312 CORRESPONDENCE. 



At a gentleman's house in Upton-upon-Severn, I lately saw one of these birds 

 running about his garden, and which was caught when quite young* upon a 

 common in the neighbourhood. On observing the bird standing upon a grass plot 

 in the garden, and shaking as if it had the ague, I inquired the cause, and was 

 told that it was the manner in which it obtains its food. This I observed it to 

 effect in the following manner : — It advances four paces, then stands firm on one 

 foot, and, with the other in advance, it agitates the grass by moving the knee of 

 that foot backwards and forwards ; it looks intent all the while on the ground, to 

 see if there is any motion in the grass ; on perceiving any, it immediately plunges 

 its beak therein, to catch any unfortunate insect or Worm that may be attempt- 

 ing to make its escape. It then proceeds four other paces, beginning with the 

 advanced foot, which brings the other foot at the fourth step in advance, with 

 which it agitates the grass as before, and so on, alternately. 



I am, Sir, 



Your most obedient servant, 

 Neville Wood, Esq. Jabez Allies. 



Suggestions for a Work on the Localities op British Insects. 



To the Editor of the Naturalist. 



Bewsey House, near Warrington, 

 April 3, 1838. 



My dear Sir, — I beg to draw the attention of naturalists to a desideratum in 

 our entomological literature, which I wish much to be supplied. Mr. Watson 

 deserves the thanks of all botanists for his Guide to the Localities of the Rarer 

 British Plants. Why should there not be a similar guide to the localities of the 

 rarer insects ? The importance and advantage of such a work to entomologists is 

 obvious. And were any competent individual to attempt the task, he would 

 undoubtedly receive much assistance. To this end the work might appear 

 periodically ; and its success would be further insured by the price being moderate. 

 The localities of the rarer species only would be necessary. A list of all such 

 as are plentifully and generally distributed, might be given at the conclusion. 

 The extent of the work would thus be considerably diminished, as the repetition 

 of the same species under each of the counties would be rendered needless. Fur- 

 ther suggestions need not be given here, and I conclude by hoping that attention 

 will be paid to this subject, as I feel convinced it deserves and demands it. 



Yours very truly, 

 To Neville Wood, Esq., &c. Peter Rylands. 



• When covered with down, this bird utters the same " peewit" cry as the adult, but, of course, 

 in a more chicken-like tone.— Ed. 



