MISCELLANEOUS NOTICES. 4T 



plantation of firs in the centre of a wood. At page 43, (volume iv. of The 

 Naturalist,) the eggs of this species are said to have been found in the same 

 ^\'ood, towards the end of September ; but the author omits to give the pre- 

 <;ise date, nor does he state that the eggs were addled ! If in this condition, 

 I can assure him that a dozen such might have been procured any time 

 during the last month. Not having the ability of this gentleman, of leisurely 

 strolls, I was obliged somewhat hurriedly to leave the wood ; or might 

 possibly have discovered, even at the late date given above, other still- 

 occupied nests, judging from the noise and actions of the birds disturbed, 

 but the investigation of which I must resign to the great ornithological 

 experience of your former correspondent. — H. E. S., Thirsk, 8th, lOmo., 1854. 



The Spoonbill, (Platalea leucorodia,) near Louth. — On the 17th of November, 

 a young male specimen of the White Spoonbill was brought to me, which 

 liad been shot at North Cotes, on the 15th of November. — ^.T. Brown, Louth, 

 Dec. 18th, 1854. 



Occurrence of the Little Stint, or Sandpiper, (Tringa minuta,) at Fraserburgh, 

 Aberdeenshire. — There was shot, by a gentleman residing in Fraserburgh, on 

 the 26th of last month, a splendid specimen of the above little elegant 

 Tringa. It was, at the time, feeding amongst a flock of Dvmlins, or Ring 

 Dottrels. If I remember right, I think it is stated by Sir W. Jardine, Bart., 

 in the Naturalist's Library, that this species is not recorded as having been 

 obtained in Scotland, as far as he was aware. That it is a scarce species, 

 at least that it is but seldom procured or even seen in this part of the 

 country, I am well aware ; but I know of two, besides the one here alluded 

 to, which have been killed in this neighbourhood.— T. Edward, Banff, Oct. 

 7tli, 1854. 



Bartram's Sandpiper. (Totanus Bartramius.) — A fine specimen was shot 

 near Cambridge, on December 12th ult. We hope to give particulars in our 

 next — B. R. M. 



How to destroy Mice. Your correspondent, E. K. B., who, at. p. 24, vol 5, 

 of The Naturalist, complains of the ravages of mice, may soon get rid of 

 them. It is evident they are " up to the trap." Cats, too, only keep them in 

 check. Carbonate of Barytes is the only panacea for the domestic evil. This 

 (in powder) is tasteless and scentless — and moreover a most active, deadly 

 poison. Let a little of it be mixed with some fresh butter and moist sugar. 

 Spread this on some household bread, two days old. Cut some thin slices 

 of "bread and butter" from it, and place them (in sections) among the "runs" 

 of the enemy — filling also with the tempting dainty, the holes into which 

 they scamper on being pursued. Three days will in most cases cleai* the 



