54 MISCELLANIES. 



foot deep, in which were discovered a number of Common Congers (Conger Eel, 

 Anguilla conger, of the older authors), although there appears to have been no 

 inlet or outlet for the water. It is supposed, that a mine was worked on the spot 

 about 150 years since; but how the fish got there is unexplained, as it is 

 upwards of 70 feet from high-water mark. The fish are mostly eight or nine 

 inches long ; but there are said to be some large ones in the same place. • 



Distribution of the Corn Bunting f Emberiza miliaria) in Britain. — In 

 the 18th number of thfi Analyst, Mr. Hewitson has mentioned the Corn Bunting 

 as extremely rare in the north of England ; it is here pretty generally dispersed, 

 and in winter associates in large flocks, particularly towards the northern districts. 

 I found it common in summer in the northern-most part of Scotland — Sutherland- 

 shire — where several pairs might be seen in a small piece of meadow ground. — 

 P. J. Selby, Twizell House, Northumberland.. 



Early Signing Birds. — Many of our native choristers have commenced 

 their lays unusually early this season. On Feb. 1, we heard the monotonous 

 ditty of the Coal Tit, and the sweet but desultory notes of the Missel Thrush 

 had resounded from the leafless groves some time previous. On the 10th — a 

 remarkably fine day — the vernal and joyous song of the Garden Thrush was 

 first heard. On the 13th, the Sky Lark, Hedge Dunnock, Yellow Bunting, and 

 Chaff Finch added their notes to the general harmony. The several strains of 

 all these birds (besides that of the Robin Redbreast, which sings throughout 

 the year) were distinguished on the following day. — Ed. 



Distribution of the Goldencrowned Kinglet (Regulus auricapillus ) 

 in England. — I believe, that in some parts of Yorkshire the Goldencrowned 

 Kinglet is comparatively scarce. I know no district where it is so common as in 

 Derbyshire. — W. C. Hewitson, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, Oct. 10, 1836. — [We 

 can confirm the above statement from our own observation ; but both in York- 

 shire and Derbyshire the species is more abundant in winter than in summer, 

 considerable additions being made to their numbers about the end of October; 

 these strangers disappear in February, when the song of the resident males is first 

 heard. — Ed.] 



Partial Migration of the Sky Lark (Alauda arvensis, Linn.)— If I 

 remember rightly, — for I have not a copy of the work by me — Mr. Neville 

 Wood, in the British Song Birds, speaks of the Sky Larks congregating in flocks, 

 and migrating in winter to the south. In Northumberland I believe they do not 

 remain, or at least I never saw them at that time, and I have explored a con- 

 siderable part of that county at all seasons. When I came here, I was much 



