MISCELLANEOUS NOTICES. 143 



a foot simultaneously, and causing their hoofs to descend together, the 

 united impulse broke the ice. Men are aware that " union is strength ;" 

 but men could not have done better. Alexander Pope speaks of the " half- 

 reasoning Elephant ;" would not facts, such as the above, justify the epithet, 

 "fully reasoning hox-se?" — W. L. Bellows, Redruth, 20th of 12th month, 

 1854. 



Late appearance of the Martin. (Hirundo urbica.) — November 19th, — A 

 couple of young birds were flying about at East Looe to-day, during a cold 

 east wind, with bright sunshine. — Clement Jackson, East Looe, Cornwall, 

 1st month, 13th, 1855. 



Notes on the Swift. (Cypselus apus.) — From the observations of many 

 years, made at East Looe, these birds appear to be very regular in their 

 migrations, being first observed on the 1st of May, and last seen on the 12th 

 of August, within a day or two of each date. About the beginning of 

 August, I have often observed them, in considerable numbers, flying high 

 during fine weather, as if exercising their young previous to departure. 

 July 12th, 1854, — I observed a flight of about twenty pairs busily hawking 

 about our hill ; and during the latter pai't of the month, found them very 

 abundant at Hereford and the adjacent villages. August 10th, — Saw a lot at 

 Evesham, after which, although always on the look out, did not see anymore 

 till August 29th ; a pair were actively flying about at Leamington, where they 

 continued for some days. September 2nd, — Saw a single Swift fly into a 

 hole, in the ruins of Kenilworth castle, and watched it out again, to make 

 sure of its identity. September 22nd, — Whilst walking on the walls of 

 Chester, saw a single Swift in erratic flight, like a pilgrim who had lost his 

 way, and was ill at ease keeping apart from the numerous Swallows on the 

 wing. — Clement Jackson, East Looe, Cornwall, 1st month, 13th, 1855. 



Arrival of the Hirundines, Sc., at Minehead, Somerset, in 1854. — By Major 

 Giflbrd. Sand Martin. (Hirundo riparia.) — Apiil 12th. Swallow. (Hirundo 

 rustica.) — April 14th one seen, and several on the 17th. Cuchoo. (Cuculus 

 canorus.) — April 19th. Martin. (Hirundo urbica.) — April 25th, saw several. 

 Sioift. (Cypselus apus.) — May 1st, one flying over the market-place. Time of 

 departure in 1854. — Saw no Swifts after the 7th August. The Martins and 

 Swallows seemed to leave about the 9th October ; but on the 19tli instant, 

 the Martins re-appeared in considerable numbers, and remained up to the 

 28th instant. In 1853,* no Swifts were seen after the 12th August, and the 

 Martins and Swallows left about the 12th October. 



Egyptian Ooose (Anser Egyptiacus.) — A fine specimen of this bird was 

 sent to me a few weeks back. It Avas shot on the Trent, near Repton — F. N. 



Burton, Uppingham, Rutland, 12th March, 1855. We should be glad of 



further particulars as to this bird ; especially whether it had the appearance 

 of a wild bird, or of one escaped from confinement. — B. R. M. 

 • See The Naturalist, vol. iii. p. 203. 



