STRAY KOTES. 17 



sion it is at the present time, together with many other quadrupeds, birds, 

 insects, etc. 



The Primrose, (Primula veris.) On January 17th. several fine clusters 

 of these ever-pleasing flowers greeted me as I rambled by a little stream; 

 a sight which I think will not be witnessed on the 17th. of February next. 



The Contrast. The following note taken by me last year, forms a strong 

 contrast with the present severe frost. The extraordinary fine weather we 

 had this spring, was very favourable in bringing out our early flowers and 

 insects. 



On the 14th. of February I saw a Brimstone Butterfly; on the 15th. 

 met with four Peacock's Eyes, and several Small Tortoise-shells. On the 

 18th. of March the Small White Cabbage Butterfly appeared, and on the 

 following day I observed the Orange-Tipped and Wood-PJnglet. On Good 

 Friday I saw a Grizzled Skipper, and four or five Sand Martins, and two 

 days afterwards the Chimney Swallow and Martin, {Hirundo urhica.) 



I have no doubt some or all of the above species were seen earlier than 

 I have recorded, by others who have better opportunities of observing 

 than I have. But, however, be that as it may, it is a very rare occur- 

 rence indeed for them to be seen in this locality so early in the season. 



Saint Cuthhert's Street, Wells, February 9th., 1855. 



STRAY NOTES. 



BY 0. S. ROUND, ESQ. 



Since I last wrote to you, I have been ruralizing in Gloucestershire, 

 and give you the result of my observations, as connected with Natural 

 History. The country was new to me, so that novelties (to me) struck 

 me the more forcibly; but there were some curious things also, which I 

 think should be noted, if they have not before been made the subjects 

 of observation. As I have wandered about England, the Missletoe, ( Viscum 

 album,) has been a favourite object with me, and I have observed the 

 localities and trees which it aflects. Now it appears mostly on the Thorn, 

 white or black, then on the Elm or Beech, sometimes on the Oak, and 

 I have seen it on the Horse-Chesnut and Hedge-Maple; but in a very pic- 

 turesque locality near Dursley, in Gloucestershire, where I have been staying, 

 the old fruit-trees of aU kinds are covered with it, even a Walnut had 

 a rare crop, vide "The Naturalist," voL ii., page 183; but at the time I 

 left, either boys, the type of all mischief, or some other depredators had 

 shorn it nearly all oflf except the stumps, which were sufficiently numerous 

 to attest its presence, and that, if permitted to grow, it would make a 

 Christmas show yet. 



VOL. VI. D 



