Blackchin Grebe, Egret. 647 



by metallic ores, or some other mineral which formed a part of 

 the general mass." Does this mean that the metallic ores 

 once formed a part of the general mass ? Are the metallic 

 bases of the earths so accurately ascertained, as to permit us 

 to believe that the gold which is found in nests in quartz; 

 the titanium, crystallised in the same mineral ; the galena, 

 whose veins intersect the limestones of Derbyshire ; the 

 molybdena, which occurs in nests in the granites of Cha- 

 mouni; ever entered into the composition of the general mass? 

 We may expect great results from the late discovery of the in- 

 fluence of the galvanic fluid, in the formation and arrangement 

 of metallic minerals. — J. Buskin. Heme Hill, Nov. 2. 1836. 

 The Blackchin Grebe, mentioned at p. 599., is merely the 

 little grebe (Podiceps pusilla), in a particular state of plumage. 

 As long as correspondents depend on Bewick, and other 

 equally erroneous authors, they will continually be falling into 

 these blunders. Why do they not procure authorities on 

 which reliance may be placed, as Selby's British Ornithology, 

 or Mudie's Feathered Tribes ? In these excellent works 

 Nature is represented as she is, and not as closet naturalists 

 would make her. — C. T. Wood. Campsall Hall, near Don- 

 caster, Nov. 10. 1836. 



Egret. — In reply to the Rev. Mr.Ventris's query (IX. 319.), 

 as to the occurrence of the egret (A'rdea Garzetta) in Britain, I 

 beg to say that I have a very fine specimen, said to have been 

 shot at or near Sutton Coldfield, in Warwickshire. I bought 

 it of a very respectable bird-stuffer, who assured me he had 

 received the bird direct from the gamekeeper who shot it. Still, 

 I confess I had my doubts, and bought the skin more for its 

 beauty than as an authentic British specimen. However, 

 during a visit, in April last, to Lord Mount Norris, at Arley 

 Hall, I happened to meet with a gentleman, who assured me 

 that, within the last few years, he had known of three speci- 

 mens of the egret, and two of the little bittern, having been 

 shot at Sutton Coldfield. I therefore think there is no doubt of 

 its occurrence in this country, though it must be classed amongst 

 our rarest birds. — W. Christy, Jim. ClaphamBoad, Not). 5. 1836. 

 Comments on Mr. Blyfh's Bemarks on Specific Distinctions. 

 (IX. 510.) — Because particular species of animals, indif- 

 ferent countries, and which animals have been regarded by 

 high authorities as identical, happen to differ in some one 

 habit ; the size, number, or colour of their spots ; or in the 

 length of a feather ; Mr. Blyth would declare them to be dis- 

 tinct. Now, it appears to me that he does not make a suffi- 

 cient allowance for the modifications of an animal, gradually 

 incurred by a difference of circumstance. Were we to adopt 



