IQ* Queries and Answers. 



Art. IV. Queries and Ansiuers, 



The Chough of Cornwall (Vyrrhbcorax Grdculus Temminck, Corvus Grd- 

 culus Lin.). — Sir, In Camden's account of Cornwall, the chough (Corvus 

 Graculus) is thus described : — "In the rocks underneath, and all along 

 this coast, breeds the Pyrrhocorax, a crow with red bill and red feet j not 

 peculiar to the Alps, as Pliny imagined. This bird is found by the in- 

 habitants to be an incendiary, and very thieving ; for it often sets houses on 

 fire privately, steals pieces of money, and then hides them. Can any 

 of your correspondents in that county inform me how this bird became 

 subject to the charge of arson, and whether it is really as mischievous as 

 above described ? — J. A. H. 



Is the Woodlark of White the Alauda arborea of Shaiv ? — Sir, White, in 

 his Natural History ofSelborne (as published in Constable'' s Miscellany^ p. 88., 

 refers to the woodlark, as in the following lines : — 



" While high in air, and poised upon his wings, 

 Unseen, the soft enamour'd woodlark sings." 



" In hot summer nights, woodlarks soar to a prodigious height, and hang 

 singing in the air." Is the woodlark of White the Alauda arborea of 

 Shaw 'i — E.H, Greenhow. North Shields, Sept. 22. 1831. 



The 'Rana esculenta (^Eatable Frog) in Forfarshire. — Sir, In the late 

 Mr. Don's account of the plants and animals found in Forfarshire, it is 

 asserted by the author (p. 37.) that a few of the eatable frogs (the i?ana 

 esculenta of Lnmaeus) are occasionally to be met with about the lakes in 

 that district, although rather rare. It is much to be desired that any of 

 youf readers, who may have it in their power to visit that county, would 

 endeavour to verify this point by further enquiry and observation ; since it is 

 the only instance, of which I am aware, of a native locality being mentioned 

 for this species of frog, whose claims to a place in the British fauna have 

 been considered somewhat doubtful. If they should be so fortunate as to 

 discover the animal, either there or in any other part of the country, perhaps 

 they will be kind enough to make the fact known through the medium of 

 your Magazine. The eatable frog is distinguished from the common sort 

 principally by its larger size, and by the presence of three longitudinal 

 yellow lines on the back. I am. Sir, yours, &c. — L. J. Cambridge, 

 Dec.2.\^3\. 



Reptiles in Ireland. — Sir, H. N. has communicated (Vol. IV. p. 269. 

 452.) some account of the birds and quadrupeds found at and near Lon- 

 donderry. Can he give me any information with respect to the reptiles 

 of that neighbourhood ? I have heard it asserted that there are no animals 

 belonging to that class to be met with in Ireland. Can he from personal 

 observation contradict this statement? and, if so, will he be good .enough 

 to add what species have occurred to his notice in that country ? I am, 

 Sir, yours, &c. — L. Jenyns. Cambridge, Dec. 2. 1831. 



Agronomc, who has resided some years in Ireland, states (Vol. IV, 

 p. 357.), as the result of his experience, " There are neither toads in Ire- 

 land, nor snakes to eat them; neither did I ever see a mole there." 



Remarkable Appendage to the Eye of Staj)hylinus hirtus. — Sir, I have 

 read with much interest the pleasing and instructive communications of 

 Mr. G. Parsons on the visual organs of insects and Crustacea. (Vol. IV. 

 p. 124. 220. 363.) Having lately captured a Staphylinus hfrtus, upon the eye 

 ,of which is attached an appendage (to me) of unusual occurrence, I shall 

 endeavour to give as plain a description of it as possible, in the hope that 

 Mr. Parsons, or some of your numerous correspondentSj will inform me, 

 through the medium of your Magazine, if it is of frequent occurrence; of 



