496 Miscellaneous Intelligence, 



elevated mounds, about two feet in width at the base, and seldom 

 exceeding eighteen inches in height. In all these Prairie dog vil- 

 lages, the burrowing owl is seen moving briskly about, or else in 

 small flocks scattered among the mounds, and at a distance it may 

 be mistaken for the marmot itself when sitting erect. They mani- 

 fest hut little timidity, and allow themselves to be approached suffi- 

 ciently close for shooting ; but if alarmed, some or all of them soar 

 away, and settle down again at a short distance : if further dis- 

 turbed, their flight is continued until they are no longer in view, 

 or they descend into their dwellings, whence they are difficult to 

 dislodge. The burrows into which these owls have been seen to 

 descend on the plains of the river Platte, where they are the most 

 numerous, were evidently excavated by the marmot, whence it has 

 been inferred by the learned and indefatigable Say*, that they 

 were either common, though unfriendly residents of the same habi- 

 tation, or that the owl was the sole occupant by right of con- 

 quest." We have in the statements of Captain Head, however, a 

 proof that both tenants habitually resort at the same time to one 

 burrow ; and we are assured by Pike and others, that a common 

 danger often drives them into the same excavation where lizards 

 and rattlesnakes also enter for concealment and safety. 



In the above extracts we have noted in italics the striking simi- 

 larity to the account given by Captain Head. E. S. 



19. Naturalisation of Fish. — ^We have received the following 

 from Mr. Arnold of Guernsey. 



Sir, 16th August, 1827. 



Having understood that the correctness of Dr. Mac Culloch*s 

 statements respecting my pond, and the attempts to propagate sea 

 fish in it, have been questioned, I beg to say that his statements 

 are perfectly correct ; and to add further, that during nearly four 

 months of the year the water is perfectly fresh, and is drunk by 

 cattle. 



In summer, the saltness varies ; but no examination yet made 

 has discovered in it more than half as much salt as is contained in 

 the neighbouring sea-water. 



I further beg leave to add, that the general size of the pond in 

 summer is about four acres and a half; in winter, when swelled by 

 the rains, it is extended to upwards of fifteen acres ; which will 

 account for the freshness of the water. 



I remain. Sir, your obedient humble servant, 



To the Editor of the Quarterly Journal. J. B. Arnold. 



20. Mode of keeping Apples. — It seems not to be generally 

 known, that apples may be kept the whole year round by being 



* We have had no opportunity of consulting Say, and therefore can only 

 refer our readers to an author who has collected an interesting store of facts 

 relative to natural science, and particularly with regard to this bird. 



