S86 Mr. H. Denny's Sketch of the Natural Hhtory 



is common enough : we have a specimen of a Ught cream co- 

 lour. I have been informed that the Black Rat [Mus Rattus) 

 has occurred at Selby, but even if this is correct, there is no 

 doubt it has been brought in some vessel with merchandize. 

 The Water Campagnol [Arvicola amphibia), and the Field 

 Campagnol [A, agrestis) are pretty generally dispersed. Of 

 the Bank Campagnol [Arvicola riparia) only two examples 

 have come to my knowledge from Halton near Leeds. 



The Dormouse [Myoxus avellanarms), although not a scarce 

 animal, is only locally distributed ; I am informed it is more 

 frequently met with in woods near Selby. 



The Squirrel {Sciurus vulgaris) is confined to the more ex- 

 tensive woods, such as those of Bolton, Harewood, Temple 

 Newsam, &c., w here it may be seen in all its lightness and 

 dexterity vaulting from tree to tree. In the neighbourhood 

 of Birstal however it is never seen. The Rabbit {Lepus cuni- 

 culus) and the Hare (Lepus timidus) are plentiful throughout 

 the district. 



Of the Ruminantia, not properly wild, we have the Red 

 Deer {Cervus Elaphus) at Bolton, the seat of the Duke of 

 Devonshire, and the Fallow Deer [Cervus Dama) in the same 

 park, as also those of Temple Newsam, Denton, &c. 



Of the order Cetacea we cannot be expected to boast of 

 many examples, owing to our distance from the coast. The 

 Porpoise however {Delphinus Phocana) has occurred several 

 times in the Ouse at Cawood, where they have made their 

 way from ocean by the Humber, into w^hich the Ouse flows. 

 I am informed by Mr. Teale that the Grampus {Delphinus 

 Orca) has also been seen there. 



If the limited as well as inland situation of the district be 

 considered, our share of the resident as well as migratory Birds 

 of this island is very considerable, though from the circum- 

 stances alluded to we are necessarily deprived of many whose 

 habits are more maritime or mountainous. The nearest sea 

 coast being about eighty miles from our extreme limit, the 

 occurrence of some species recorded in this list will of course 

 be solely owing to adverse winds, stress of weather, &c. 

 Again, great lights are well known to attract birds in passing 

 by night from one portion of the island to another. This 



