisymbrium officinale, Shop bank-cress; Lepídium campéstre, Champaign pepperwort; Erysimum cheiranthoides, Wallflower hedge-mustard; Thláspi cuneàtum, Wedge-shaped treacle-mustard. Ranunculaceae: Ranúnculus

rèpens, Creeping crowfoot; R. àcris, Acrid crowfoot. (Named from Gray's Natural Arrangement of British Plants.)— D. Stock. Bungay, Dec. 22. 1828.

LANCASHIRE.

Natural History Society of Preston. Sir, I have enclosed a copy of the laws of our Natural History Society, and a catalogue of the books now in the library. The Society originated with four individuals, has continued to increase gradually, and there are now about thirty subscribers. Several of the members feel anxious to form a museum, more particularly as there is nothing of the kind in the town, and have lately had a meeting to discuss the means to accomplish it, but have not hitherto come to any fixed determination. If you, or any of your correspondents, could furnish a few hints in your Magazine on this subject, and point out how similar establishments have been formed and are conducted in other places, of no greater magnitude than this town, such hints would prove highly acceptable.

Dr. Harwood's late course of lectures here, on the Mammalia and Aves, has contributed to enliven the taste already manifested towards zoological pursuits. The lectures were uncommonly well attended, and every one appeared delighted, many expressing sorrow at the shortness of the

course.

If a respectable museum could be established, it would doubtless soon be enriched with valuable presents, would tend to keep up a spirit of enquiry into Nature's works, and prove an unfailing source of intellectual gratifi

cation and rational amusement. I remain, Sir, yours, &c. Preston, Oct. 4. 1828.

WESTMORELAND.

Crossbills, as occasional visitants at Ambleside. — For some weeks past a pretty large flock of crossbills (Lóxia curvirostra) have been observed in the vicinity of Ambleside, Westmoreland. Their favourite haunt is a plantation of young larches, where they may be seen disporting almost every day, especially between the hours of eleven and one. The crossbill is a rare British bird, and may be classed among our occasional visitants, as, during certain seasons, none make their appearance. They are northern birds, which breed, or are supposed to breed (for, in truth, their real history is still rather obscure), in Sweden and Norway. They are never seen here except during the earlier part of the winter season, or (as in the present instance) late in autumn. "I think they were first observed in the neighbourhood this year during the third week of October, which I consider an unusually early appearance. I hope it does not betoken a severe winter? If I happen to detect the period of their final departure, I shall inform you of it.-J. W. Ambleside, Nov. 20. 1828.

CUMBERLAND.

Arrival of certain Birds of Passage in the Neighbourhood of Carlisle.The green sandpiper (Tótanus óchropus) was seen in this neighbourhood on the 21st of July, and the woodcock on the 26th of August, both remarkably early. I know not whether you take much interest in the arrival of the various birds of passage, but perhaps some of your friends may be gratified with the following account of the arrival of the swallow tribe in this neighbourhood, during the last four years:

Insects taken at Barmouth, North Wales. - The following list of insects taken at Barmouth, North Wales, and in its vicinity, may not be without interest to travellers fond of entomology:

Papilio hyale, Saffron butterfly; met with under the rock below the inn in 1826, but not seen since. P. cárdui, Painted lady; found in great abundance in the same year, but very rarely met with since. P. urtìcæ, Small tortoise-shell. P. A'rgus, Common blue. P. I`o, Peacock; abundant. P. Atalanta, Red admirable; abundant. P. Sémele, Black-eyed marble. P. Janìra, Meadow brown.

Sphinx A'tropos, Death's head hawk-moth; two fine specimens taken on the window. Phala na Jacobæ`a, Cinnabar; behind the inn. Ph. filipéndulæ, Burnet; abundant. Ph. pìsi, Broom. Ph. quércus, Large egger. Ph. zoegana, abundant; described by Donovan as rare. Ph. viridàna, Small green oak; this beautiful but destructive little moth completely strips the oak copses about Barmouth of their leaves. Ph. vauària, Gooseberry. Ph. urticata. Ph. evonymélla, White ermine. Ph. hexadáctyla, Manyfeathered. Ph. pinetélla, Pearl veneer; described by Donovan as rare, but here not unfrequent. Ph. atràlis. Ph. ulmària. Ph. bilineàta. Ph. càja, Great tiger. Ph. dáctyla, White-plumed. Ph. pavònia, Emperor;

only in the caterpillar state. Ph. typocöìdes, Scarce Gothic. Ph. bucéphala, Buff tip. Ph. ramèsa, Bramble. Ph. gonostigma, Scarce vapourer. Ph. cherophyllàta, Great chimney-sweeper. Ph. pudibúnda. Sphinx Elpènor, Elephant hawk.

Chrysomela Biterula; a very rare insect. dèla campestris, Sparkler. Tipula rivòsa. diadèma.

Curcùlio pìni; rare. CicinPanórpa commùnis. Arànea

It is probable that a practised entomologist would gather a rich harvest in the vicinity of Barmouth; the insects here mentioned having been collected by an unscientific person, not much acquainted with their habits and haunts. M. A. R. September 26. 1828.

1

ART. IV. Natural History in Scotland.

query

LEAF-CUTTING Bee. The editor of the Dumfries Courier, in reference to a paragraph which appeared, I believe, in the Scotsman, detailing the account of a nest of the leaf-cutting bee (Apis centuncularis), formed near Amluch, in Anglesea, cites the case of one in Dumfriesshire, in which the cells were constructed of birch leaves, obtained, it is conjectured, from Callender wood. This remark is followed by an interrogation, whether the circumstance has been noticed before in Scotland? I may answer the by stating, that my personal observation proves it is by no means rare. This interesting insect is not limited in its choice to one plant. The leaves of Macartney's rose, Méspilus canadensis, Fráxinus O'rnus, &c., are those, among others, which I have remarked as so singularly scolloped out by its forceps. The summer before last I observed that it exhibited a singular predilection for the leaves of my rose acacias, six of which displayed the most singular configurations, every leaf on every plant being carved and scolloped in an extraordinary manner, and altogether presenting a spectacle at once interesting and unique. — J. Murray.

Blackcock (Tetrao tetrix).— A curious variety of the female of this species was shot in August last by Sir Sidney Beckwith on the muirs above Beatock Bridge, in Annandale. The ground colour of the whole bird was a dusky yellowish white, paler on the under parts, with the dark markings of the feathers umber brown. When shot, she had a brood of several young with her. The specimen is now in the collection of Sir William Jardine, Bart. -W. J. Oct. 25. 1828.

Solan Goose (Sula álba).- A specimen of this bird, in the plumage of the first year, was killed last week a considerable way up Moffat Water, Dumfriesshire. It was taken in a marshy pool by a herd-boy, and seemed much exhausted. There appeared no wound. The distance of the place where it was caught from the sea is about twenty-five miles. - Id.

Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serràtor). — Mr. Selby and Sir William Jardine met with the nest of this species in June last, when on a fishing excursion upon Loch Awe, in Argyleshire. The nest was found upon a small wooded island, placed among thick brushwood, under the covert of a projecting rock, and completely surrounded with nettles, long grasses, and fern. It was carefully made of moss, plucked from the adjoining rocks, mixed with the down of the bird; both in structure and materials resembling that of the eider duck. It contained nine eggs, of a rich reddish yellow, or fawn colour. The bird was remarkably tame, sitting until nearly taken with a small hand net. - Id.