34 AN entomologist's excursion. 



as they swept the surface of G. C's field, and seldom rising higher than the 

 hedge, appeared diligently securing all the Moths and Beetles then abroad, 

 or at rest on the leaves. At three o'clock they were rising with a gentle 

 sweep up and down, more apparently for pastime than for plunder, and at 

 last, in the full enjoyment of their morning excursion, past over into our 

 orchard, and took the insects from the top boughs: a very short stay, and off 

 they went round the hedge-rows of G. C's field once more, and finally into 

 the one adjoining, and I lost then all trace. They were of a fine mottled 

 brown plumage, very bright; and during the time I had the best opportunity 

 of observing them, they seemed to carry their necks, naturally rather short, 

 distended to a somewhat greater length than you reasonably could imagine 

 in a horizontal posture, I have no doubt whatever, now, in placing the 

 Nightjar among the birds that visit Bawburgh, and I naturally conclude their 

 retreat is our Hangings, the only probable spot. — June 20th., 1853. 



Having been unsuccessful in meeting with any nest of this bird, and 

 not having discovered any of its eggs in the nest of another bird, as it 

 is supposed by some Naturalists, to follow the Cuckoo's practice, I must 

 here conclude my remarks, and hope, if spared, to be more fortunate 

 next season. I have been led to make these notes from the duty incumbent 

 on all, to arrive at just conclusions relative to any disputed matter, and also 

 to show how perseverance and close observation may be rewarded. Should 

 these draw forth other remarks from any of the readers of "The Naturalist," 

 to aid in producing true evidence, ray object will be more than realized. 



Bawburgh Hill, September \st., 1853. 



AN ENTOMOLOGIST'S EXCURSION TO EBBOR ROCKS. 



BY MR. MICHAEL WESTCOTT. 



What a fund of pleasure does a country ramble create for him who is a 

 lover of nature; and especially if he delight in the study of Natural History. 

 But to him who has to labour mentally or physically for his sustenance, a 

 rural retreat is doubly pleasing because he can enjoy the harmony of the 

 groves, or view the golden-studded fields, only at such times as he can spare 

 from his vocation. This I know from experience, and had it realized on the 

 20th. day of August, as I wended my way along lover's walk, intent upon 

 an excursion to Ebbor Rocks. But although to ascertain the local range of 

 insects, and to collect specimens of them was my object, yet I could not 

 refrain from noticing every subject of Natural History which came under 

 my observation. And whatever I saw in my rambles which gave me more 

 than ordinary pleasure in seeing, I thought might likewise interest some of 

 the readers of "The Naturalist" consequently I give them a place in these 

 notes. 



The day was in every way suited to my purpose. In the hedge, and in the 



